Limits of Language Means The limits of my world
Before SSI
I had to complete a presentation in Database theory And practice. I didnt know whom to look upto. some one suggested that I meet Mr. stevenson who was working as a faculty at SSI. After a brief stint on introduction with him , he had patiently walked me through every step in the requirement and the usage of a normal Database. I swear anyone could have taken him for a guy working at Oracle corporation. He was just a diploma holder.
Before I knew it, I had the presentation ready for the ViVa at college. The second year at college I decided to join a computer course to further enhance my skills. The main criterion being the Fee. The first place I check out was SSI without a doubt. The course was called Impact. Impact had every thing that was needed to make you an IT professional. Starting with Basics to an advanced programmer. There were two levels.Normal track and Fast track. the former was my choice because I wasnt in a hurry to go to USA. ( like many aspirants did). I wanted to take my time to learn and Crash Test.The course fee for Impact at the time came to Rs. 22, 000. and that was all the money I had in the whole world. My parents worked abroad , but they werent rich. My entire education was paid through scholarships. ( Was born in a hospital where the founder celebrates his 100th Birth Anniversary , so the scholarship). I decided to check out if there was a better deal somewhere. So me walks into NIIT and Aptech.
NIIT was charging Rs. 45, 000 for the same thing Impact covered. Well, they have excellent machines as they claimed. Aptech Charged 60, 000 with placement assistance( mind you they use this term very sparringly). Well, now let me see...22k is all the money I have in the world. NIIT I would get a certificate signed by Bill Gates and Phillip B. cosby. Aptech I would get a diploma ( as they claimed it was internationally recognised). For the money I have right now, SSI was the better option. NIIT and APTECH , I had to book a slot to work on the machine. SSI there was a machine guaranteed for me.
I decided to join SSI , and I was just ready with the cheque for Rs. 5000 when I get a call from the counselor of SSI. I told her in haste that I was just coming over to join. she told me to wait for another week. What else can impress you . In a week, I get three calls from NIIT and n number of calls from Aptech asking me to pay up immediately since the batch was commencing next week. SSI only told me to wait for ’’special offers’’ which can get me a good deal.
If you were in my shoes, what would you do. I chose to ignore those sweet talking plastic smiled counselors of NIIT and APTECH and chose SSI.
I wrote a scholarship exam and managed to get 45 % discount on the fee. Rs 12, 000 !!!!! I was on top of the world.
During SSI
I could have included this feature in the earlier section, but I chose to include it in this one. A 24 hour lab. You get a normal time Lab practice during the day and the whole 10 hours to do your normal research work. I did not have a computer at home, neither could I afford one. But yes , I did use the 24 hour lab. There isnt a single night that I havent spent productively over there. I banged the keyboards applied my own ideas and soon enough it was the lab faculty’s who needed my help ( I am not exaggerating).
The Institute did have a library, with almost all the books one could think of. This was my favorite hang out. Soon enough I became the Librarians favorite. I’ve got to be, not much of student would come there with Notes , borrow 5 to 6 books at a time on the same topics and spend a good 4 hours.
Staff
The teaching staff, or atleast most of them were actually ex-students of that place. They are picked out of the best students (I was asked to join there after the course). The regional Manager and the Database Administrator were all Ex - Students of SSI. SSI has also placed some of ther best staff at their Development unit in LA , California.
There are two ways of teaching. One is spoon Feed and the other is show the way and ask the student to walk through the door. Here at SSI they chose the former. The mini projects that we are asked to do was exhaustive and learnt a lot. Even today , I work on those same projects blindfolded and right from the scratch. and everytime I re write the code for the same specs , I get better and I learn something new.
After SSI
Even today , I remember those sleepless nights and days I have spent there. SSI had become more than an institute. It had become a training ground for life’s many challenges. Because you already a beta version of life there on the professional front. they have never said anything about placement, but I was asked to join there as a faculty. The placement cell give you the right support in your quest for a job. I really miss those days. A few close friends here in MS know some real incidents as to what went on here. * winks
I dont know if its there even today , but you can attend some special classes free on sundays. for instance , you are allowed to attend Unix classes free on sundays if you joined Oracle.
And For desserts
1.If you are serious in making a career in IT , Go for SSI
Reasonable course Fee.
Exhaustive and informative course ware
Very helpful and polite staff.
Not a Big library , but you have everything you need.