ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
AEROSPACE
ENGINEERING
AERONAUTICAL
ENGINEERING
AGRICULTURAL
ENGINEERING
AUTOMOBILE
ENGINEERING
CHEMICAL
ENGINEERING
CIVIL
ENGINEERING
COMPUTER
ENGINEERING
ELECTRICAL
& ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING
ENERGY
ENGINEERING
MARINE
ENGINEERING
MECHANICAL
ENGINEERING
MINING
ENGINEERING
PRODUCTION
& INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
STRUCTURAL
ENGINEERING
MICRO
ELECTRONICS
BIO -
ENGINEERING
ENGINEERING PHYSICS
AUTOMOBILE ENGINEER
AEROSPACE ENGINEER
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEER
BROADCAST TECHNICIAN
CHEMICAL ENGINEER
CERAMIC TECHNOLOGY
CIVIL ENGINEER
COMPUTER ENGINEER
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
ELECTRONICS ENGINEER
FIRE FIGHTER/ENGINEER
INDUSTRIAL ENGINEER
MARINE ENGINEER
MECHANICAL ENGINEER
MINING ENGINEER & METALLURGIST
NAVAL ARCHITECT
PRODUCTION ENGINEER
TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENGINEER
An Engineer’s work touches every
aspect of our lives. It is concerned with finding solutions to practical
problems encountered in industry and industrialised society in general. In
doing this, the chartered engineers must apply scientific principles, theories
and methods to the analysis and solution to these problems. They may cover the
construction of our urban environment, roads, buildings and factories; or the
production, installation and maintenance of plant and equipment, machine tools,
petro-chemical plants and motor vehicles; or the provision of essential
services like gas, electricity, water etc.
As engineering covers such a vast
field it is essential to specialise in a specific branch. Some of these are :
Aeronautical Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Agriculture Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Science and Engineering
Dairy Technology
Ceramic Engineering
Electrical and Electronics
Engineering
Electronics and Communication
Engineering
Leather Technology
Marine Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Metallurgical and Mining
Engineering
Naval Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Textile Engineering
AEROSPACE
ENGINEERING
Aerospace
engineers are concerned with the design, analysis, construction, development,
testing and manufacture of commercial and military aircraft, missiles, and
spacecraft.
The study
of aerospace engineering offers specialization in aerodynamics, thermodynamics,
propulsion, structures, celestial machines, acoustics and guidance and control
systems. They may also specialize in aerospace product e.g., commercial
transport, helicopters, spacecrafts or rockets.
The course
encompasses study of fluid dynamics, material science, structural analysis,
propulsion and electronics.
AERONAUTICAL
ENGINEERING
This
includes a wide range of area products such as engines, electrical/electronic
equipment, guided weapons etc. There is also specialization in certain fields,
such as aerodynamics. The main thrust in this area is on design and
development, which extends even to space and satellite research. Some of
the possible career opportunities are as Aero Space Engineer, Aeronautical
Engineer.
The BE/B.
Tech. programme stresses the fundamentals of propulsion, electronics, automatic
control guidance, theory of aerodynamics, material science, structural
analysis, and fluid dynamics.
AGRICULTURAL
ENGINEERING
It covers
the design, production and maintenance of farm machinery, buildings and field
engineering (irrigation, water supply, drainage, soil erosion etc.) This
basically implies looking after the mechanization of agricultural activities
for the smooth functioning and efficient increase in food productivity.
The course
consists of a study of subjects such as the basic physical engineering and
agricultural sciences, soil conservation, drainage methods, irrigation
practices, farm machinery and dairy engineering.
AUTOMOBILE
ENGINEERING
Deals
mainly with the design, planning, manufacture as well as the repair,
maintenance and up-gradation of all moving vehicles such as cars, trucks,
motorcycles, scooters etc. The work includes at time, the dismantling and
overhauling of vehicles, and at other times the designing of new models.
Keeping in view their performance, capacity, durability and appearance as well
as the cost of both manufacture and maintenance.
The course
curriculum is designed to teach students all aspects of moving vehicles, their
construction, repair and maintenance.
CHEMICAL
ENGINEERING
Deals with
the design, installation and maintenance of plants of large-scale processes in
oil, chemical, pharmaceutical and allied industries. This could also cover various
fields of chemical technology in mineral based industries, petrochemical
plants, synthetic fibres and even petroleum refining plants.
The focus
of the BE/B. Tech programmes in Chemical Engineering is on Industrial
Chemistry, Polymer Technology, Polymer Processing, Polymer Testing, Polymer
Synthesis etc.
CIVIL
ENGINEERING
This
involves the design and construction of roads, bridges, railways etc. and the
erection of large buildings. Civil engineers are responsible for planning and
designing a project and having it constructed to the required scale. Some of
the possible career opportunities are as Builder, City Planner, Architecture,
Civil Engineer, Irrigation Engineer, Planner
The course
curriculum includes the study of all the basic engineering sciences and is
designed to introduce the students to a variety of problems encountered by
civil engineers such as : structures, foundation, construction, hydraulics and
environmental engineering, works management and cost, transportation
engineering, irrigation engineering
etc.
COMPUTER
ENGINEERING
Includes
work with computers, which are today, the most important office automation
products. It includes the designing of the computer and its control systems
(the hardware) and also develops computer software. The engineers are
constantly engaged in improving the end product and building state-of-the-art
equipment such as super computers, multimedia machines, graphic terminals,
laser and inkjet printings, pentium based machines etc.
The
academic programmes consists of subjects like systems software, software for
scientific and industrial applications, as also training in hardware
development.
ELECTRICAL
& ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING
This is
divided into heavy current (electrical machinery; generating stations and
distribution systems) and light current (telecommunications, radar, computers
etc.) With the increasing demand for electrical energy, the development in
audio and video communication systems, and the automation in industry,
electrical engineers have become indispensable to society today. However, the
electronics or communication engineers work with devices that use extremely
small amounts of power such as micro processors, fibre optics etc.
For an
Electrical engineer, the academic programme lays stress on a deep understanding
of electrical networks and devices of electromagnetic field theory, electrical
energy converters, electrical energy distribution systems etc. For an
electronics or communication engineer the BE/B. Tech programme focuses electronic
network and devices, subjects such as electromagnetic field theory, computer
fundamentals as also their protection, and communication and control systems.
ENERGY
ENGINEERING
This
includes the design, manufacture and management of energy plants in the coal,
oil, gas, electricity and nuclear sectors.
MARINE
ENGINEERING
Deals with
the design, manufacture and operation of ships engines and machinery's. This
also includes the supervision of engine crew involved in operating the
machines, and checking for smooth functioning of all steam engines, electric
motors, propulsive engines etc.
At MERI,
candidates are given a knowledge of fairly high standards in fundamental
engineering sciences, specialized knowledge of theoretical and practical marine
engineering, and also a basic knowledge of social sciences and humanities.
