In a landmark achievement for the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, a final-year student has shattered the institute's placement records by securing an unprecedented job offer. Edward Nathan Varghese, pursuing computer science engineering, has received a pre-placement offer worth a staggering Rs 2.5 crore from Optiver, a leading global trading firm headquartered in the Netherlands.
From Hyderabad to a Global Career: The Student's Journey
Edward Nathan Varghese, a Hyderabad native, completed his higher secondary education in Bengaluru. Coming from a family of engineers, his inclination towards science and technology was nurtured from an early age. At IIT Hyderabad, he leveraged the institute's flexible academic structure to build a robust foundation, selecting a diverse mix of courses that balanced theoretical knowledge with practical application.
His strategy for success was clear and consistent. From his first year itself, Varghese immersed himself in the world of competitive programming. His dedication paid off, earning him a rank among the top 100 competitive programmers in India. This rigorous skill-building became the cornerstone of his technical profile, setting him apart in a challenging job market.
The Path to the Record-Breaking Offer
Varghese's journey to the historic package began with a summer internship at Optiver. The firm selected only two students from IIT Hyderabad for the programme. Following two weeks of intensive training and a six-week project, Varghese's exceptional performance led to a pre-placement offer, making him the sole intern from the institute to receive a full-time conversion.
Remarkably, Optiver was the first and only company he interviewed for during the placement season. In a conversation with the media, Varghese credited his preparation and a sustained interest in problem-solving for his confident interview performance. "I was ecstatic when my mentor indicated that the firm would be extending me an offer," Varghese said, adding that his parents were equally thrilled. He is set to join Optiver's Netherlands office as a software engineer in July.
A Bright Spot for IIT Hyderabad Placements
Varghese's achievement highlights a positive trend for IIT Hyderabad amidst broader market uncertainties. The institute has reported a significant 75 per cent increase in average placement packages, which have risen from Rs 20.8 lakh to Rs 36.2 lakh compared to the previous year.
Another computer science engineering student secured a package of Rs 1.1 crore. According to Mayur Vaidya, faculty-in-charge of the Office of Career Services, the focus remains on ensuring quality opportunities for all students, including those from core engineering branches. In the first phase of placements, the institute saw 24 international offers, with 62 per cent of registered undergraduate students receiving job offers.
Edward Nathan Varghese's story is a powerful testament to how focused academic planning, early skill development in areas like competitive programming, and seizing internship opportunities can lead to extraordinary outcomes, even in a fluctuating global job landscape.
