In a world increasingly driven by skills and demonstrable impact, the traditional shine of a prestigious alma mater may be losing its luster—especially on the global stage. This sentiment, now echoed by thousands online, was recently ignited by a candid post from London-based software professional Kunal Kushwaha, who took to X (formerly Twitter) with advice that hit home for job seekers.
Kushwaha’s post began with an anecdote many professionals are familiar with. A hopeful applicant reached out to him for a job referral, leading with the line: “I’m an IIT alumnus.” While the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) remain synonymous with academic excellence in India, Kushwaha challenged the weight such credentials carry abroad—especially in the tech industry.
‘Outside India, No One Cares About Your IIT Tag’
“I understand how hard the job search can be. It takes courage to reach out,” Kushwaha acknowledged in his post. “But when messages are short, every word matters. Leading with a college name can sometimes miss the opportunity to show what truly sets you apart.”
His message was clear: in an increasingly project-driven and outcome-oriented hiring environment, pedigree can be eclipsed by proof of passion and ability. “Even top IITs have students who struggle with placements. What really stands out is your work, the projects you’ve built, the problems you’ve solved, your passion for the field.”
But perhaps the most striking line came as Kushwaha framed it in a global context: “Outside India, no one cares about your IIT tag.” He noted that while the IIT brand may still hold influence within India, global hiring—especially for remote AI and tech roles—demands more than a name-drop.
The Internet Weighs In: Ego, Empathy, and Elitism
Kushwaha’s post didn’t just offer food for thought—it stirred a full-blown online conversation.
Reactions were mixed but insightful. Some users agreed, stressing the value of merit-based portfolios over institutional pride. “This could also mean that the person didn’t achieve anything significant after entering college,” one user noted.
Others reflected on the emotional weight such references carry. “When sent to another alum from IIT, it would create instant connection and can show as proof of past work. But for those who didn’t clear IIT, it could bring back bad memories,” another replied, hinting at the complex social baggage that accompanies elite academic labels in India.
The Shift From Pedigree to Performance
What Kushwaha’s viral post lays bare is a tectonic shift in hiring culture—one that prioritizes demonstrable skills and authentic narratives over college affiliations. While the IIT name may open doors in India’s domestic job market, global employers are increasingly looking for evidence of adaptability, real-world problem-solving, and the ability to work in diverse, high-performance teams.
The message is loud and clear: the future belongs to builders, doers, and thinkers—not just name-brand graduates. So if you're preparing to hit "send" on that next job referral message, maybe it’s time to lead not with where you studied, but what you've done.
Kushwaha’s post began with an anecdote many professionals are familiar with. A hopeful applicant reached out to him for a job referral, leading with the line: “I’m an IIT alumnus.” While the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) remain synonymous with academic excellence in India, Kushwaha challenged the weight such credentials carry abroad—especially in the tech industry.
‘Outside India, No One Cares About Your IIT Tag’
“I understand how hard the job search can be. It takes courage to reach out,” Kushwaha acknowledged in his post. “But when messages are short, every word matters. Leading with a college name can sometimes miss the opportunity to show what truly sets you apart.”
His message was clear: in an increasingly project-driven and outcome-oriented hiring environment, pedigree can be eclipsed by proof of passion and ability. “Even top IITs have students who struggle with placements. What really stands out is your work, the projects you’ve built, the problems you’ve solved, your passion for the field.”
But perhaps the most striking line came as Kushwaha framed it in a global context: “Outside India, no one cares about your IIT tag.” He noted that while the IIT brand may still hold influence within India, global hiring—especially for remote AI and tech roles—demands more than a name-drop.
Got a message today that began with “I’m an IIT alumnus” and asked for a referral for an AI role.
— Kunal Kushwaha (@kunalstwt) May 17, 2025
I understand how hard the job search can be. It takes courage to reach out. But when messages are short, every word matters. Leading with a college name can sometimes miss the… pic.twitter.com/k4N3A6b2o7
The Internet Weighs In: Ego, Empathy, and Elitism
Kushwaha’s post didn’t just offer food for thought—it stirred a full-blown online conversation.
Reactions were mixed but insightful. Some users agreed, stressing the value of merit-based portfolios over institutional pride. “This could also mean that the person didn’t achieve anything significant after entering college,” one user noted.
Others reflected on the emotional weight such references carry. “When sent to another alum from IIT, it would create instant connection and can show as proof of past work. But for those who didn’t clear IIT, it could bring back bad memories,” another replied, hinting at the complex social baggage that accompanies elite academic labels in India.
The Shift From Pedigree to Performance
What Kushwaha’s viral post lays bare is a tectonic shift in hiring culture—one that prioritizes demonstrable skills and authentic narratives over college affiliations. While the IIT name may open doors in India’s domestic job market, global employers are increasingly looking for evidence of adaptability, real-world problem-solving, and the ability to work in diverse, high-performance teams.
The message is loud and clear: the future belongs to builders, doers, and thinkers—not just name-brand graduates. So if you're preparing to hit "send" on that next job referral message, maybe it’s time to lead not with where you studied, but what you've done.
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