The professional world is too large and it welcomes everyone stepping into it with a thousand arms open and all full of opportunities. This welcome no different for an engineering graduate walking out of the fences of his college campus. Most often do we see him walk with an offer already grabbed at the college placements though opportunities lie plenty outside as well.
Today, it is unfortunate that 95% of the campus offers are from the IT sector. I term it ‘unfortunate’ purely because of the brain-denial being met out to the engineering sector, which demands much more quality workforce. Not with an anti-IT sector motive. Through this column, I just wish to gather the attention of the creamy layer of core-engineering grads who will be passing out from campuses across the nation.
Having called the attention of all creamy engineering grads, it has now become my responsibility to showcase what the Indian engineering setup has got to offer. It is a known fact that
Let me bring to you the opportunities and challenges that each domain in the engineering sector has got to offer.
Aerospace & Defense sector
This field is definitely one of the most technically demanding domains in the country. The industry may look very complex on the outset, but it is just like any other engineering profession. All that is required to survive: an open attitude and an eager-to-learn brain. That’s all. The main organizations that provide opportunities in this sector are Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Defence R&D Organisation (DRDO). But these are mammoth research bodies that work in vast diverse disciplines. Any domain in engineering will fit within the scope of research carried out in these organizations. With experiences with these organizations, I can tell you that these organizations have incredible scientific knowledge that they have accumulated over these years. The latest of the technologies always flow in. Enormous opportunities for technical growth. Of course, the negatives of a pure govt sector do exist, but not so common. The pay-scales are average but expected to climb up in a year, when the 6th pay commission gets passed. This is a domain where young engineers (esp. mechanical, electrical, electronics) with a strong inclination towards aerospace arena can step in with confidence.
Manufacturing sector
This is another potential sector where opportunities to learn and grow are quite high. Today’s Indian industrial scenario is on the drive and services of young quality engineers are required to carry forward this momentum. With the govt policies favouring both large and small scale industries, a healthy condition prevails. For example, any transfer of technology (ToT) or a joint venture in defense or space shall be made with the intention of participating the Indian industries in it. Also, when the govt purchases any defense or aerospace product from any country (for eg, aircrafts for Indian airlines or for IAF), at least 30% of the components are supposed to be manufactured within our boundaries. Such deals have created a suitable medium for the industries to flourish and get acquainted with critical technologies and processes, which so far were text book stuff for us. Recently, many of our industries (both large & small scale) have been enlisted to manufacture critical components for aerospace and defense sector. Many of these companies have mushroomed & flourished within a short span of time and have got the recognition that their quality work deserves.
A sub-category in this domain is the Automobile sector. It not only provides massive employment opportunities but also brings in new technologies into the country. With a large number of multi-national automobile companies having set up their plants and more giants venturing, this sector provides vast scope to grow. These companies not only grow vertically, but also help a large number of smaller vendor companies thrive.
This sector too doesn’t limit the engineers to specific domains. There is enormous opportunity for engineers, irrespective of their domains, to prosper in the manufacturing sector.
PSU sector
The PSUs (Public Sector Undertaking) are the backbone of the country’s technical growth. There are a number of companies that provide an incredible technical platform to begin a career. Some of them top the list and feature among the ‘NavRatnas’, viz., NTPC, HPCL, ONGC, GAIL, BHEL, etc. These are not only the cradles of Indian industrial growth but also are profit-making organizations that make the govt proud. Each of the companies specialize in their own field and guarantees great engineering learning and a highly impressive work culture. The salaries of most of them are really good and are comparable with that in the private sector. For instance, NTPC & ONGC not only pay high but also provide facilities that even private sector employees envy upon.
Telecom sector
This is another booming sector in the today’s Indian technical domain. With more and more companies from across the globe, this sector is on the boom. I need not say more the telecom revolution is on its wheels in the country and there is great scope. All mobile phone, broadband co., with BSNL & MTNL topping the charts, and also the mobile phone manufactures Nokia, Sony Ericsson, etc., provide gr8 scope for communication engineers to explore and conquer.
What has been said is just the tip of the iceberg and much greater are the opportunities untold and unexploited. It is a great time for the nation and greater time for engineers with the right attitude to dive deep in seek treasures in this ocean of opportunities. I wish all the readers, great times ahead!
