Thanjavur: The software boom took the nation by storm in late 80’s and 90’s, when millions aspired to become computer professionals. Thanks to hundreds of engineering colleges that mushroomed everywhere and prominent institutes that specialised in computer technology, the number of people who opted for a career in software multiplied manifold.

However, with industry expanding day by day and recruiting professionals from every field of engineering, software specialists are feeling the pinch now. Unemployment has been increasing in the field despite so many new industry and startups coming in India.

A B.Tech degree holder from Ponnaiyah Ramajayam Engineering college in Thanjavur, 32-year-old Mohamed Faizal, resident of Court Road in Thanjavur, worked for two years in a software firm Chennai where he was paid Rs. 8,000 a month. Later, he moved to Dubai where he was paid Rs. 50,000 (3500 Dirham) per month. After two years, Faizal returned with the hope that he would get a better job here. As no good opportunities knocked door, he joined ME (Computer Science) at PRIST University in 2012. That too did not help him.

Frustrated, Faizal decided to change field. Subsequently, he enrolled for a three-year BL course at the Government Law College in Tiruchi in 2013.

“Gone are the days when software firms recruited those only with Computer Science degree. Now a days software graduates face stiff competition from other stream students too. The companies recruit people from various disciplines,” said Faizal.

“Even an ME in Computer Science did not help me get a job. So I decided to become an advocate,” he added.

Faizal is not alone. His friend Vijayakumar, who also holds an ME degree, is now pursuing BL at the Chennai Law College.

The number of engineering graduates joining law course is on the rise. “At least 60 engineering graduates joined the three-year BL course last year, while more than 50 have so far joined this year. Admissions for BL is still on,” said Dr. J .Vincent Comraj, principal, Government Law College, Tiruchi.

“Totally there are 200 seats. Engineering students comprise one third of the number of students,” he added.