Apart from modern marine technology, the use of basic tools, workshop
technology, and practical training in the power houses - how to operate,
overhaul and test auxiliary power plants units - is also imparted.
MECHANICAL
ENGINEERING
This is
the largest and oldest branches of the profession. It is concerned with the
design, development, manufacture, operation and maintenance of many types of
plants, machinery and mechanical products.
In
addition to the basic engineering sciences, the programme in mechanical
engineering lays emphasis on the analysis and synthesis involved in the design,
manufacture and operation of prime movers, pumps, compressors, machine tools,
mass production technique etc.
MINING
ENGINEERING
Covers the
planning of extraction methods, use of equipment and the supervision and
control of operations in underground and opencast coal, ore and metalliferous
mining. This includes laying out the plans, and devising shafts, inclines or
quarries for the safe extraction of these resources, whether they be coal,
petroleum, metallic or non-metallic minerals from under the earth.
The
academic programme includes not just a grounding in basic engineering
sciences, but also a fair amount of theoretical and practical training in the
different aspect of mining engineering, metallurgy and geology.
PRODUCTION
& INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
It deals
with planning, managing and maintaining manufacturing processes. Production and
Industrial Engineers aim at higher productivity by adopting integrated design
and efficient planning and operative systems.
A strong
base in computer applications is an important element of the course content
which facilitates component production, process planning, production planning
etc. Furthermore, systems engineering, industrial automation, process
engineering and management are also taught.
STRUCTURAL
ENGINEERING
It deals
with the design, construction and maintenance of all type of structures,
buildings and dams including their form and foundations. Each engineering
branch tends to be based on similar fundamental engineering sciences. Expertise
from one field can invariably be applied to another. It is therefore, possible
to gain experience in several branches.
MICRO
ELECTRONICS
This
specialization deals with the design, development, fabrication and testing of
new electronic circuitry incorporating the latest in chip technology.
Micro-electronic engineering finds employment in the aerospace industry, medical
electronic industry, computer industry and telecommunication sector.
BIO -
ENGINEERING
Bio-engineering
is an inter disciplinary study of Bio-chemistry, chemical engineering genetics
and microbiology with good employment prospects in the fields of agriculture,
energy, environment, medicine and industry particularly biotechnology,
application for product and process development.
ENGINEERING PHYSICS
This field
involves the study of Physics, solid state electronics, cryogenics, material
sciences, laser technology and applied nuclear sciences. It has maximum
employment scope in the field of research and design in industry as well as
research institutes like Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Tata Institute
of Fundamental Research (TIFR) etc.
The study of information systems is concerned with
the technologies involved in gathering ,processing ,storing, distributing,
& using large volumes of data typically found in financial or retail
systems. Engineering in Information Systems considers both how the knowledge to
be held by a system is best modelled and represented in a database and
how such knowledge is used to support strategic and operational business
decisions. Such courses aim at developing a thorough understanding of the wider
environment within which information systems operate,how computer systems are
used , the ability to translate subject world requirements into computer
based technical artefacts through the application of formalised and
rigorous engineering principles.
SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
Software Engineering is concerned with the
development of complex and critical software systems , often embedded in the
other engineered products, such as telephone exchanges which comprise a number
of subsystems of which software is just one.
It provides an understanding of all the basic techniques for software
production and management of the production processes, together with a detailed
study of how softeware interacts with hardware.
As many systems can be constructed in either software or by using hardware
devices , critical decisions must be made about implementing system functions
in either software or hardware.
Automobile Engineer
Automobile engineering is a
specialised branch of mechanical engineering. You will dream up new vehicles
and even new modes of transport. You will design them keeping in mind factors
like performance, economy, comfort, maintenance, environmental impact and last
but not the least - looks. You will work closely with test drivers to ensure
that the handling and feel of the ride is the best that money can buy. You will
lend your expertise to upgrade existing models and work out which parts need to
be replaced with new, improved ones.
Innovation is the name of the game
here and you will have to think up of new goodies that you can add to your
vehicle. These accessories may range from airbags, GPS (Global Positioning
Satellite) Systems and HUD (Heads Up Display) Systems to simple things like
additional cup holders and a better stereo speaker positioning. You will study
the latest technological advancements in manufacturing, effect of the
environment and road conditions on vehicles to new aerodynamic shapes. In short
you will help make the world go around-faster, cleaner and better.
In workshops and garages you will
service vehicles and check their parts for wear and tear. You will be working
with mechanics and lead them in dismantling, overhauling and making
modifications to vehicles. Your role here will be more as a trouble-shooter.
Mostly you will be working with your hands - a truly hands on career!
If you specialise in any particular
area you could use your knowledge to come up with new ideas and solutions to
problems plaguing cars for decades. For instance, if engines are your forte
then maybe you can come up with an engine that is more fuel-efficient or one,
which runs on alternative fuels such as methanol or even water! In such
research and development labs you will use high-end equipment to test out your
theories. Most often then not you will be going abroad to learn new concepts
and techniques and teach the same here.
At senior levels, you will be
called upon to look after the production and quality control in massive
assembly plants. Your job profile will also include marketing the finished product.
Requirements
You need to be mad about cars,
bikes and the likes. Only then you will not be bored to the death learning the
timing mechanisms of different engines.
You need to have a good foundation in mathematics and physics. Good logical and
problem solving skills are essential. You need to like working with tools,
drawing complex sketches and conceptualising structures. You also need to be
patient and perseverant. Vehicular problems are not solved overnight you know!
This is a continuous learning process and you should be able to learn on the
job as well. Therefore the ability to grasp concepts quickly and good
communication skills is essential. Most of all you need to be a team player.
Education wise the best entry point is B.E in automobile engineering. You can
pursue this after class 12. Alternatively you can do your diploma in automobile
engineering after class 10 and then do your B. E. < BR>
You can also do your B.E in mechanical engineering and then a master's in
automobile engineering. Alternatively you can do your masters in mechanical
engineering with automobiles as your area of specialisation.
If you do your B.Sc. with Physics/Chemistry/Mathematics you can go on to do
your B.Tech in automobiles. After doing your M.Sc. in Physics you could do your
M.Tech in mechanical and automation technology.
In these courses you will learn:
Basic of Computer Science
Mathematics Fluid Mechanics
Basic Electrical & Electronics Engineering
Technical Drawing
Welding
Industrial Management & Road Transport Organisation
Automobile Chassis and Engines
Job Opportunities
You will mainly be employed in
automobile manufacturing plants such as Maruti Udyog Ltd., Telco, Fiat, etc.
Here you can be involved in any of the following duties:
Research, design, development and
manufacture of vehicles
Manufacture of forgings and castings
Vendor development and materials management
Marketing and sales
With modern vehicles increasingly
becoming sophisticated engineers are needed to over see and supervise the
repair. You will gain employment at big garages and factory service stations as
managers.
After considerable experience you
can open your own garage or workshop repairing old vehicles and modifying new
ones as per the customers' wishes.
You can also work as surveyors for
insurance companies provided you have a licence from the central government.
