UPGRAD LEARNING SUPPORT CENTRE · STUDENT SUCCESS STORIES

From Classroom Learning to Career Breakthroughs: Real Student Stories That Prove Dreams Can Become Careers

Meet the learners who turned data science and full stack development skills into internships and professional roles, and discover what it takes to prepare for your own first career step.

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You finish your degree, collect your certificate and wait for a sense of direction to arrive. Instead, the questions pile up. Which skills do employers actually look for? How do you prove what you can do when your resume looks like everyone else’s? How do you stay confident while competing with other fresh graduates for the same entry-level openings?

These are not small worries. For many students, the gap between what they learned in a classroom and what they can demonstrate in an interview feels like the hardest part of starting a career. Turning knowledge into practical, visible skill takes time, practice and the courage to keep going when progress feels slow.

The learners in this article faced that same transition. Each one studied a programme at upGrad Learning Support Centre, whether in Full Stack Development, Data Science, or Data Science with AI/ML, and went on to secure an internship or a professional role.

Their stories are more than names on congratulatory posters. Behind every poster is a person who made a decision, put in the effort and took a confident first step into the industry. Read on to meet them, see the roles they have stepped into, and find out what it takes to prepare for your own first opportunity.

These results describe the featured candidates only. They do not represent all learners or guarantee any outcome. Every detail comes from each candidate’s congratulations poster; compensation is shown only where the poster states it.

Every Success Story Begins with a Decision

Before the first job offer, there is a quieter moment: a decision. It might be choosing to learn a new skill after graduation, to move from a general degree into a technical field, or simply to stop waiting and start preparing.

A career decision rarely feels dramatic when you make it. It usually looks like enrolling in a programme, setting aside time every day, and committing to practise even when results are not immediate. What matters is what follows: consistent learning, honest self-assessment and steady practice with real tools and real problems.

It is also worth being realistic. A decision does not guarantee a result, and every journey is different. Some learners begin with internships to gain experience, while others move straight into professional roles. Both are valid starting points, and each can open the next door.

If you are standing at that moment of decision now, the stories below show that the first step does not have to be perfect. It has to be taken.

Different Career Paths, One Important Goal: Professional Growth

The roles in this article cover a wide range of fields. That is a useful reminder that there is no single route into a technology or data career. The right direction depends on your interests, strengths and preparation.

• Full Stack Development and Software Engineering: building and maintaining applications, from what users see to the systems behind them. Roles here include Associate Software Engineer, Software Engineer, Programmer Analyst Trainee, Salesforce Developer and Full Stack Developer positions.

• Data Science and Analytics: working with data to find patterns and answer questions. Roles here include Data Analytics, Digital Business Analytics, SQL Trainee, and Data Science and Data Analyst internships.

• Business Intelligence and Data Analysis: turning data into reports and insight that support decisions. Roles here include BI Analyst, Associate Professional Data Analyst, Financial Analyst and Analyst positions.

• Business Operations and Research: roles such as Business Operations Associate, Operation Intern, Market Research Intern and Business Research.

• MIS and Data Management: roles such as MIS Executive, Data Management and Data Annotation Expert, where accurate, well-organised data is central.

• Internships and entry-level professional roles: internships and trainee, associate and junior positions that give early professional experience and a base to grow from.

These roles do not all need the same skills. A developer needs strong programming and problem-solving. An analyst needs comfort with data, SQL and clear reporting. An operations or research role may lean more on communication and business understanding. Explore, ask questions, and choose according to your interests and strengths.

What These Student Achievements Represent

Every placement poster is a milestone, and milestones are built from many small things done well. The qualities below are what employers commonly look for in entry-level candidates. They are general observations, not a claim about what led to any individual’s selection.

Technical foundations

Roles such as Associate Software Engineer or Full Stack Developer rest on programming fundamentals. Analyst and data roles rest on comfort with data, SQL and analytical tools. Solid basics make everything built on top of them easier.

Practical projects and hands-on learning

Employers like to see what a candidate has actually built or analysed. Projects turn theory into evidence and give you real examples to discuss in an interview.

