BS (Electronic Systems)
Every journey has a moment where a single choice changes everything. For Shivaraman, that moment came when he decided to move beyond the usual path and pursue something that genuinely matched his interests, leading him to the IIT Madras BS Degree in Electronic Systems.
Right after school, he explored traditional college options, trying to find where he fit best. But something about the conventional route always felt missing. Instead of settling, he chose to pause and rethink. That decision wasn’t simple – there were questions from people around him and the challenge of explaining an unconventional choice. But Shivaraman stayed clear about one thing: he wanted a learning experience that actually helped him grow.
Getting into the program came with its own hurdles. From handling formalities in a strict college setup to arranging funds on his own, he had to manage a lot independently. By taking up small paid gigs, saving money, and pushing through the process, he made his way into the program. That phase quietly built his confidence even before his journey here fully began.
His interest in electronics had always been there.
What made this program meaningful for him was the freedom to learn beyond textbooks and rigid routines.
Instead of following a fixed pattern, he explored ideas, understood concepts deeply, and slowly shaped his own way of learning. Choosing not to settle for the usual became the starting point of his real growth.
In the beginning, things felt a bit distant. Since he wasn’t used to interacting much, adjusting to an online environment took time. But experiences like Paradox slowly changed that. What started with simply attending events soon turned into active involvement. He first worked behind the scenes in a sponsorship team and later led a Robo Soccer event in Paradox 2025 as well as in Margazhi 2026, gaining valuable exposure to teamwork, communication, and leadership. Along the way, he not only just built skills – he also grew more confident in himself.
Outside of events, he kept exploring different roles. From working as a graphic designer to taking up the role of a group leader, he tried out multiple responsibilities. He also worked as a Teaching Assistant, helping others while strengthening his own understanding. Alongside this, he explored remote roles, gaining experience in various fields and figuring out what suited him best.
Managing everything together wasn’t always smooth. There were moments when he took on too much – internships, personal work, helping family and lost balance. That’s where he learned one of his biggest lessons: focus on what truly matters first. Now, he keeps academics as a priority, finishing responsibilities early before moving on to other work.
It’s a system built from experience, not theory.
Support along the way also played an important role. Financial assistance from IITM helped reduce a major burden, allowing him to stay focused on learning without constant stress. That stability gave him the space to think about his future more clearly.
Today, Shivaraman is working towards building a career in embedded systems. With growing skills and clearer direction, he is actively looking for opportunities to gain practical experience and move closer to his goals.
Looking back at his own experience, Shivaraman believes the value of this degree depends entirely on how sincerely a student approaches it. He encourages students not to take shortcuts, to attend lectures regularly, complete their work honestly, and make the most of the flexibility and opportunities the program offers.
– written by Pushpanjali