You can also freelance as a writer for technical journals, car magazines and
websites.
Money & Other Benefits
Starting salaries are in the range
of Rs 7,000-9,000 per month for degree holders and Rs 3,500-6,000 per month for
diploma holders who are taken in as trainees.
Customer support engineers make anywhere between Rs 6,000-10,000 and as service
managers take home around Rs 10,000-2,000
With around 5-7 years experience
your pay packet salary will touch the Rs 20,000-30,000.
Marketing pays much better because
of the fat commissions attached to you pay packet.
If you undertake customisation
projects, you can charge any where between Rs 15,000 - 1,50,000 per project.
Career Prospects
The slow down in the automobile
industry wordwide has had its effect in the Indian automobile industry as well.
But the growth has remained steady and is set to continue. Many multinationals
like Daewoo, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, and Fiat have entered the
market and are offering state-of-the-art vehicles. Also the dismal number of
models in India as compared to the west has been a boon for the customisation
industry.
Other new avenues that you can
explore as an automobile engineer are vehicles running on alternative forms of
fuel such as Propane, Methanol, Ethanol, Hydrogen and even electricity and
solar power. Then there is the issue of passenger as well as pedestrian safety.
These remain the challenges for the automobile engineers in the new century.
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineers work in one of
the most technologically advanced branches of engineering. They design,
construct and test aircraft, missiles, satellites, rockets, spacecrafts…
anything that flies. Besides this, they are also involved in researching new
materials, engines, body shapes and structures. This job is not just about
science, it's also about creativity. You will not only give wings to your
imagination but also make it fly.
You will conceptualise a project,
say an Indian lunar mission. You will be involved in all steps from the drawing
board to the planning committee to the implementation team. You will think of
various designs most suitable for a spacecraft for this kind of mission. You
will then iron out your differences with other engineers and come to a
consensus. Then comes testing a smaller model of this spacecraft in a wind
tunnel and authorising its airworthiness. The final stage involves building the
aircraft, testing it all over again and finally handing it over.
But your job will not end at that.
You will act as a consultant to the mission and trouble-shoot any problems that
may arise. Pretty cool stuff for an engineer!
Requirements
You need to have good mathematical
and logical skills. You also need to be good at organising. You will be working
in teams of cross-sectional skills and as such you must be able to get on well
with people at all levels. You should be able to keep calm under pressure and
be a problem solver. You should also like working with tools, drawing complex
sketches and thinking up forms and structures.
This is a field where you are required to constantly update yourself with the
latest innovations and technologies. So be prepared to read a lot. The ability
to express one's ideas clearly to others comes in handy too. You should also be
creative and analytical with an eye for detail.
Academic Qualifications
You need to be a BE/B.Tech. in aerospace engineering. There are also diploma
courses, which you can pursue after 10+2 but you will need to complete your
degree before you get a good job. After graduation, you could pursue an M.Tech.
or Ph.D. in aeronautics. Then there are exams conducted by the AeSI (Aeronautical
Society Of India). This exam is considered equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in
aerospace engineering.
You will study subjects like
Principles of Flight, Aerodynamics, Aircraft structure, Propulsion, Avionics,
Electronics, Metrology, as well as Airworthiness Regulations and Air Traffic
Control.
You will then have to choose an
area of specialisation namely, aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, navigation
and control, instrumentation and communication, etc. You could also specialise
in aerospace products viz., commercial transport, military fighter jets,
helicopters, spacecrafts, missiles or rockets.
Job Opportunities
The Indian aerospace industry is
very small as compared to the one in Europe or the United States. In India you
will most likely be employed in government owned enterprises such as ISRO
(Indian Space Research Organisation), DRDO (Defence Research and Development
Organisation), HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.), NAL (National Aeronautics
Labs), etc. A lot of prestige is associated with working in these organisations
and they attract the top brains in the country.
You could also work for airlines like Air India, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways,
etc. Openings also exist in civil aviation departments as well as the Indian
Air Force.
There is no dearth of opportunities
for those who wish to work abroad. In fact, a large percentage of engineers at
NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration, United States) are
Indians. The same is the case with aerospace giants like Boeing, McDonnell
Douglas, etc.
Money & Other Benefits
As a trainee Aerospace Engineer you
will earn about Rs 25,000 or more per month, if you get into an airlines.
Research organisations, aircraft developing and manufacturing organisations and
others pay around Rs 12,000 per month.
After a couple of years experience,
you could be easily be making around Rs 80,000 a month. Plus you get all the
added benefits reserved for government servants.
Career Prospects
The airline industry is always
looking for new aeroplanes that are bigger, better, more economical and off
late more environment friendly. That is how the Boeing 707 developed into the
747 and now into the 747-400. But now airlines want new generation planes able
to take thrice as many passengers at many times the speed of sound. The race is
on to develop this next generation airline. Which means that aerospace
engineers are a lot in demand.
Space is another booming business
with the need to launch communication and weather satellites into various
orbits. Space vacations may become a reality sooner than we think, thanks to
the landmark space flight taken by US millionaire Dennis Tito. Defence as usual
is an industry which constantly requires new and better technologies and the
Indian private sector is all set to set shop now that the government has thrown
open this sector to private participation.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineering may be
defined as the application of engineering to medicine.
Biomedical engineers apply the concepts of biology as well as physics and chemistry
to develop products and devices, which are used in the diagnosis and treatment
of diseases.
A Biomedical Engineer uses
traditional engineering expertise to analyze and solve problems in biology and
medicine, providing an overall enhancement of health care. The biomedical
engineer works with other health care professionals including physicians,
nurses, therapists and technicians.
Here are some specialty areas that you can work in the field of Biomedical
engineering:
Bioinstrumentation
This is the application of electronics and measurement techniques to
develop devices used in diagnosis and treatment of disease. You will make newer
and better instruments that can look through the body such as X-rays, MRI
(Magnetic Resonance Imaging) etc. Your work will also involve developing
cameras and other devices that will help surgeons get a better look of the body
from the inside during operations.
Biomaterials
This includes both living tissue and artificial materials used to
replace diseased organs. You will find out which living and non-living
materials are compatible and make devices that mimic the operations of the
organs of the body like an artificial heart. You will also be involved in
'growing' organs from tissues and cells in the laboratory.
Biomechanics
Here you will apply mechanics to biological or medical problems. You
will study the flow of bodily fluids such as blood. This will help you in
deciding the specifications for the various devices such as artificial joint
replacements, pacemakers etc.
Cellular and Genetic Engineering
Here you will look at medical problems at the microscopic level. You will
develop miniature devices to deliver medicines to precise locations to promote
healing or inhibit diseases.
Tissue Engineering
You will apply the principles of Biology and Engineering to develop tissue
substitutes to restore, maintain, or improve the function of diseased or
damaged human tissues. For example you will use cells from an individual's
healthy kidney and put it in the diseased kidney thus causing the growth of
new, healthy tissue.