Problem-solving and analytical thinking

Whether debugging code, cleaning a dataset or building a report, entry-level roles reward people who can break a problem into steps and reason through it.

Resume preparation

A clear, honest resume that highlights genuine skills and projects helps a recruiter see your potential quickly, especially when many fresh graduates are applying for the same role.

Interview practice and communication

Knowing a concept and explaining it clearly under pressure are different skills. Practising technical and HR questions builds the confidence to present your knowledge well.

Consistency, discipline and career guidance

Progress rarely comes from one big push. It comes from regular practice, honest feedback and guidance from people who understand the job market. Career counselling can also help you decide which direction suits you best.

A Closer Look at the Student Success Stories

The profiles below appear in a clear order. Learners with a stated annual package come first, from highest to lowest. Learners with a stated stipend follow, and placements where the compensation is not stated come last. Each poster is shown in full so you can read the details exactly as the learner announced them.

Learners studied different programmes, and programme names and centres are shown as printed on each poster. Stipend periods are not stated on the posters.

Annual packages (₹ LPA), highest first

Candidates whose posters state an annual package, ranked from highest to lowest. Candidates with the same package are listed alphabetically.

Prashant Kadam

₹4.8 LPA Role: Full Stack Developer Junior

Company: CIGroup India Technologies

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Full Stack Development

Centre (per poster): Not stated on poster

Prashant joins CIGroup India Technologies as a Junior Full Stack Developer.

Atharva Bhapkar

₹4.5 LPA Role: Associate Professional Data Analyst

Company: Gainwell

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Data Science & AI-ML

Centre (per poster): Not stated on poster

Atharva joins Gainwell as an Associate Professional Data Analyst, working with data in a professional analytics team.

Harsh Mahajan

₹4.5 LPA Role: BI Analyst

Company: R Systems

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Data Science & AI-ML

Centre (per poster): Not stated on poster

Harsh is placed as a BI Analyst at R Systems, turning data into business insight.

Laxmikant Jadhav

₹4.2 LPA Role: Business Operations Associate

Company: NxtWave

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Data Science & AI-ML

Centre (per poster): Not stated on poster

Laxmikant joins NxtWave as a Business Operations Associate.

Chetan Choudhary

₹4 LPA Role: Programmer Analyst Trainee

Company: Cognizant

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Full Stack Development

Centre (per poster): Not stated on poster

Chetan moves from a full stack development programme into a Programmer Analyst Trainee role at Cognizant.

Chethan B R

₹3.6 LPA Role: Business Operations Associate

Company: NxtWave

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Data Science & AI-ML

Centre (per poster): Not stated on poster

Chethan joins NxtWave as a Business Operations Associate.

Mansi Chaure

₹3.25 LPA Role: Associate Software Engineer

Company: Tech Mahindra

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Full Stack Development

Centre (per poster): Not stated on poster

Mansi begins her software career as an Associate Software Engineer at Tech Mahindra.

Aditya Salunke

₹3 LPA Role: Financial Analyst

Company: eClerx

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Data Science & AI-ML

Centre (per poster): Not stated on poster

Aditya joins eClerx as a Financial Analyst, taking data science skills into a finance-focused role.

Dushyant Chouhan

₹3 LPA Role: MIS Executive

Company: 1digitalstack.ai

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Data Science & AI-ML

Centre (per poster): Not stated on poster

Dushyant is placed as an MIS Executive at 1digitalstack.ai, a role centred on data reporting.

Gaurav Richhariya

₹3 LPA Role: MIS Executive

Company: KollegeApply

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Data Science & AI-ML

Centre (per poster): Not stated on poster

Gaurav joins KollegeApply as an MIS Executive.

Harshita Chandel

₹3 LPA Role: MIS Executive

Company: Collegedunia

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Data Science & AI-ML

Centre (per poster): Not stated on poster

Harshita joins Collegedunia as an MIS Executive.

Nihal Shetty

₹3 LPA Role: Salesforce Developer

Company: Applikon

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Full Stack Development

Centre (per poster): Not stated on poster

Nihal is placed as a Salesforce Developer at Applikon after a full stack development programme.

