Its funny actually, to talk about this topic. One reason because, I’m in a state trying to find an answer to the above question, all by myself. Another reason because, even my classmates are, but not necessarily independently. š However, the final destination is the same. Scoring something around 240+ marks out of 250. Well… Yeah, that is the idea!
I’m amused and envious of my friends who manage to get their project ready by going to a few institutes (read : Tuitions for projects). Envious because, they’re always in a state of inertial comfort backed by the guarantee of a successful project. The institute provides them this guarantee at a nominal price and at a cost of 2 sessions per week.
Now, coming to the more interesting part, I’m amused because, the nominal price is not so nominal afterall; the 2 sessions per week spent there are probably worth it, but I don’t care to estimate how much; the time and money, if well spent, would aid in so much practical exposure, that if people realised it, the institutes would run out of business! š
Before anyone calls me a hypocrite, I’ll clear the dust around ‘my choice’. I tried to do something of my own. Succeeded in bits and pieces at most times. But flopped when it came to the big picture. Very recently, I took part in a competition and thought of presenting whatever I do for this, as my Engineering project. After more than a fortnight’s toil (the reason behind my absence in the blog-o-sphere,) it was time for me to face my first biggest technical failure.
The feeling was bad. Worse, actually. At that moment I thought about my classmates’ comfort and why people choose institutes over the toil and adventure spirit of experimentation. It was for marks. Those bloody God-damned 240+ marks, which speak little about a student’s quality; which speak highly about the institutes’s ability of having a good business; which speak of the sad story that this is an Artificial Life, and make one wonder if this is an Education Boom or an Education Doom!
Whatever happens, I wont give up. Nor shall I give in. Atleast, I’ll try not to feel bad further. š
Sriharsha Mucheli 
Hey, it’s good to do projects by yourself. You’ll learn a lot, but marks is important too. You need to have a ‘successful’ project to get good marks, as you’d know.
This is a trade off :))
Always do what you enjoy. Take risks, but calculated ones š
I agree with Sandeep. What was your project?
Atleast those who don’t make it themselves attend some session. Here we have shops charging to make projects and students get it done from them and give viva and pass too with good marks!
When I was in my final year, I set about doing my own project. I wanted to do the finger print analysis – hardware (Sensor) integrated with software (Wanted to do this myself). But trust me, – Because of the experience that I had while trying to do the project by myself, I took the most important decision – I will not be in technical field! No doubt the project completely failed and we had to buy something in the last minute, but I learnt a lot while attempting to do the project by myself. This is one reason why doing something outside the theory is very valuable and even the HOD appreciated our efforts! So, even if you fail, you will learn by just attempting (For me it decided my career!) and you can always buy one of those projects at the end of the day if you don’t want to lose marks! So, go for it.
Destination Infinity
Sandy
Calculated risks! very important point. š
Reema
My project (for competition) was an amphibious vehicle. body designed by me mechie frnd. brain, by me š now, i’m improving upon it. i’d soldered the whole board earlier. now, i’l make a pcb š
Destination Infinity
That was inspiring! š now, i’mm al the more eager to be self dependent! š
Doing a project independently gives you a self confidence & trust me failures are a part of success, dekhna at the end you feel so proud of ur independent efforts ki I can’t tell you š
Good Luck!!!!
I have always done my projects independently. You can learn a lot in the process. Its ok if it fails at times and believe me, the companies which come for placement don’t care who the topper was. They will take a test and interview and if they like your attitude, they’ll take you.
You must be knowing all that. Cheer up!! š
Ahaa…now comes the reason for your absence? Is Pavan busy similarly too?
All the best for errr…all that you mentioned ! š
I think you can do your project independently. It will help you a lot. But I am not that much strong in technical, so went to a institute. Anyways, all the best for all your efforts š
You have been awarded man:
http://kanaguonline.wordpress.com/2009/02/03/my-new-horizons-and-more-awards/
Smita
Thnx. š i like the way u induce desi words like ‘ki’ and ‘dekhna’. it adds a lot of personal touch. š
Amit
I liked to do projects independently in the first place only coz of the work i get to do. else, all i’ve learned from engineering wud be only mugging of 3 dozen textbooks š
I got a hint abt the recruiters’ mentality during my campus placements. it was actually, a surprise, given that universities give so much weightage to marks.
Vimal
Thnx mate! š yeah Pavan is also busy. thing is, he is intermittently busy, and i was occupied for a big block of time. š
Kanagu
Thnx š for everything! š