Clinical Engineering
In this field, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining computer
databases of medical instruments and equipment records in hospitals. You will
also be involved in the testing, purchase and use of sophisticated medical
instruments.
Orthopedic Bioengineering
Here you will use engineering for the understanding of the function of bones,
joints and muscles, and for the design of artificial joint replacements.
Orthopedic bioengineers analyze the friction, lubrication and wear and tear of
natural joints to develop artificial limbs just as good as the real thing.
Bone Implant Technologies
You will research new technologies and materials that will make bone,
joint, and tooth implants almost as good as nature's own versions.
Robot Technologies
You will develop and look after fully programmed robots that will be used in
operating rooms for reaching vital organs that may be damaged permanently due
to human error.
Navigation Systems
You will use software tools and specialised imaging equipment to create
a digital picture of the inside of a patient's body. This will help surgeons
determine the best possible way to go about the operation.
Specialized Laser Technology
You will develop new laser technologies for applications in routine and
specialised operations, dental surgery as well as in skin relate disorders.
Rehabilitation Engineering
Rehabilitation engineers enhance the capabilities and improve the quality of
life for individuals with physical impairments. You will be involved in the
development of home, workplace and transportation modifications like motorised
wheelchairs that enhance seating, positioning and mobility for those with
physical disabilities.
Requirements
You need
* An interest in both biology and mathematics
* Organising ability
* Practicality
* Spatial reasoning skills
* Excellent analytical and logical reasoning skills
* Good logical and mental ability, problem solving skills
* Ability to grasp concepts quickly
* Ability to understand, comprehend, memorise and recall scientific theories,
facts and hypothesis.
* Investigative and critical thinking
* Patience and cool temperament
* Meticulous
The best
way to go about it would be to do your B.E in Biomedical Engineering. You can
also do your B. E in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Medical
Engineering Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Chemical
Engineering and do a postgraduate course in Biomedical engineering. You can
also do this course after completing your graduation in Medical Electronics or
Biotechnology. B.E in other streams can opt for a postgraduate course in
Medical Technology, which is also considered equivalent to a postgraduate
course in Biomedical Engineering.
Alternatively
you can pursue an MBBS degree and then go on to do a postgraduate degree in
Biomedical Engineering/ Medical Engineering/Medical Technology.
Job Opportunities
You will work in
* Companies manufacturing equipment used in hospitals and diagnostic centres. Here
you may work in the research and development (R&D), manufacturing, quality
control and testing, installation, maintenance or sales and marketing
departments.
* Large hospitals to select, handle and maintain sophisticated equipment. You
will also build customized devices for special needs.
* Institutions involved in
research.
* Government agencies where you will be involved in product testing and safety,
as well as establishing safety standards for devices.
Money & Other Benefits
In companies manufacturing medical
equipment- Rs 20,000 - 30 ,000 per month
In private hospitals and clinics- Rs 15,000 -25,000 per month
In research and teaching institutions - Rs 18,000 -25,000 per month
In government agencies - Rs 16,000- 22,000 per month
Career Prospects
Biomedical engineering is one of
the hottest careers these days along with Bioinformatics and Biotechnology. The
opening of the insurance sector has indirectly helped the healthcare industry.
Anticipating the high quality medical care, which will be made available to
millions of Indians, there has been a steady demand for bio medical engineers
in India. There has been an increasing use of the combination of medicine with
cutting edge technology in the treatment of diseases. More and more doctors are
utilizing the power of computers is and other devices such as MRI scans,
sonography devices, etc. The field of healthcare is all set to witness a period
of sustained technological growth. If you are keen on research work and
developing cutting edge technologies then pursuing a postgraduate course abroad
is your best bet.
Broadcast Technician
Broadcast and sound technicians
install, test, repair, set up, and operate the electronic equipment used to record
and transmit radio and television programmes, cable programmes, and motion
pictures. They work with television cameras, microphones, tape recorders,
lighting, sound effects, transmitters, antennas, and other equipment.
Some broadcast and sound technicians
even produce movie sound tracks in motion picture production studios, control
the sound of live events, such as concerts, or record music in a recording
studio.
In the control room of a radio or television broadcasting studio, sound
technicians operate equipment that regulates the signal strength, clarity, and
range of sounds and colors of recordings or broadcasts. They also operate
control panels to select the source of the material.
Technicians may switch from one
camera or studio to another, from film to live programming, or from network to
local programming. By means of hand signals and, in television, telephone
headsets, they give technical directions to other studio personnel.
Broadcast and sound technicians in small stations perform a variety of duties.
In large stations and at the networks, technicians are more specialized,
although job assignments may change from day to day. The terms 'operator,'
'engineer,' and 'technician' often are used interchangeably to describe these
jobs.
Transmitter operators monitor and
log outgoing signals and operate transmitters. Maintenance technicians set up,
adjust, service, and repair electronic broadcasting equipment.
Audio control engineers regulate volume and sound quality of television
broadcasts, while Video control engineers regulate their fidelity, brightness,
and contrast.
Recording engineers operate and
maintain video and sound recording equipment. They may operate equipment
designed to produce special effects, such as the illusions of a bolt of lightning
or a police siren.
Sound mixers or rerecording mixers
produce the sound track of a movie, television, or radio programme. After
filming or recording, they may use a process called dubbing to insert sounds.
Field technicians set up and
operate broadcasting portable field transmission equipment outside the studio.
Television news coverage requires so much electronic equipment, and the
technology is changing so rapidly, that many stations assign technicians
exclusively to news.
Chief engineers, transmission engineers, and broadcast field supervisors
supervise the technicians who operate and maintain broadcasting equipment.
Broadcast and sound technicians generally work indoors in pleasant
surroundings. However, those who broadcast news and other programmes from
locations outside the studio may work outdoors in all types of weather.
Technicians doing maintenance may climb poles or antenna towers, while those
setting up equipment do heavy lifting. Technicians in large stations and the
networks usually work long hours under great pressure to meet broadcast
deadlines, and occasionally work overtime. Those who work on motion pictures
may be on a tight s chedule to finish according to contract agreements.
Requirements
The best way to prepare for a broadcast
and sound technician job is to obtain technical degree in engineering or
electronics. This is particularly true for those who hope to advance to
supervisory positions or jobs at large stations or the networks.
In the movie industry people are hired
as apprentice and work their way up. Employers in usually hire experienced
freelance technicians on a project-by-project basis. Reputation and
determination are important in getting jobs.
Broadcast and sound technicians must have manual dexterity and an aptitude for
working with electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems and equipment. They
also need good people skills, analytical skills, problem-solving skills and an
eye for detail.
They should be patient, thorough,
safety-conscious, able to work well under pressure, and able to communicate
well with their clients. Good eyesight (with or without glasses) is essential.
They should have normal colour vision, as many wires are colour-coded.
Experienced technicians can become supervisory technicians or chief engineers.
A Master's degree in engineering is needed to become chief engineer at a large
TV station.
