Seniors pls help?

I’m a final-year B.Tech Computer Science student, and I’m at a crossroads, unsure about my next step. With my last semester underway, the pressure to secure an internship is mounting, as it’s mandatory before graduation. But here’s where the dilemma begins. Landing a fresher job in technical coding or web development feels like a mountain to climb since I’m not very confident in these areas yet. On the flip side, SEO and Digital Marketing companies offer such low pay that even covering basic expenses, like petrol, seems impossible. Recently, I received a call from Solitar Infosys, a company in Mohali, promising job placement either with them or their affiliate companies—but only if I pay ₹16,000 upfront. As someone from a middle-class family on an education loan, this decision isn’t easy. The frustrating part? I’ve worked on solid projects in Python, AI, and ML, even deploying them on free cloud platforms to explore cloud computing. Yet, companies in the Tricity seem to expect freshers to have advanced coding expertise right from the start. I’m stuck, overwhelmed, and unsure which path to take. Seniors, I need your advice to navigate this tricky phase—your guidance could make all the difference!