In a post on his X handle, Kunal Kushwaha, founder of WeMakeDevs, offered candid advice to job seekers — especially those eyeing roles in the competitive world of AI and remote tech opportunities. His message was triggered by a referral request that opened with the words, “I’m an IIT alumnus.”
While Kushwaha acknowledged the courage it takes to reach out during a tough job search, he emphasised that when reaching out with brief messages, “every word matters.” And leading with a college name, even one as prestigious as the IITs, might not always have the intended impact.
Got a message today that began with “I’m an IIT alumnus” and asked for a referral for an AI role.
I understand how hard the job search can be. It takes courage to reach out. But when messages are short, every word matters. Leading with a college name can sometimes miss the… pic.twitter.com/k4N3A6b2o7
— Kunal Kushwaha (@kunalstwt) May 17, 2025
“Even top IITs have students who struggle with placements,” he noted, underlining that pedigree alone doesn’t guarantee employability. What truly sets candidates apart, according to Kushwaha, is their body of work — the projects they’ve built, the real-world problems they’ve tackled, and the passion they bring to the field.
Speaking from his own global exposure, currently based in London and connected to professionals across diverse companies worldwide, Kushwaha added a crucial perspective: “Outside India, no one cares about your IIT tag.”
His message wasn’t dismissive, but rather a heartfelt suggestion to job aspirants: focus on showcasing what you’ve actually done, not just where you’ve studied. Especially for those aiming for remote roles in global firms, the shift from credential-based appeal to capability-based storytelling is not just useful — it’s essential.
Kushwaha’s words serve as a reminder that while academic institutions can open doors, it’s the individual’s work that ultimately keeps them open.