Job Opportunities
You can:
· Control the sound of live events such as Femina Miss India, music concerts
etc.
· Work in a radio station
· Work in a recording studio where you record for television shows,
advertisements, etc.
· In the production depart in television stations
· Produce movie sound tracks in motion picture production studios
People seeking beginning jobs as radio and television broadcast technicians are
expected to face strong competition in major metropolitan areas, where the
number of qualified job seekers exceeds the number of openings. There, stations
seek highly experienced personnel. Prospects for entry-level positions generally
are better in small cities and towns for beginners with appropriate training.
Beginners learn skills on the job from experienced technicians and supervisors.
They often begin their careers in small stations and, once experienced, move o
n to larger ones. Large stations usually only hire technicians with experience.
Money & Other Benefits
Television stations usually pay
higher salaries than radio stations; commercial broadcasting usually pays more
than public broadcasting; and stations in large markets pay more than those in
small ones.
Starting salaries are in the range of Rs 6000-8000. With two to three year's
experience in handling sophisticated equipment and software it could move to Rs
12,000-15,000 a month.
Career Prospects
Television stations employ, on
average, many more technicians than do radio stations. Technician jobs in
television are located in virtually all cities, whereas jobs in radio are also
found in many small towns.
An increase in the number of programming hours should require additional
technicians. However, employment growth in radio and television broadcasting is
expected to grow somewhat because of the fast growth in the number of new radio
and television stations.
Technicians who know how to install
transmitters will be in demand as television stations replace existing analog
transmitters with digital transmitters. Stations will begin broadcasting in
both analog and digital formats, eventually switching entirely to digital.
Employment in the cable industry should grow because of new products coming to
market, such as cable modems, which deliver high speed Internet access to
personal computers, and digital set-top boxes, which transmit better sound and
pictures, allowing cable operators to offer many more channels than in the past.
These new products should cause traditional cable subscribers to sign up for
additional services.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineering combines the
principles of mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology with engineering
practices in order to improve the human environment. Chemical Engineers have
long been regarded as the most versatile of all engineers; yet many
opportunities exist to specialise in a particular area.
Chemical engineers invent, develop,
design, operate and manage processes (conversion of raw materials into finished
products) in industries. They play key roles in industries as varied as
petroleum, petrochemicals, food, materials, specialty chemicals, power
production, environmental control, waste management, and biotechnology. Examples
of chemical engineering processes are the refining of crude oil by
distillation, production of insulin through a fermentation process and
production of catalytic converters for reducing automotive emissions.
Chemical engineers have worked on
creating the purple rose that has no thorns, the caramel on a caramel apple,
and even your tennis shoes. The chemical engineering profession has improved
water and waste system, created new drugs, and drug delivery systems, and
improved the crop yields for farmers just to name a few of the challenges.
The chemical engineering profession
began as an interface between chemistry and mechanical engineering in the
chemical process industry. Some decades ago nearly all chemical engineers were
employed there. From the examples above you can see that the principles of
chemical engineering can be applied in other industries as well.
Chemical engineers work in
the following areas:
Research:
Research engineers work with chemists to develop new ideas and new products.
They may come up with a new material or a better way to produce an existing
products. The mass production of antibiotics, for example, was made possible by
chemical engineers in research.
Design:
Design engineers create the process that converts a raw material into a final
product. Chemists invented the many synthetic fibers we use today, but chemical
engineers designed the plants that produce them at an affordable cost.
Development:
Chemical engineers look for ways to improve new or existing processes. The
'greening' of much of the Third World is due to a big reduction in the cost of
ammonia production, which made it possible for poorer nations to manufacture
this important fertilizer.
Production: < BR>The manufacture of chemicals requires
continuous supervision. Is the product of Specified purity? Is the production
rate what it should be? Are control instruments performing properly? Is the
process as safe as it can be? Production engineers are always answering such
questions.
Technical Sales:
Why isn't our product doing what it is supposed to for our customers? Could our
new product be used more economically than current materials? Why did that new
paint peel from one house? Sales engineers answer such questions. People
skills, as well as technical ability, are very important for these chemical
engineers.
Management:
Many chemical engineers are promoted to management positions. While less
involved in technology, they make policy and business decisions, train new
engineers, and solve human, rather than technical, problems. This list is
neither complete nor comprehensive. For instance, some chemical engineers work
in hospitals to find the best met hod of administering a particular drug to a
patient. There is no limit to the kinds of challenging work chemicals engineers
do.
Teaching:
Chemical engineers can also work as technical writers, teachers and professors,
in fields related to the process industries.
Requirements
Strong
technical ability, communication skills and high motivation are equally important
characteristics for a successful engineer in today's competitive and demanding
workplace. You need to be a creative problem solver who enjoys great diversity
in your work.
In order to qualify as a chemical
engineer you need to have a BE/ B.Tech or ME/ M.Tech degree in chemical
engineering. There are both degree as well as diploma courses. If you want to
make an early beginning you can choose this route. After SSC you can do a 3
year diploma course. After this course you have two options. Join an engineering
firm straightaway or enroll for a three year degree programme, which will
enhance you job prospects.
There is another way. Instead of
jumping into a diploma after SSC, you could study science all the way up to HSC
and then enroll for a four year degree course in chemical engineering. Both
ways, the number of years equal to six years (10+3+3 or 10+2+4). The degree
awarded will be BE (Bachelor of Engineering) or B.Tech (Bachelor of
Technology).
The Chemical Engineering curriculum is a strong combination of both theoretical
and practical coursework. You first need to build a strong foundation in
chemistry, physics, and mathematics. You will then learn to apply this
knowledge to the practice of chemical engineering, including heat and mass
transfer, unit operations, chemical reaction engineering, process control,
modeling and simulation, economics, and plant design.
Job Opportunities
Petroleum, chemical, and
pharmaceutical companies are the traditional employers of chemical engineers.
Today, however, increasing numbers of chemical engineers are hired by the
pharmaceuticals, healthcare, design and construction, pulp and paper,
petrochemicals, food processing, specialty chemicals, microelectronics,
electronic and advanced materials, polymers, business services, biotechnology,
environmental health and safety industries, rubber, metal, cement, plastic, and
aerospace industries. Government agencies, such as the Department of Energy and
the Environmental Protection Agency, also hire chemical engineers. And, more
and more chemical engineers are working in biotechnology.
Chemical engineers work in
manufacturing, Specifically, chemical engineers improve food processing
techniques, and methods of producing fertilizers, to increase the quantity and
quality of available food.
Money & Other Benefits
Majority of the chemical engineers
are employed in the petroleum and petrochemical industry. And let me tell you
that these industries pay really good salaries to their employees. All you need
is a bachelor's degree in Chemical engineering.
If you are employed at a chemical plants you start off at Rs 7,500 a month
while FMCG companies such as P&G pay between Rs 12,000 - 20,000 a month.
