Introduction

Did you know, that more than 35% of surveyed students between the ages 14-23 revealed that they are only aware of engineering as a career option and unaware of other fields?

It’s no surprise that engineering has always been the top choice among students pursuing Science stream post-10th grade. Then, why do engineering students lately feel stressed more than ever? Feel disconnected from their careers? Opt for an entirely different career? The answer is both; simple and hard to pinpoint: it’s the lack of self-awareness and a mismatch between their passion and chosen career path.

So, in this article, let’s explore what it truly means to be an engineer, what are the specializations offered, emerging fields, and how career guidance or career counselling can help engineering students find the path they truly want to be in and excel.

Engineering Fields, Eligibility Requirements, and Their Significance

By definition, an engineer is someone who ideates, designs, creates, and maintains various pieces of technology and structure known for its sustainability and durability.

With Maths and Logic as the foundations of their careers, engineers use these skills and aptitudes to solve problems. From new technology to improve lives to designing a machine, and from the tiniest screw in spectacles to the most crucial part in a rocket ship — engineering is in the air we breathe.

Engineers use their expertise and innovation to make unique and innovative creations. In an ideal setting, engineers are usually occupied with the following day-to-day activities:

• Determining project parameters
• Estimating project timelines and budgets
• Collaborating with fellow engineers
• Exploring emerging technologies
• Supervising production

One can enter the field of engineering by pursuing a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) or Bachelor of Engineering (BE) or any other professional course which provides an in-depth knowledge of engineering and its many specializations.

India has more than 6000 Engineering and Technology Institutes in which nearly 2.9 million students are enrolled. Each year on average, 1.5 million students get their engineering degree.

8 Crucial Skills Required to Be an Engineer

Engineering is a dynamic field focused on solving complex real-world problems through innovations. In addition to technical competence and abilities, there are a few distinct qualities and skills that an engineer must possess. For students pursuing this rewarding career, here are some of the must-have skills:

Critical Thinking: Assess problems from multiple lenses, design systems, and foresee challenges. Being analytical is crucial.

Continuous Learning: Technology progresses swiftly. Constantly upskill yourself via asking questions, taking up courses, research, or observations.

Complex Problem Solving: Leverage technical knowledge, logical reasoning and creativity to tackle multifaceted problems.

Social Perceptiveness: Understand user perspective and collaborator mindsets using empathy and people skills for creating innovations that are environmentally conscious.

Innovative Mindset: Conceptualize novel systems that advance quality of life. Innovation underlies engineering advancement.

Big Picture Outlook: Anticipate upcoming trends and build practical solutions catering to future industry requirements rather than just the current landscape.

Entrepreneurial Thinking: Given rapid tech disruption, having a business mindset to convert ideas into products or services can open up opportunities.

Perseverance: Tenacity to refine Multiple prototypes before achieving workable solutions even when progress seems slow. One of the most critical skills to possess as an engineering student.

Top Careers Offered to Engineering Students

We usually think of traditional branches and specializations like computer science, electronics, mechanical, civil and chemical when engineering comes up. But there are a host of exciting fields too that you should know about.

The Most Common Engineering Fields and Careers —

Rapidly Emerging Engineering Fields and Careers —

Why Do Engineering Students Need Career Guidance?

Pursuing engineering is a definitive step for many students. However, the vast array of domains; from computer science to civil to aerospace can be overwhelming to navigate alone, leaving one confused.

This is where career guidance for engineering students steps in. Career guidance can help engineering students assess their technical skills, and interests, and strive to align them with their ideal career path.

Moreover, career guidance for engineering students also helps in —

• Gaining insights on educational pathways for chosen branch
• Understanding job prospects and planning upskilling requirements
• Developing customized strategies for achieving long-term career goals

Choosing engineering as a career path may come easily and naturally to many students, but the real question arises when it comes to choosing the right specialization or branch. Effective career guidance also helps and equips individuals to make an informed decision.

Career guidance for engineering students typically involves a psychometric assessment, one-on-one counselling sessions, and mentorship. Scientifically designed tests evaluate aptitudes and interests to suggest suitable engineering specializations for higher success. Counsellors help formulate strategies for excelling in your branch through networking events, internships, building expertise etc.

The logically oriented engineering field still needs an empathetic, experienced career guide for direction. Counselling aids aspirants in making judicious choices that maximize job satisfaction — selecting the right specialization, education needed, and required skill building. Structured guidance in the initial years goes a long way in engineering career success.

Career Counselling Process for Engineering Students

Navigating the vast engineering branches to choose the right specialization can be intensive for students without support. A structured step-by-step career counselling process enables this progression. If you decide to seek career guidance as an engineering student, here’s what your ideal career counselling process will look like —

1. Initial Consultation
   

   Upon deciding to seek career guidance, your first course of action will be to get into a one-on-one discussion with your career guide. This will include the counsellor asking you the right questions to understand your skills and capabilities better to formulate the next sessions.

2. Psychometric Assessment
   

   Comprehensive psychometric and technical assessments come second; which will accurately determine innate strengths, preferences and interest areas. One-on-one in-depth discussions to understand motivations and analyze if the chosen engineering domain aligns.

3. Career Exploration
   

   Evaluation of prospective specialization pathways on multiple facets like roles available, salary range, future demand, routine tasks, critical skills prerequisite to succeed and pros/cons relative to interest areas — are some of the common factors you’ll be discussing in this step.

4. Guidance and Mentorship
   

   Expert career counsellors leverage their industry knowledge and career test results to provide personalized suggestions on potential engineering roles suitable to pursue. The counsellor recommends potential degree choices and complementary skills to build in this stage.

5. Gearing Up
   

   Now that you’re clear on your career path, comes the preparation stage. Communication and analytical thinking strengthened through case study discussions, coding challenges, and mock interviews with experienced counsellors are a part of the preparation process.

6. Creating Career Roadmap
   

   The last step in your career planning is to create a career roadmap with your counsellor while considering various job factors, organizational challenges, hands-on technical upskilling, and future-proofing.

End Notes

Undoubtedly, career counselling serves an invaluable role in guiding engineering students to make prudent career decisions. The engineering landscape today presents a myriad of domains to specialize in, which can prove confusing for students to navigate in isolation.

However, through structured counselling support, students get the opportunity to thoroughly assess their inherent talents, natural motivations and areas of interest. This further enables them to align their selection with personal goals and calibrate their trajectory towards a rewarding engineering career that resonates at an individual level. Looking for career counselling and guidance? Connect with us today!