Chetana Madhav Gaikwad

₹2.3 LPA Role: SQL Trainee

Company: AssetAnalytix

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Data Science

Centre (per poster): Pune

Chetana begins her career as an SQL Trainee at AssetAnalytix, a role built around working with data from day one.

Aarti Shelke

₹2.2 LPA Role: Analyst – Advisory Consulting

Company: KPMG

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Data Science & AI-ML

Centre (per poster): Not stated on poster

Aarti joins KPMG as an Analyst in Advisory Consulting, moving from a data science programme into a professional-services environment.

Internships with a stated stipend

Ranked by the stipend amount shown. The posters do not say whether the stipend is monthly, so these are not compared with annual packages above.

Prajwal Patil

₹20K stipend (period not stated) Role: Data Analyst Intern

Company: Databeat

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Data Science & AI-ML

Centre (per poster): Not stated on poster

Prajwal joins Databeat, a Mediamint company, as a Data Analyst Intern.

Mayuresh Warang

₹18K stipend (period not stated) Role: Operation Intern

Company: Springworks

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Data Science & AI-ML

Centre (per poster): Not stated on poster

Mayuresh starts as an Operation Intern at Springworks.

Aditi Sengar

₹15K stipend (period not stated) Role: Data Analyst Intern

Company: upGrad

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Data Science & AI-ML

Centre (per poster): Not stated on poster

Aditi has secured a Data Analyst Intern position at upGrad, a hands-on first step into analytics.

Akanksha Phadake

₹10K stipend (period not stated) Role: Full Stack Developer Intern

Company: Big Internet Ecommerce

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Full Stack Development

Centre (per poster): Not stated on poster

Akanksha starts as a Full Stack Developer Intern at Big Internet Ecommerce, building real-world development experience.

Mouli Gupta

₹10K stipend (period not stated) Role: Business Analyst Intern

Company: upGrad

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Data Science & AI-ML

Centre (per poster): Not stated on poster

Mouli joins upGrad as a Business Analyst Intern.

Aditi Belekar

₹8K stipend (period not stated) Role: Data Science Intern

Company: TSL Consulting

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Data Science & AI-ML

Centre (per poster): Not stated on poster

Aditi starts as a Data Science Intern at TSL Consulting, gaining practical exposure to data work.

Arya Goswami

₹8K stipend (period not stated) Role: Data Science Intern

Company: TSL Consulting

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Data Science & AI-ML

Centre (per poster): Not stated on poster

Arya has secured a Data Science Intern role at TSL Consulting.

Aniket Koli

₹6K stipend (period not stated) Role: Market Research Intern

Company: Vereigen Media

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Data Science & AI-ML

Centre (per poster): Not stated on poster

Aniket begins as a Market Research Intern at Vereigen Media, applying analytical learning to market insights.

Mrunal Kanse

₹6K stipend (period not stated) Role: Data Analyst Intern

Company: Vereigen Media

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Data Science & AI-ML

Centre (per poster): Not stated on poster

Mrunal begins as a Data Analyst Intern at Vereigen Media.

Kshitij Muneshwar

₹5K stipend (period not stated) Role: Intern

Company: NSE

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Data Science & AI-ML

Centre (per poster): Not stated on poster

Kshitij has secured an internship at NSE, one of the most recognised names in India’s financial markets.

More placements: roles and companies

Listed alphabetically. These posters confirm the role and company but not the compensation.

Aditya Paras

Package not stated Role: Data Annotation Expert

Company: TagX

Programme: Data Science with AI/ML

Centre (per poster): Indore

Aditya is placed as a Data Annotation Expert at TagX, a role connected to preparing data for AI and machine learning.

Deptoman

Package not stated Role: MIS Executive

Company: GEM Allied Industries Pvt. Ltd.

Programme: Data Science with AI/ML

Centre (per poster): Kolkata

Deptoman joins GEM Allied Industries as an MIS Executive, a role centred on information reporting.

Ganesh Lengare

Package not stated Role: Associate Software Engineer

Company: Accenture

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Full Stack Development

Centre (per poster): Pune

Ganesh moves from a full stack development programme into an Associate Software Engineer role at Accenture.

