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When Rejection Becomes Fuel: Nahda’s Story

Here's a paradox that defines learning today: we have more educational content and accessibility than ever before, yet sustained learning remains...

Nahda is nineteen years old and pursuing B.Tech Computer Science Engineering at Kalvium. She’s in the middle of her placement cycle, and she’s already learned one of the most valuable lessons engineering textbooks don’t teach: how to turn rejection into momentum.

Most students face their first professional rejection and freeze. Nahda faced hers and decided to work harder.

The Wake-Up Call

It started with the emails. Four companies. Five companies. All with the same polite language: “Unfortunately, the company has moved forward with other hires. But make sure you have the enthusiasm and zeal in you and keep going forward.”

For Nahda, one rejection stood out. There was a company she genuinely wanted to work with. The role felt right. The culture aligned with what she was looking for. She knew she needed to learn a new programming language for this opportunity, so she did exactly that. She asked a friend for guidance. Watched tutorials. Prepared thoroughly.

When the company said they would send the first round link, she was ready.

But when the day came, only one student in her class received the email. Nahda wasn’t one of them. She didn’t even get the chance to attempt the first round.

That moment could have broken her confidence. Instead, it sharpened her focus.

The Growth Mindset That Changes Everything

Nahda realized something important. She had been overconfident. “I’ll apply. I’ll get it. Pakka for sure.” That mindset wasn’t preparation – it was assumption.

So she changed her approach. She stopped assuming things would work out and started working to make them work out. Her resume needed improvement. Her projects needed better presentation. Her preparation needed more depth.

“Maybe I should not be a bit greedy,” she says. “I should be a little down to earth and work harder.”

That shift in thinking is what separates students who grow from students who give up. Nahda chose growth.

Resilience at Nineteen

When asked if she considers herself a failure, Nahda’s response is clear: No.

She’s nineteen and already navigating professional rejection with the maturity of someone far older. She knows people at twenty-five are still facing rejections. She understands this is part of the process, not a reflection of her potential.

“This is just part of the strategy I have to hold on to,” she says. “Maybe I should work harder to get the next internship.”

That’s the mindset of a future engineer. Not someone who waits for opportunities to come easy. Someone who takes feedback, adjusts, and keeps moving forward.

Nahda isn’t blaming the companies, the system, or bad luck. She’s taking ownership of what she can control – her effort, her preparation, her approach. And that ownership is exactly what transforms students into professionals.

October and Beyond

Right now, Nahda is preparing for the October placement cycle. Two more companies have visited campus. She’s applied. She’s waiting for results.

But this time, she’s approaching it differently. Less assumption. More preparation. Better focus. She’s learned from every rejection. She’s improved her resume. She’s ready.

And when that internship comes – because it will – she knows exactly what she’ll do. She’ll call her family. She’ll share the news with her parents and sisters. There’s even a lighthearted family joke about her elder sister’s Amazon cart waiting for Nahda’s stipend.

But beyond the celebrations and family moments, there’s something deeper driving her. She wants to prove something to herself. That she can learn from setbacks. That she can adjust, improve, and come back stronger.

That’s not just resilience. That’s transformation in action.

What Real Growth Looks Like

Nahda’s story isn’t about a perfect journey from Point A to Point B. It’s about something more valuable: learning how to navigate the real world with honesty, effort, and a growth mindset.

She’s nineteen and already handling professional challenges with maturity. She’s taking rejection as feedback, not failure. She’s working harder instead of giving up. She’s still applying. Still learning. Still moving forward.

She’s not placed yet. She’s not at the finish line. But she’s not the same person who applied to those first five companies either. She’s stronger. More grounded. More prepared.

And that’s the real story here. Not the rejection. Not even the eventual success. But the mindset shift that happens in between – the moment a student decides to treat challenges as fuel instead of roadblocks.

That’s what makes a Kalvium student. Not perfection. Not guaranteed outcomes. But the kind of resilience and growth mindset that turns obstacles into opportunities.

Nahda is nineteen. She’s already learning lessons most people don’t learn until their late twenties. And she’s not stopping.

Because rejection isn’t the end of her journey. For students like Nahda, it’s just the beginning of something better.


Want to Know More About Real Learning?

If you’re looking for a B.Tech Computer Science Engineering program that prepares students for real-world challenges and helps them develop the resilience that matters beyond just academics – talk to our Academic Counselors. They’ll walk you through what learning at Kalvium actually looks like.


FAQs

When do placement opportunities begin during the B.Tech program?

Students become eligible for internships and placement opportunities from their second year onward, depending on their skill readiness and the companies visiting campus. Multiple placement cycles happen throughout the academic year, giving students several opportunities to apply, learn from feedback, and improve their approach with each attempt.

How does Kalvium prepare students for placements?

Kalvium’s curriculum focuses on project-based learning, real-world problem solving, and continuous skill development. Students work on industry-relevant projects, build portfolios, and develop both technical and communication skills. The program emphasizes learning how to present work effectively, handle feedback, and adapt to challenges – all critical for navigating placement cycles successfully.

What happens if students face rejections during placements?

Rejections are a normal part of the placement process. Kalvium encourages students to treat each rejection as feedback – an opportunity to improve resumes, strengthen project portfolios, and refine interview skills. Academic mentors provide guidance on identifying gaps and working on specific areas. The goal is to build resilience and the ability to learn from every experience.

Does Kalvium guarantee job placements?

No. Kalvium does not guarantee placements or specific salary outcomes. What the program provides is rigorous training, hands-on projects, and access to companies looking for skilled engineers. Success in placements depends entirely on individual effort, skill development, and how students respond to feedback and challenges. Kalvium prepares students to be worth hiring – not promise them jobs.

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