19 y/o from small town India - BSc Maths vs Engineering vs Germany pathway. Looking for realistic career advice in the AI era
Hi everyone,
Posting this for a friend because he doesn’t use Reddit much and we wanted some realistic advice from people who’ve actually gone through these paths.
Background:
- 19 years old
- From a small town in India, so exposure/networking opportunities are limited
- Currently pursuing BSc Mathematics (1st year)
- Interested in studying/working in Germany mainly because public universities have low tuition fees
- Already started learning German and is willing to work seriously toward C1 level if needed
Right now he’s confused between these options:
Continue BSc Maths in India for 1 year and then try for a bachelor’s degree in Germany (which would require strong German proficiency and adjustment to a new system)
Switch to Engineering in India (likely not from a top-tier college), complete the degree here, and then pursue a Master’s in Germany
Complete BSc Maths in India and then pursue a Master’s in Germany
The main concern is long-term career stability and earning potential, especially with AI changing the job market quickly.
We’re trying to think practically:
- Which path has the best ROI?
- Which fields in Germany/Europe are expected to stay strong despite AI automation?
- Is pure maths a good foundation today, or is engineering safer?
- Does the college brand in India matter a lot for German Master’s admissions/jobs?
- What fields currently have the best balance of:
- employability
- salary growth
- long-term relevance
- chances for international students
Would genuinely appreciate advice from:
- Indians studying in Germany
- people working in Europe
- engineers/data/AI/math professionals
- anyone who has seen how the market is changing post-AI boom
Thanks in advance.