Himanshu Mahajan

Package not stated Role: Analyst

Company: eClerx

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Data Science with AI/ML

Centre (per poster): Pune

Himanshu is placed as an Analyst at eClerx after completing a data science programme.

Jatin Patidar

Package not stated Role: Digital Business Analytics

Company: DMC Digital

Programme: Data Science with AI/ML

Centre (per poster): Indore

Jatin joins DMC Digital in Digital Business Analytics, applying data skills to business questions.

Kalaiyarsan

Package not stated Role: Data Analytics

Company: Convergence

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Data Science with AI/ML

Centre (per poster): Bengaluru

Kalaiyarsan is placed in a Data Analytics role at Convergence.

Kartik Gulve

Package not stated Role: Associate Software Engineer

Company: Accenture

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Full Stack Development

Centre (per poster): Pune

Kartik begins his software career as an Associate Software Engineer at Accenture.

Khushboo Sharma

Package not stated Role: Business Research

Company: Convergence

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Data Science with AI/ML

Centre (per poster): Jaipur

Khushboo joins Convergence in Business Research, using analytical skills in a research-focused role.

Lakshita Kanodia

Package not stated Role: Digital Business Analytics

Company: DMC Digital

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Data Science with AI/ML

Centre (per poster): Indore

Lakshita is placed at DMC Digital in Digital Business Analytics.

Mohammad Uzair

Package not stated Role: Data Analytics

Company: Convergence

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Data Science with AI/ML

Centre (per poster): Bengaluru

Mohammad begins a Data Analytics role at Convergence.

Nachiket Patil

Package not stated Role: Data Analytics

Company: Convergence

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Data Science with AI/ML

Centre (per poster): Bengaluru

Nachiket is placed in a Data Analytics role at Convergence.

Pratiksha Shimbare

Package not stated Role: Software Engineer

Company: Persistent

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Data Science with AI/ML

Centre (per poster): Pune

Pratiksha joins Persistent as a Software Engineer after a data science with AI/ML programme.

Shreya Gadiya

Package not stated Role: Digital Business Analytics

Company: DMC Digital

Programme: Executive Diploma in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence from IIIT Bangalore

Centre (per poster): Indore

Shreya is placed at DMC Digital in Digital Business Analytics after her executive diploma.

Shreyash Mandlik

Package not stated Role: Associate Software Engineer

Company: Accenture

Programme: Advanced Certificate in Full Stack Development

Centre (per poster): Pune

Shreyash joins Accenture as an Associate Software Engineer.

Tamal Bhowmik

Package not stated Role: Data Management

Company: House of Edtech

Programme: Data Science with AI/ML

Centre (per poster): Kolkata

Tamal starts in a Data Management role at House of Edtech.

Key observations

• Highest stated annual package: ₹4.8 LPA (Prashant Kadam, Full Stack Developer Junior at CIGroup India Technologies). Other stated packages range from ₹2.2 LPA to ₹4.5 LPA.

• Companies represented: Accenture, Cognizant, Tech Mahindra, Persistent, KPMG, eClerx, Gainwell, R Systems, NxtWave, Convergence, DMC Digital, NSE, Springworks, Databeat, Collegedunia, KollegeApply, Applikon, CIGroup India Technologies, AssetAnalytix, 1digitalstack.ai, TSL Consulting, Vereigen Media, Big Internet Ecommerce, TagX, GEM Allied Industries, House of Edtech and upGrad.

• Roles represented: software engineering and development (including Salesforce and full stack), programmer analyst, data and BI analytics, financial and advisory analysis, business operations, MIS, data science and analyst internships, data annotation and business research.

• Programmes: Full Stack Development, Data Science, and Data Science with AI/ML, including an executive diploma in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence from IIIT Bangalore.

• Compensation: shown only where a poster states it. Annual packages are ranked first, stipends next, and placements with no stated package follow. Stipend periods are not stated on the posters.

Because many posters do not state compensation, no averages are calculated.

Career guidance for aspiring candidates

Every learner featured here started somewhere. If you are preparing for your first IT or data role, these habits can help.

Build strong fundamentals

Pick a core area, whether programming, SQL or data analysis, and learn it properly. Practise data structures and problem solving if you are aiming for software roles.

