Chandigarh, July 22: Getting over the slowdown hiccups, students of the Chemical Engineering department at Panjab University were in for a rather happy surprise with the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) hiring four of its students on the first day of placements and that too at a high pay package of Rs 7.82 lakh per annum.
In all, 17 students had been shortlisted out of which four were hired by the company. Officials of the department say they hope to see other students getting placed on similar lines.
The students who have been recruited are in their final year at present and will be joining the company next year.
Talking to Newsline, Dr V K Rattan, Chairperson of Chemical Engineering department, said: “The world is still coping with economic slowdown and companies are cautious while hiring but things are looking up and will continue to improve further. Also, it took us great efforts to invite the company and the results show that our hard work has been duly rewarded.”
The highest pay package last year at the department was Rs 8 lakh per annum offered by the Indian Oil Corporation.
University authorities added that the package this year was much above their expectations.
“We have started on a very good note and hope to see more companies coming in. The placements this year will hopefully be better as compared to last time since students will join only next year and slowdown phase will almost be over by then,” Dr Rattan said.
The department, meanwhile, has decided not to restrict the placement process for just a month and invite companies throughout the session this year.
–Agencies