Albert Einstein once, in a tribute to engineering, famously said, "Scientists investigate that which already is; Engineers create that which has never been." Despite the vast number of career options available today, engineering continues to remain a favourite with students. This is because this field offers plenty of opportunities in a varied range of disciplines, and engineers are required in almost every organisation.
Engineering has evolved over the years to offer many more branches to students. Apart from the traditional branches-civil, mechanical and electrical, students can now choose from computer science, information and communication technology, electronics and communication, aeronautical, automobile, ceramics, instrumentation, chemical, biomedical engineering, environmental, textile, marine, production and sound engineering to name a few.
It may be a good idea for an engineering aspirant to pursue a core field, such as electrical, electronics and communications, computer science, civil, mechanical during graduation. This way the student will have more job opportunities after graduation, and can later choose a specialisation.
Engineering streams to choose from
Electronic Engineering
Communication Engineering
Aeronautical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Considering India's robust growth rate, engineering students can look forward to increasing opportunities. Increased penetration of technology will lead to new employment avenues in outsourcing (KPO, LPO), legal, aviation, automotive, healthcare, supply chain, logistics, among others.
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) will increasingly catalyse inclusive growth. Broadband wireless access is undergoing a sea change, creating the infrastructure for the delivery of new, data-intensive services. This is one reason that during the last few years, electronics and communication, computer science and information technology have been popular.
The IT industry is back in reckoning after a brief period of slowdown. According to latest industry reports, Indian IT-BPO (excluding hardware) industry is expected to grow by 19 per cent to reach US$ 76 billion in the fiscal year 2011. This industrywill add2.26 lakh personnel this year, to take the total workforce strength to 22.3 lakh.
Owing to a rapid growth in Information Technology, the field has become a quintessential aspect of our life. As a result, there subsists a huge demand for computer engineering professionals for the development of hardware components, new communication systems, software - both system and application software.
Branches such as environmental engineering, food and healthcare engineering may offer consistent job opportunities as these Industry fields are more immune to global slowdown. While doing a specialisation discipline (such as aeronautical, automotive, petroleum and ceramics among others), students should focus on building solid deep foundation in the subject.
After completing graduation, a student can apply for a job, or opt for post graduation in his or her field of specialisation and then pursue a Ph.D. if the student is interested in a research career. Successful completion of a B. Tech in computer science and engineering equips students for great careers in software engineering.
A variety of focus areas alloweach student to customise their learning to target a wide variety of career options. This includes research in computer science, applying computational techniques to solve problems in other basic and applied science (physics, chemistry, biosciences and electrical engineering to name a few), developing scientific and mathematical software, system software development such as device drivers and operating systems, commercial software development, embedded systems, mobile application development, industrial process control, bioinformatics, IT and mathematics applications in finance and IT-assisted education.
There is a popular but incorrect perception that there are not too many corporate openings for those pursuing research. However, India is increasingly emerging as an research and development hub with a large number of companies setting up their research and development facilities in India, leading to a huge demand for trained research or technical professionals in the corporate sector. The severe shortage of highly-skilled technical professionals is being acutely felt across all industry sectors, making M.Techs and Ph.Ds a favoured lot.
Today, working people in the private or public sector can acquire a bachelor's engineering degree through distance education. Quite a few institutions in India are now offering graduate degrees through distance education. Thanks to the rapid growth of information communication technology, it is now possible for students to get to hear and learn from thought and opinion leaders across the world.
Engineering is a field that requires practical application of theoretical knowledge. Thus, a strong grasp of core subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry and bioscience is important in order to innovate and think out of the box.
Learning is not merely about finishing courses and getting grades or gaining disciplinary knowledge but it is 'learning to learn', learning how to solve unstructured, openended problems that have no unique and pre-determined solutions. People with a research bent of mind and curious disposition make good engineering professionals.
In summary, a career in engineering from a good institution helps nurture an analytical and curious mind. It provides excellent job opportunities and opens the doors to a career in research and development. The engineering profession is rich and truly rewarding and ensures long-term stability and a great return on investment.
Reproduced From India Today. © 2011. LMIL. All rights reserved.
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