A formidable list of IIT alumni entrepreneurs have seen their net worth grow almost overnight to mind boggling millions or even billions of dollars. Even in my days the selection process itself was very tough. Also the experience of staying on campus is crucial in building interpersonal skills and gives students leadership qualities. Both skills are needed for the top jobs. So when they come to this country they bring with them the right background and training in technology.
Meritocracy is what counts here and they fit into that model.
Technical excellence is combined with hard work and people skills and that s a winning combination. Whether for jobs, recommendations or simply some information, the network is buzzing with phones ringing, emails flying and business card swapping. Alumni associations are busy compiling lists of emails, addresses and phone numbers and doing the formidable task of getting all the busy souls under one roof for a few evenings a year, at least. Lately much press coverage has focused on the impressive funds collected by the alumni for their alma mater, but it s not just the fund raising that keeps them busy. IITians on the West Coast have been actively involved in their alumni associations, but now even the East Coast IITians seem to be getting their act together.