Senior engineers can earn anywhere in between Rs 30,000 - 50,000 a month.
Of course you can always join the teacher's brigade in various schools and
colleges. With the introduction of the Fifth Pay Commission, the salaries for
teachers are really looking up. Lecturers in colleges get a starting salary of
Rs 12,000-13,000 a month.
Career Prospects
The manufacturing industries all
over the world is currently going through a recession. The scenario is the same
in India too. Although there are a few sectors within the manufacturing
industries which are doing well, new recruitment is increasingly being frozen
or being cut down. Growth of employment is mostly negative. Industry pundits
are taking extreme caution in projecting future growth. Chemical engineers are
also caught in the recessionary quagmire. Future prospects, at this point of time
is uncertain.
But there are a few silver
linings. Industries like Bioprocess industry, Food processing, Agrochemicals,
Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, Petroleum industries are doing fine and their future
outlook is also encouraging. Chemical engineers will find good career
opportunities in these fields.
Chemical Engineers will also find
career opportunities in Industrial safety, Environment control and quality
control functions of various industries. These functions are increasingly
becoming key to industrial production. Chemical engineers would do well if they
specialise in one of these areas.
Ceramic Technology
Astronauts, dentists, clumsy
dishwashers, and astronomers all depend on ceramic technologists to develop such
varied products as protective tiles for space shuttles, ceramic fillings for
teeth, unbreakable dinner plates, and sophisticated telescope lenses.
Ceramics have applications in virtually any industry, which demands the use of
heat-resistant materials. Ceramic technologists are specialists in the study of
these materials, their behavior, application, and use.
Many industries now depend on ceramic materials: bricks, cement, tiles, pipe
and glass industries in the construction sector; the glassware, pottery, spark
plugs industries in the consumer goods sector; electrical insulators, cutting
tools and bearings manufactured in industries dealing with industrial products;
diodes, capacitors, magnetic materials and computer memory packages in the
electronics sector and high temperature tile insulation and composite materials
in space technolo gy, ceramic spark plugs used in aerospace industry and
nuclear fuel rods for nuclear industry.
Ceramic Technologists are mainly engaged in research, product development, and
production engineering. The exact nature of the job will depend upon your area
of specialisation and place of employment. If you choose research you will
spend much of the day evaluating and planning new projects or consulting with
other technologists and company executives.
But at the entry level in a firm that manufactures ceramic products, ceramic
technologists work primarily in the laboratory where much of the time is spent
running physical or chemical tests on raw materials or finished products and
analysing the results.
Ceramic technologists can specialise in whitewares (porcelain and china
dinnerware or high voltage electrical insulators), structural materials (brick,
tile, and turbine blades), electronic ceramics (magnetics, memory systems, and
microwave devices), protective and refractory coatings for met als, glass
products, abrasives, and fuel elements for nuclear energy.
Requirements
Success in this field greatly
depends on your grounding in subjects like Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
A background in Physics, Mathematics, and Mathematics, along with a degree in
Ceramic Technology/ Engineering is the preferred qualification to work in the
ceramics industry.
After your 10th standard examination, opt for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
in Higher secondary. Then go for the entrance exam to an engineering college
for a four-year B.Tech (Ceramics). You can continue studying and opt for M.Tech
(one and a half years).
You can study Ceramic Technology or Engineering after your B. Sc. with Physics,
Chemistry, and Mathematics. It is also possible to do a Diploma in Ceramic
Technology after your 10th standard examination.
A Bachelor's degree in ceramic engineering or materials science will only get
you an entry-level job. Some firms ask for a degree in materials engineering, p
hysical chemistry, physics, or metallurgy if the under-graduate programme has
included ceramics. For a job in R & D you need at least a post graduation
i.e. M Tech in Ceramics. If you are aiming high - top executive positions in
administration or management a doctoral degree in ceramic technology, materials
science or business administration will help.
Talking of personal attributes you must be able to communicate your ideas to
managers, technicians, craftworkers, production workers, and customers. The
core personal characteristics required are an innovative outlook and problem
solving skills. Gift of the gab will be an added asset when you have to build a
rapport and interact with artisans, technicians, managers, production workers
and customers. You must also be a good team player and possess an innovative
streak. Tension may be a part of the job when difficulty is encountered in
meeting production schedules or project deadlines.
Technologists with post-graduate or doctoral degrees in mat erial science,
technology and business administration can seek top-notch managerial and
administrative posts.
Job Opportunities
Ceramic Engineers are employed in
industries producing glass, cement, porcelain, enamel refractories, iron and
steel and in industries manufacturing special ceramics for power and nuclear
energy projects, aerospace, R & D laboratories and defence establishments.
Ceramic engineering graduates usually begin as junior or assistant
technologists and, as they gain experience, may advance to positions of greater
responsibility. Depending on the structure and product line of the firm, a
technologist may advance to supervising engineer, chief engineer or plant
manager.
The ceramic technologist engaged in research may be given increasingly
responsible assignments with corresponding salary increases and may progress to
such positions as supervisor, project engineer or director of research.
Many ceramic technologists work in the nuclear field, as ceramic fuel materials
make nuclear power generation possible.
The electronics i ndustry is a growth area for this technology, as ceramics are
used as insulators for transistors and integrated circuits.
Refractory ceramics are required in the refining of iron and aluminum, and this
industry is especially in need of this type of worker.
The exciting new field of fiber optics has had a dramatic effect on today's
telecommunication and medical industries, and since ceramic components are
used, ceramic technologists are playing a vital role in this new science.
Money & Other Benefits
Depending on the company, your
starting salary may range from Rs.6,000/- to Rs.8,500/- a month if you are a
degree holder. If you are a diploma holder your starting salary will range from
Rs.4,000/- to Rs.5,000/- a month.
Life, health, and accident insurance and retirement benefits are usually
offered to ceramic technologists on a contributing or employer-paid basis. Some
employers also offer stock options, profit-sharing plans or pay annual bonuses.
Career Prospects
There is a shortage of ceramic
technologists. To maintain a competitive edge in the market, ceramic companies
will often hire ceramic technologists to serve in vital business and management
areas. Since Ceramics are a part of almost all industries, one can get into any
industry of one's choice and at most places in the country. This is an area
where one may find employment abroad too, if one so wishes.
One of the top research projects of ceramic technologists is the development of
a ceramic engine which would replace the present diesel, gasoline, and turbo
engines. This new engine would withstand extremely high temperatures, would be
much lighter, would be more efficient, and would not wear out like metal
engines. Are you game?
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers handle all
construction work. They are involved in the planning, research, survey and
construction of all kinds of buildings as also roads, airports, dams, traffic
and transportation systems, irrigation and power plants, water supply and sewage
disposal plants, ports and harbours, oil rigs, etc. Basically, they are
responsible for planning and designing a project and having it constructed to
the required scale.
Civil Engineers also develop and
maintain the nation's vital transportation and other infrastructure networks,
improve public services, optimise the use of water and energy resources,
upgrade housing and mass transportation systems, and protect natural
environment.