Create practical projects

Projects turn learning into evidence. Keep your code on GitHub and be ready to explain what you built, why, and what you would improve.

Prepare for assessments and interviews

Practise aptitude and technical questions, and rehearse explaining your projects aloud. Clear communication is often what separates similar candidates.

Keep your resume honest and focused

List real skills and projects, and tailor your resume to the role. Keep your LinkedIn profile consistent with it.

Evaluate offers responsibly

Look beyond the number. Check whether a figure is CTC or fixed, annual or monthly, and consider the role, learning, and growth path.

About upGrad Learning Support Centre, Pune

upGrad Learning Support Centre, Pune is an offline learning centre in Kothrud. According to its official website, it offers classroom-based programmes in areas such as data science, full stack development, digital marketing and AI-ML, along with career support such as resume and LinkedIn guidance and placement assistance.

The programmes shown on its website include the Advanced Certificate in Full Stack Development and Gen AI-powered Data Science with Machine Learning, each listed as a 6-month programme. Featured candidates in this article studied different programmes, and each profile shows the programme named on that candidate’s poster.

You can also explore the centre’s success stories, free placement ready programme, job readiness test and career blog.

Frequently asked questions

How can fresh graduates prepare for their first IT or data job?

Start with fundamentals in one area, such as programming, SQL or data analysis. Build a few practical projects, practise common interview questions, and prepare a clear, honest resume and LinkedIn profile. Consistent practice over several months matters more than last-minute preparation.

What skills are useful for entry-level software development roles?

Employers commonly look for programming fundamentals, basic data structures and problem solving, databases such as SQL, version control with Git, and the ability to explain your projects clearly. Specific requirements vary by company and role.

Why are projects and interview preparation important?

Projects show that you can apply what you have learned, and they give you real examples to discuss in interviews. Interview preparation helps you explain your thinking clearly under time pressure.

How should students compare salary packages and job offers?

Check whether the figure is CTC or fixed pay, and whether it is annual or monthly. Also consider the role, learning opportunities, location, work culture and growth path. A stipend for an internship is different from an annual package, so compare them carefully.

How can graduates choose between data science and full stack development?

Consider your interests and strengths. If you enjoy working with data, statistics and insights, data science and analytics may suit you. If you enjoy building applications and working across front end and back end, full stack development may be a better fit. Speaking with a career counsellor can help you decide.

What does upGrad Learning Support Centre, Pune offer?

According to the centre’s official website, it offers offline courses in areas such as data science, full stack development, digital marketing and AI-ML, along with classroom teaching, career counselling, resume and LinkedIn guidance, and placement assistance. Please check the website or call the centre for current course details.

How can I contact upGrad Learning Support Centre, Pune?

You can call +91 7030105105, visit the centre at No. 502, Kotibhaskar Business Court, Opp. Karishma Complex, Kothrud, Pune – 411038, or use the enquiry form on upgradpune.com.

Your success story could be next

If these stories inspire you, take the next step. Talk to the career experts at upGrad Learning Support Centre, Pune about the programme that fits your goals.

► Enquire now ► Call +91 7030105105

Address: No. 502, Kotibhaskar Business Court, Opp. Karishma Complex, Kothrud, Pune – 411038

Website: upgradpune.com

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Career

From Classroom Learning to Career Breakthroughs: Real Student Stories That Prove Dreams Can Become Careers

Still Got Queries?

Take advantage of Offline Learning, Exclusive Workshops, LinkedIn optimization, and ATS-approved resume services at the upGrad Learning Support Centre in Pune. From your academic journey to your Career advancement, our team is here to help you succeed.

Still Got Queries?

Take advantage of Offline Learning, Exclusive Workshops, LinkedIn optimization, and ATS-approved resume services at the upGrad Learning Support Centre in Pune. From your academic journey to your Career advancement, our team is here to help you succeed.

Still Got Queries?

Take advantage of Offline Learning, Exclusive Workshops, LinkedIn optimization, and ATS-approved resume services at the upGrad Learning Support Centre in Pune. From your academic journey to your Career advancement, our team is here to help you succeed.