Trending @Infosys; Need career guidance

This is my situation.

I am a 2024 graduate, and I joined Infosys in July 2025. I underwent training in Big Data technologies. Later, I joined a project for one of the leading product-based tech companies. The interview was based on Big Data technologies, and I was selected for a Spark Developer role.

However, due to new requirements within the same project for a different role—automation testing of the company’s application—I was assigned to that work by the same client manager. After three months, the client manager was satisfied with my performance and commitment and therefore fixed my role in automation testing.

When I asked about Big Data–related work, my concerns were avoided. Later, I came to know from the same team that since I had no prior experience, I was deliberately kept away from Big Data tasks.

From the Infosys side, I learned that there is a 18-month lock-in period before switching to a new project (let me know if I could bypass this)

Since this is a cross-vendor project, I have faced a lot of criticism and politics right from day one, as I am one of only two people from Infosys on the team. I feel extremely stagnant and do not know how to come out of this situation.

I have tried applying for SDE-1 positions, but I have not received any responses so far. Currently, my experience level is around 1.5 years (1 year of project work plus the remaining training), and I feel that I am far behind my peers. I feel late in my career and want to act quickly.

I seriously lack direction and a clear plan, as I have no one in my family or friends circle to guide me. I would really appreciate help and guidance regarding what steps I should take next.