Structural engineering, water management
engineering, highway engineering and environmental engineering are some of the
areas civil engineers specialise in. The civil engineer has to plan, research,
survey and design the project and then get it constructed to the required
scale.
Engineers are often the crucial
link between the goal and reality. Once a company or government agency decides
that it needs a certain product or process, the next step is for an engineer or
team of engineers to create it as efficiently as possible within a budget.
Engineers have a hand in all the phases of development, from idea conception,
design and development, implementation and testing to customer support.
The engineers have to ensure that
the structural framework of the building is strong enough to withstand the load
for which it is being constructed and also should be able to withstand heat,
cold and tremors. Engineers test and inspect products and structures to
increase cost-effectiveness and safety.
Requirements
Organising ability, practicality,
spatial reasoning, excellent analytical and logical reasoning skills are some
of the qualities needed to make it as a civil engineer. It is also necessary
that you like working with tools, drawing sketches, and conceptualising forms
and structures. The ability to express your ideas precisely to others is a must
here. You must be mechanically inclined and ready to work with your hands.
Good logical and mental ability,
problem solving skills and an ability to grasp concepts quickly are essential.
An ability to express oneself using figures and words, perseverance and
judgement are some of the other skills required.
Engineers need to be able to work
with a team. Breaking problems down in a systematic way helps to divide the
work among team members. You will usually serve as supervisor, ensuring that
all team members co-ordinate their parts and communicate effectively to keep
the project running smoothly.
The most successful engineers have
a balance of creative and scientific skills and can master both established
techniques and innovate new ones. Discipline, patience, and perseverance are
also important qualities in an engineer-the ability to communicate with others
is also a key skill, as engineers need to communicate effectively within their
teams and with others.
After your SSC you can opt for a
diploma course after which, you can go for a degree. Alternatively, after 10+2
one can study engineering by any one of the following options:
Through Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) for IIT (Indian institute of Technology)
Through JEE of state engineering colleges in India. Your marks scored in 12th
exam, particularly in the subjects of Physics, Chemistry and Maths are also
taken into consideration.
The BE/B.Tech degree course in
civil engineering covers structures, construction and surveying, foundation,
fluid mechanics, hydraulics, environmental engineering, irrigation engineering,
soil analysis, strength of materials, cost and works management and pollution
control.
After graduating students can go in
for postgraduate studies in India or abroad that will culminate in a master's
degree. Further study up to Ph.D. level is also an option.
You could also opt for the
following pecialisations:
Master of Planning in Urban & Regional Planning/Housing/Transport planning
Master in Computer Application
P.G. Diploma in Cement Technology/Construction/Quality control.
M.Tech in Earthquake Engineering, Remote Sensing
Job Opportunities
You can start private practice as a
consultant or work with municipalities, government construction, regulatory
agencies, transportation authorities, architects or urban planners. Others can
seek employment in construction or manufacturing companies. You can also work
for organisations like ONGC, Railways and various departments of state and
central governments.
Employment opportunities are exist
in the government sector, including the railways, departments of irrigation,
public works, roads, airports, harbours municipal corporations,
telecommunications departments, etc.
You can also work as a commissioned
officer in the defence services, Research organisations and laboratories.
Money & Other Benefits
Diploma holders begin at of Rs
3,500-5,500 a month. Graduates begin at Rs 6,000-14,000 a month in the
beginning. A government job pays in the range of Rs 8,500-10,500.
For consultancy services you could
charge extra depending on the project and your client.
Career Prospects
The entry of multinational
companies has increased the demand for good engineers. But, the entry level
positions after B.E are not very broad. Mainly due to the opening up of the
economy and privatisation of infrastructure developments there is expected to
be a good demand for civil engineers.
Computer Engineer
Computer engineers are involved
with the hardware and software aspects of computer systems design and
development. They apply theories and principles of computational science,
mathematics, material science, electrical technologies and digital technologies
to design computer hardware, software, peripheral equipment like printers,
computer networks and systems.
Their work can be divided into
various areas:
Design and development of computer hardware: This involves
research, design, and development of microprocessors, various components of computer
systems like CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory) chip, RAM
(Random Access Memory), monitor, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and CD drive.
Design and development of
customised microprocessor: Customised microprocessors are used
for specialised application like the microprocessor used for mobile telephony.
Design and development of
networking hardware: Computer engineers are involved in design and
development of various components for internetworking and intranetworking
(network of offices of a company at various locations).
VLSI (Very Large-scale
System Integration) design: Various large companies need macro
scale computer systems to integrate their complex operations. These systems
typically involve the use of computer terminals, networking hardware, system
software (those which are critical in running a computer system), application
software (those which are used for performing specific tasks like calculating
total sales of a product across various locations in India), and various networking
software. Computer engineers specializing in VLSI design are involved in
design, development, and implementation of these macro scale systems.
Hardware manufacturing and
testing: Computer engineers are involved in manufacturing various computer
hardware components as well as the assembling of components. They are involved
in testing of the assembled computer systems to check whether they are working
as per standard.
Hardware maintenance: Computer
engineers are also involved in servicing and maintenance of computer systems.
They work in trouble shooting of hardware.
Network Engineering: In medium
to large-scale companies, computers (generally called desktops) are mostly
connected to one another or connected to one or more servers. Servers are very
advanced and powerful computers, which serve the computing needs of many client
machines (i.e., the desktop computers, which are connected).
Networks can be of various types
right from LAN (Local area network) through which a number of computers in a
building or office space are networked to Internet through with millions of
computers can be connected. There is WAN (Wide Area Network), MAN (Municipal
Area Network), GAN (Global Area Network), etc. There are also the concepts of
Intranet through which all the computers of a particular company in all its
offices globally are connected. Computer engineers are involved in Network
Engineering along with the Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering.
Software Engineering: Software is
the tool, which helps us to use the power of computer in various applications
right from high-end scientific ones to low-end customized ones. Software is
used in a range of areas right from e-commerce, mobile commerce, manufacturing,
business, research and education. There are system softwares which are
essential to run a computer system (example, Windows 2000), specific
application software (example, MS-Office), and customised application software
(example, software used by a company to prepare salary bills for its employees).
Computer engineers working in software engineering are involved in analysis,
development, commissioning, and testing of various types of software.
Requirements
You need to
have:
An interest
in Science
Very strong
mathematical and computing abilities
Very strong
analytical abilities
Good
communications and interpersonal skills
Job Opportunities
You will find employment
· In computer systems design, development, and manufacturing companies like
IBM, Dell, and Compaq.
· In computer and networking hardware
system design and development companies like i2 Technologies and Cisco systems.
· In software development companies
like Infosys, TCS, Satyam Infotech
· Hardware assembling and
maintenance companies like CMC and HCL.
Money & Other Benefits
Computer
engineers get about Rs 12,000-25,000 per month in the beginning depending on
the company. Opportunities for earning are very good. A senior Computer
Engineer can earn about Rs 50,000-70,000 or more a month. Salaries in jobs
abroad are higher when converted into Indian currency.
