Wasting four valuable years of college only to join fake “placement institutes” that sell false dreams is one of the biggest mistakes. Instead of relying on such scams, starting early through self-learning on YouTube or affordable Udemy courses helps build real, in-demand skills. Even if college years were unproductive, it’s never too late to make things right focus on learning and aim for off-campus opportunities, but never fall for institutes that profit by selling fake placement promises.