‘Jugaad’: MBA Student Asks For Job Referrals on Coldplay Ticket-Related Thread

Deepak Kumar August 29, 2023

An MBA student recently used a Coldplay concert ticket-related thread to ask for job referrals, blending two seemingly unrelated worlds—music and career hunting—in a quintessentially jugaadu fashion. The incident has garnered significant attention, shedding light on the increasingly creative lengths young professionals are going to in the current competitive job market. Let’s dive into this curious case, analyzing not only what happened but also what it says about the current employment landscape and the creative spirit of Indian youth. It all began when a thread on social media, specifically on a popular platform like Reddit, was flooded with conversations about the upcoming Coldplay concert in India. The legendary British band, known for their electrifying performances and hit songs, had announced their tour, and fans across the country were buzzing with excitement. The thread was filled with people discussing ticket prices, sharing their excitement, and offering ticket-trading advice. In the midst of this vibrant discussion, a lone comment stood out—an MBA student seeking job referrals. This student, whose identity remains anonymous, posted a message that read something along the lines of: “Hey everyone! I know this is a Coldplay thread, but I’m an MBA graduate looking for job referrals in marketing and business development. If anyone in this group is hiring or knows of openings, I’d really appreciate your help! Also, good luck to everyone getting tickets! It didn’t take long for the post to go viral, with users on social media reacting to the sheer audacity and creativity of the student’s approach. While some saw it as an amusing example of jugaad, others began debating the ethics and effectiveness of such tactics in a professional setting. In many ways, this incident is a modern reflection of the Indian cultural phenomenon known as jugaad. The term, which roughly translates to “hack” or “quick fix,” encapsulates the ability to find innovative solutions to problems with minimal resources. It is deeply ingrained in Indian society, where people often have to make do with limited means and still achieve desired outcomes. Whether it’s fixing a broken-down vehicle with makeshift tools or finding clever ways to navigate bureaucratic systems, jugaad is a hallmark of Indian ingenuity. In the case of the MBA student, jugaad took the form of utilizing a completely unrelated conversation—Coldplay concert tickets—to achieve a different goal: job hunting. While one would typically think of LinkedIn, professional networking events, or career fairs as appropriate platforms for job referrals, this student’s decision to use a music thread reflects a kind of jugaadu thinking. It’s the “why not” attitude—if you have an audience of people who might be connected to opportunities, why not make use of it, even if the platform seems unorthodox?

While some may see it as a sign of desperation, others argue that it showcases the creativity and adaptability of modern job seekers, who are navigating a competitive and sometimes overwhelming job market. It’s this very blend of resourcefulness and audacity that characterizes jugaad, and it has now found its place in the world of digital job hunting. The MBA student’s comment didn’t go unnoticed, and social media quickly reacted with a mix of praise, amusement, and even criticism. On one hand, many users applauded the student’s boldness, acknowledging that in today’s competitive job market, standing out is crucial. They admired the student’s ability to seize the moment and create an opportunity in an unlikely space.

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” were peppered throughout the thread, reflecting a positive reception of the approach. Moreover, several users offered actual help. Some pointed the student toward potential job openings, while others connected them with people in relevant industries. The post also sparked broader discussions about the lengths young professionals are going to in order to secure jobs, particularly in a post-pandemic job market that has been challenging for many. However, not everyone was on board with the student’s unconventional method. Some users criticized the approach, calling it unprofessional and out of place in a thread meant for music lovers excited about an upcoming concert. They argued that there’s a time and place for everything, and a Coldplay ticket discussion was not the right venue for a job plea. Comments like “This is not LinkedIn!” and “Wrong place, dude” reflected the disapproval from those who believed that professionalism should not be compromised, even in the face of desperation. The incident with the MBA student also highlights a deeper issue that resonates with many young professionals—the fierce competition in the job market. With millions of fresh graduates entering the workforce every year, the pressure to secure a good job has intensified, particularly in fields like marketing, business development, and technology. Traditional methods of job searching—sending out résumés, applying through company portals, or even using professional networks like LinkedIn—are no longer enough to stand out. This has led to a surge in creative job-seeking tactics, where individuals are taking bold steps to get noticed by potential employers. From designing unique résumés to creating viral LinkedIn posts, job seekers are increasingly resorting to out-of-the-box strategies to make an impression. The MBA student’s decision to ask for referrals on a Coldplay ticket thread is just one example of how the lines between personal and professional spaces are blurring in the digital age. Social media platforms, while not originally intended for professional networking, are becoming venues for opportunistic job seekers to reach new audiences. Furthermore, the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has left many sectors struggling, leading to a tighter job market. As companies scale back on hiring or delay recruitment drives, job seekers are feeling the pressure to secure positions by any means necessary. This environment has created a perfect storm for jugaad-like tactics to thrive, as job seekers become more innovative in their approach.