Pappukabhosda's journey

I recently got laid off from my position as a Machine Learning intern at a health tech company in Jaipur after a 10-month internship. During my time there, I worked on various projects, including developing 2D and 3D models for BrainCT and ChestCT diagnostics, and I created a deployment pipeline for these models on Azure Databricks using PostGres for the database. Today was the review day, and while five of my peers received pre-placement offers (PPOs), I did not. My senior mentioned that I wasn't strong in the research aspect, despite being competent in all other areas. They suggested I hold on until next Monday when they will consider other available positions within the company. I can't shake the feeling that my senior might have reported me out of personal bias, especially since the company is currently short-staffed and not hiring many new employees. I'm feeling lost and unsure about my next steps. Should I start applying for jobs elsewhere, or would it be better to prepare for the GATE exam? I feel like this was my only shot at securing a position after being one year late in my career, and now I’m worried about my future.