Making good use of an engineering degree needs careful thought before and after making the decision
Looking at the number of engineering colleges in India and the number of engineers coming out of these colleges, the questions that form in everyone’s minds are, does India need so many engineers? Are they all employable? The negativism brought forth by such questions has crippled engineering education in India.
In this global era, rather than focus on India, the question should be whether the world needs so many engineers. The answer is a big, yes.? Is there a need for scientists? The answer is again, ?yes. The world needs in plenty well-equipped, talented graduates with the right attitude. There are job opportunities for those who have the potential. In addition, opportunities for self-employment are also plenty for innovative and energetic minds.
The other option is for the students to take the branch of study available in a reputed college and start liking that branch, plan well and work hard. What is critical is students? interest in the branch of study and the efforts put in by them to equip themselves adequately enough during their studies.
Published in The Hindu on June 9, 2013. The author is the Pro Vice Chancellor of VIT University, Chennai.