Nakul Laad graduated from IIT Madras in 2007 with a B. Tech in metallurgical and material science engineering. He took up a core job and makes loads of money working in Dubai. Back in IIT, he served as a core group member of IIT Madras’ technical festival Shaastra. In the Phres IITian series, Laad talks about his new job, Dubai, IIT days, his department and most importantly, his marriage plans.
What do you do? After clearing IIT I got placed in Trinity group, Dubai. Right now I am working here as a management trainee. Currently, I am working for the foundry division where my job is to assist the company in making a horizontal centrifugal casting machine. The machine once developed will serve the European markets. I am excited because something like this has never been done in UAE before.
For a similar core job, I wouldn’t have got the salary that I get here, in India. Hence I moved to Dubai. I prefer working for a core company.
So you loving your work? Not really! I wanted more challenging jobs. But I guess, as a start up this is good enough. This project is almost done now and my next assignment will be a project on the Dubai industrial city, which I look forward to.
Why Dubai? For a similar core job, I wouldn’t have got the salary that I get here, in India. Hence I moved to Dubai. I prefer working for a core company. But frankly speaking, I am not very happy with the place.
Three major problems you face in Dubai which you wouldn’t have faced in India.
- communication gap between me and my friends, family members
- transport (in terms of getting a driving license)
- company of people
Three things about Dubai that you like, which you think wouldn’t have been possible in India.
- strong salary
- international brand name in my resume
- gulf experience ( good/bad depends!)
CG is the crust of pizza and all the extra curricular activities are nothing but toppings. Bottomline: One should have the crust strong always!
How much does a CG matter for getting jobs? Very much! I think it’s the most important thing. One should be at least above 8 and only then every other thing matters. What I would like to say is this: CG is the crust of pizza and all the extra curricular activities are nothing but toppings. Bottomline: One should have the crust strong always!
All that you learnt at IIT, is it being helpful now, given that yours is a core job? Well, not much. I generally refer to Google and books for most of the tasks.
Me and my friends from IITs have been given a different platform altogether as compared to other fresh recruits. We directly report to the GM of the plant.
Does being an IITian help you, now that you are working? IIT is a brand image and we all know it. Same is the case here. Me and my friends from IITs have been given a different platform altogether as compared to other fresh recruits. We directly report to the GM of the plant.
Three things that you really would not repeat, if given the chance to relive IIT life.
- not paying attention in classes
- not taking good electives (especially the minor stream, not going on word of seniors)
- not caring about improving my communication skills
What’s the best thing about IIT? I love the campus of IIT Madras!
Worst thing? The place doesn’t have many cafeterias. 
What was the best thing about your department? Mine was a coool max department. I will say that the labs were the best thing. We have never spent more than 30 minutes in any lab! 
Worst thing? Well, they still teach old stuff there. They should upgrade their structure. A lot of things that they teach in our department is very primitive.
How did being a core help you? It helped me in getting me shortlisted in few companies. The experience also gave me a new confidence and helped me acquire leadership quality, which I think was the most important gain.
Three tips to becoming a core in Shaastra.
- never think of politics
- choose a particular area, and focus on that
- work with your full heart
Did you waste your time on ladki-baazi in IIT? No. Friends were enough to waste time.
After working for 3-4 months, I think if I want to take my career ahead, I will have to do MBA. It is the trend today and if you don’t follow it, then you are destined to be left behind.
When do you plan to marry? (lot of girls read my site ) After say 4 years! ( vaise, tu ladki dila de aaj kar leta hoon :P)
What are you future plans? I will be back to India soon. I want to appear for CAT next year.
Why do you think an MBA is important? Or you simply want to follow the convention? After working for 3-4 months, I think if I want to take my career ahead, I will have to do MBA. It is the trend today and if you don’t follow it, then you are destined to be left behind.
Alright Laad, all the best with your job and happy birthday to you. Thanks and do mention that it was my birthday. I think this is the best gift that I have got today- interview from my dear friend, Vatsa
PS: The interview was conducted on 4th December 2007, Laad’s birthday.