Harvard University grad warns IITians that there's no shortcut to $200K job in the US
Entrepreneur Issues a Word of Caution
Rajesh Sawhney
, the founder and CEO of GSF Accelerator, took to X, to raise an important red flag about the challenges facing Indian students abroad today. Although he himself is a product of elite international institutions—an alumnus of Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program and a fellow at the London School of Economics—Rajesh believes the global landscape has shifted dramatically.
— rajeshsawhney (@rajeshsawhney)
According to him, what once worked like a charm is no longer reliable. Particularly in the field of engineering, where students from premier Indian colleges like the IITs would traditionally complete their master's degrees in the US and land lucrative tech roles, the picture is no longer so rosy.
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The Shortcut No Longer Works
'The old trick was simple,' Rajesh posted online. 'Study engineering, head to the US for a master's, and walk into a $200,000 tech job. That shortcut is broken now.'
His post struck a nerve and quickly gained traction. It sparked a wide range of reactions in the comments, with many agreeing that the environment for international students and early-career professionals has grown increasingly uncertain.
Reactions from the Online Community
One user summed it up well: 'The game has changed. It's no longer about degrees—it's about adaptability and skill.' Another shared their own experience: 'Back in 2017, people were bagging $150k offers just months into their courses. Now, even those working at top firms like Google fear layoffs.'
Others echoed Rajesh's sentiment, pointing out that success doesn't require an overseas degree anymore. 'Some young Indians are making $200k from right here in India by combining traditional education with online certifications,' one person observed. 'The key is continuous learning and adding value.'
Tougher Immigration Rules Add to the Pressure
Rajesh's caution comes amid tightening
immigration laws
in countries like the US, UK, and Canada. Most recently, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a policy shift reducing international graduates' stay period from two years to just 18 months—a move that will likely affect thousands of Indian students.
Who Is Rajesh Sawhney?
Rajesh is a seasoned entrepreneur and visionary leader. Over the past 20 years, he has built several successful ventures. Through GSF Accelerator, he supports India's most promising tech startups with funding, mentorship from industry veterans, and access to global networks.
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