Sample this: Ten candidates and two vacancies against Program Executive Position in a National Channel. Five decided to back out knowing fully well that they were not fit to take a chance. Tension was visible on faces of the remaining five. A quick interview takes place with pointed questions in a quick five minute per candidate round and they were asked to wait for the result. Tension gripped their faces as they passed each day worrying who would be the lucky ones. Three days later, the two best were selected with a decent package and asked to join within 15 days. Most of these candidates, in their final year of graduation, were initially groping in dark whether they should pursue higher studies or go for an industry experience first before deciding take up Masters. Actually in the present day stiff competition and proper guidance these students are always under pressure from parents/ friends/ relatives/ teachers and students to land a good job and hence the confusion. I believe this pertinent question among present day youth is certainly a big question and what is important for them is to look at the financial condition of their parents and how crucial it is to take up a job to support the family or clear your education loan and don’t want to burden parents anymore. The confidence level of a student is also important. What a student has to assess is whether the type of job he/she is looking will let them prove their worth? The type of higher studies, he/she wants to pursue, is also important. He/she must think twice whether a particular job will give him a better future that he/she is aspiring for. If higher study is your immediate agenda then don’t think twice and go for it choosing the right course at the right institution. Identifying a good course abroad in a foreign institution is not a bad idea if you can afford the financial burden initially. Students can work in foreign land and easily manage the pocket money thus reducing the burden on parents. The journey is tough for the first year but there is no reason that you will not be able to settle in life with sheer grit and confidence. Higher education in India is no less expensive. But the quality of education and exposure you get outside is far better as compared to India. However, average students hold little chance as no employer will offer them any job because they are not running charity organizations. Personally speaking, brilliant students should be encouraged to pursue higher studies with full support from their parents. In my opinion it is better to weigh the pros and cons between choosing higher studies and going for a job and then decide judiciously based on one’s circumstances. Always remember persistence and hardwork never goes in vain.