The Honeymoon Is Over
In a post that quickly gained traction on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Sawhney wrote:
“There are no jobs in USA, Canada, and UK for international students. Honeymoon is over. Parents should think twice before spending crores on expensive education.”
For years, students believed a foreign degree—especially in tech—guaranteed a fast-track to a high-paying job abroad. Sawhney argues that this belief no longer holds true.
“Engineering students, especially IITians, had an easy hack: do a master’s in the US and land a $200K tech job. This shortcut doesn’t work anymore,” he added.
Changing Market Dynamics & Visa Challenges
His comments come amid:
- Stricter immigration rules: The UK recently reduced its post-study work visa from two years to 18 months.
- Reduced job openings: The US and Canada are witnessing a drop in tech hiring and more stringent visa scrutiny.
- Global layoffs: Even employees at top firms like Google report job insecurity.
The changing landscape is forcing a shift from “degree = job” to “skills + experience + networking = opportunity.”
Rethinking the ROI on Foreign Degrees
Sawhney, who is also the founder of GSF Accelerator, a prominent tech startup incubator, emphasized the need to rethink the return on investment (ROI) when it comes to studying abroad. He joins a growing number of voices questioning whether high-cost international degrees are still worth it.
One Indian professional based in London wrote in response:
“An IIT tag carries weight in India, but outside, your portfolio, skills, and ability to execute matter more than your degree.”
Another user posted:
“I know people earning $200K while staying in India—thanks to online certifications and global remote work. Going abroad is no longer the only way.”
Social Media Responds
Sawhney’s post triggered wide discussion online. Some echoed his concerns, recalling how job offers once came within months of joining overseas universities. Others pointed out the rise of high-paying remote work opportunities in India, challenging the assumption that one must leave the country to succeed.
A viral comment summed it up:
“The low-hanging fruit is gone. The opportunity still exists—but not for the unprepared. It’s not broken. It’s just not easy anymore.”
A Wake-Up Call for Aspirants
The message is clear: studying abroad is no longer a guaranteed ticket to success. With tightening immigration rules, evolving job markets, and increasing competition, students are being urged to:
- Focus on practical skills, not just degrees
- Build real-world experience and professional networks
- Evaluate the true cost and career payoff of international education
Indian students and parents are now rethinking whether a multi-crore investment in overseas education is justified—especially without a well-defined career plan.
