High-Paying Internship Sparks Debate on the Value of Degrees

Staff Writer: Sweata Maiti

Last Updated: Apr 23, 2025, 3:30:00 PM IST

A recent LinkedIn post by Mumbai-based entrepreneur Sakshi Jain has gone viral, stirring conversations about the relevance of formal degrees in today’s professional landscape. Jain recounted her surprise upon learning that a friend, currently pursuing an MBA at IIM Calcutta, is receiving a monthly internship stipend of ₹3.5 lakh in Mumbai.​

“Earning ₹3.5 lakh per month in an internship? Yeah, my jaw dropped too,” Jain wrote, emphasizing that the amount pertains solely to the internship period. She further reflected, “We often claim ‘degrees don’t matter’ online, and I’ve believed that too. But sometimes, you encounter moments that make you reconsider.”​

Jain’s post suggests that while degrees may not be the sole determinant of success, they can open doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain inaccessible. “Maybe degrees don’t matter everywhere. But sometimes, they open doors you never knew existed. And they still hold power, especially in places that value them,” she added.

The post has garnered widespread attention on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter), prompting users to share their perspectives. One commenter noted, “Degrees might not be everything—but sometimes, they are the key to a door we didn’t even know existed.” Another remarked, “There’s no one path to success. While degrees may open doors, it’s also about leveraging your unique strengths and experiences.”​

This incident underscores the ongoing debate about the role of formal education in career advancement, suggesting that while alternative paths to success exist, traditional degrees, especially from esteemed institutions, continue to hold significant value in certain sectors.