Overview of Engineering as a Stream
People who are looking for an answer to the question is engineering for me and Wish to study engineering as a stream often pick Bachelor of Technology with specialisation in a particular discipline. It is India’s most desirable four-year undergraduate degree program. With minimum eligibility of 10+2 passed or equivalent, lakhs of students sit for entrances such as JEE, BITSAT, COMEDK, UPSEE, VITEEE, SRMJEEE for various engineering colleges across India. Given the diverse number of fields, students often face the dilemma to pick the one relevant to them and appropriate for their interest.
Engineering is a nuanced field which involves understanding and studying the theories of science and technology along with their applications. The knowledge that the students acquire during the period of their study is not just limited to classrooms. The primary aim of the study is to drive the engineers towards innovation, research and development for a better and functional society. The associated branches of engineering include design, construction, operation and maintenance of structures, machines, materials, software, devices, systems, processes, and organisations.
Is Engineering for me? What Comprises Engineering as a Field of Study?
To address whether engineering is the right field for them, one must understand what engineering stands for in the wider context. The course work involves equipping the students with knowledge and skills to deal with real-life technical problems. Application of the classroom study will lead one to be a well-versed engineer.
Engineering comprises various disciplines such as:
- Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering
- Biochemical/Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics and Communication Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
What are the Subjects One Studies?
The course structure is designed by keeping in mind the specialised fields of engineering, as mentioned above. Students gain theoretical and practical knowledge of different fields that are covered in the programme. The basic course work includes classroom lectures, practicals, industry visit and summer internship. In most of the engineering colleges, the first year of every branch has common subjects like physics, chemistry, manufacturing science and technology, applied mathematics, engineering design, and so on. In the second year, students start to study specialised courses pertaining to their streams. It is important for an engineering student to gain sufficient experience in fieldwork and internship so that they can chart out their future plans accordingly.
What are the Job Prospects After Studying Engineering?
Students are often worried about whether there are sufficient jobs after pursuing engineering or whether they should choose to engineer, keeping in mind the future of the industry. The answer to such queries is yes. Engineering opens up various job opportunities in the public and private sectors. This is one of the many reasons it is a desirable pick among students of science stream.
Mentioned below are some fields where engineers are in high demand.
Testing Engineers- Engineers are known to be fit in analysing the use of the products and testing the quality of the products. Many government agencies hire engineers to standardise quality checks.
- Product Designers– Design engineering is an upcoming field and is known to be a creative line.
System Engineers- Installation of various engineering systems requires skilled engineering individuals.
- Maintenance Engineers– Maintenance is a significant field where engineers are deployed in both public and private sector for maintenance of machines, software, and operations using different tools of engineering.
- Production Managers & Engineers– Production of devices and systems of engineering of any sort is quite an important field. Many engineers make a career in this line because it captures the essence of their study.
- Researchers & Innovators– Research and development is an academic-related sector for engineers. When it comes to innovation and development of new technologies, many government and private agencies hire engineers.
How to Pick the Right Engineering College?
Apart from the queries regarding which engineering is the best, whether engineering is appropriate or if engineering leads to a good career, students are often confused about which engineering college to pick. Here are a few pointers which will assist one to pick the right college:
College affiliation- It is important to know if a college or university is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Students may check the college’s affiliation on its website or the websites of UGC or other affiliation boards.
Do not go by the brand name- Students fall prey to the associated brand names when it comes to picking the college. The emphasis should be on the faculty, nature of courses and one’s interest in the field of choice, rather than the branding of the institution.
Stream counts- If one needs to make a career out of one’s interest, it is essential to keep in mind that the college has the stream of their choice.