Career Prospects
Career prospects for computer
engineers are very good given that the Information technology industry, though
currently undergoing a slump, has an overall growth. For example, though it is
believed that IT industry's future is bleak, IT software and services industry
in India grossed an annual revenue of Rs 37,760 crore (US$ 8.26 billion) during
2000-01, up from Rs 24,350 crore (US$ 5.7 billion) during 1999-2000, according
to the annual industry survey by National Association of Software and Service
Companies (NASSCOM), the apex body of software, e-commerce and IT services
industry in India. That's a cool 55% growth.
NASSCOM is projecting a figure of
Rs 52,500 crore as the annual revenue of the software and services industry in
the year 2001-2002. This means the industry is expected to grow at a rate of
39%.
Contrary to popular belief, Indian
firms are still one of the favorites of global companies when it comes to
sourcing software and related services. The NASSCOM study 2000-2001 has
highlighted that one out of every four global giants outsourced their critical
software requirements to India.
As per the Nasscom survey, the
Indian software industry has not only been growing exponentially but also is
maturing very fast. This means moving from serving low technology and manpower
needs of companies to offering high tech solutions. The industry has evolved
from body shopping (supplying IT manpower) to software development to
enterprise solution to IT business consulting.
However it is true that due to the
slow down in US economy, US firms have cut down their IT spending. But at the
same time many US companies have expressed increasing interest in the Indian
software industry. Many companies have announced their plans of either
outsourcing software from India or investing in Indian IT industry. Apart from
the US, companies in Europe and Japan are increasing their IT outsourcing to
India.
Apart from the traditional
software development sector, there are certain emerging sectors in the IT
software and service industry, which will drive the overall growth of the
industry in the near future. For example, e-commerce software is emerging as a
significant area of growth. The McKinsey-NASSCOM study projects that by the
year 2008, e-commerce software business in India can touch revenue of US $ 10
Billion.
IT enabled services are also
emerging as another major factor for growth in this sector. This covers a wide
range of services including call centre services, CRM (Customer Relationship
Management) services, medical transcription, data conversion/data entry, data
processing, back office operations, digital content development, animation, GIS
(Geographic Information Services), etc.
So overall, it can be said that
all is not bad in the IT industry. There are still a lot of potentials of
growth. It may not be a meteoric growth but it is definitely going to be
healthy. In fact, the industry is gunning for a total turnover of US $ 50
Billion by the year 2008. And naturally, there will be demand for quality
manpower.
The demand for manpower may not be
as exponential as we have seen over the last few years, but prospects for the
trained professionals are definitely good The overall feeling is that, people
with the right qualifications and skills will find jobs.
Electrical Engineer
From toasters to computers,
electrical engineers are responsible for a wide range of technologies.
Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical
equipment. Some of this equipment includes power generators, power transmission
devices, broadcast and communications systems, electric motors, lighting
buildings, automobiles, aircraft, computers and other office equipment and home
appliances. In addition, this field encompasses audio video communication
systems and industry automation.
Electrical engineers also write
performance requirements and develop maintenance schedules. In addition to
this, they solve operating problems and estimate the time and cost of
engineering projects.
Electrical engineers are required
to specialise in different areas such as power generation and distribution,
communications and computers and electrical equipment manufacturing - or a
subdivision of these areas- for example industrial robotics or electrical
systems in aircraft.
Requirements
You need:
Good logical and problem solving skills
Ability to grasp concepts quickly
Ability to express oneself using figures and words
You will also be required to put in long hours of study, work with tools and
work in teams. In addition good communication skills and high motivation are
also important to be a successful engineer in today's competitive and demanding
workplace.
In order to qualify as an electrical
engineer, you need to have a BE/ B.Tech or ME/ M.Tech degree in electrical
engineering. There are both degree as well as diploma courses in electrical
engineering. If you want to make an early beginning you can choose this route.
After the SSC exams you can do a 3-year diploma course. After this course you
have two options. Join an engineering firm straightaway or enroll for a
three-year degree programme, which will enhance your job prospects.
Alternatively instead of jumping into a diploma after SSC, you could study
science all the way up to HSC and then enroll for a four-year degree course in
electrical engineering.
The
electrical engineering course lays heavy emphasis on electrical networking,
electronic devices and components, electronics and communication, distribution
systems, electromagnetic theory and power electronics.
If you wish
to study further after graduation you could choose between to do a master in
electrical engineering, like an ME (Master of Engineering), M.Tech (master of
Engineering) or MS (Master of Science-if pursued in the US). In all these
courses you are required to study for another two years. You can also do a Ph.D
if you want to enter the field of teaching of advanced research.
Job Opportunities
Most jobs are in engineering and
business consulting firms, manufacturers of electrical equipment, industrial
machinery and professional and scientific instruments. Communications and
utilities firms, manufacturers of aircraft and computer firms also employ
electrical engineers.
In the government sector electrical engineers find jobs in the various
electricity boards as well as in the armed forces. You will need to appear for
the "Indian Engineering Services" exam conducted by the UPSC at the
national level or join various departments at the state level through their
respective exams.
The armed forces also induct a number of electrical engineers.
Money & Other Benefits
As a
trainee engineer with a Bachelor's degree you can expect to earn a salary of
about Rs 5000-12000 or more a month. However your earnings will be much lower
if you are just a diploma holder.
Career Prospects
Virtually every company that
produces an electrical product employs electrical engineers. As the demand for
newer and better electrical appliances and machinery for house holds and for
industry increases so does the demand for skilled engineers to make new
breakthroughs. Specialisation is the name of the game these days and it
wouldn't be such a bad idea to pursue a master s degree abroad. Back home too with
the increase in the number of infrastructure projects undertakes by the
government and Indian Industries, there has been a steady demand for engineers
capable of delivering innovative solutions. Self employment also is emerging as
a lucrative option be it small industrial project or fabrication activity
Of late engineers are in great
demand not just for their technical services, but for their managerial
abilities as well. An engineer with management qualifications is most sought
after for implementing increasingly complicated projects.
Electronics Engineer
Electronics engineer studies,
designs and oversees production of consumer electronic equipment such as
radios, televisions, computers and washing machines, to high-end electronics
equipment like, dish antennas, communication satellites, radar systems etc.
You work includes:
· Developing and designing electronic products
· Construction and manufacturing of equipment
· Production process control
· Testing of new electronics components and equipment
· Installation and commissioning of products
· Maintenance of products
· Sales and marketing of products
Problem solving will be an
important part of your job. You will use theory and your own ideas to work out
why things are not working. You will be a link between the technicians on the
production line and the design engineers.
The field of electronics has
developed so quickly, and increases in complexity so much, that people tend to
specialise because there is no way you can know everything. You will normally
specialise in one work area of the electronics such as research and
development, designing, testing, monitoring production, or marketing. You will
make extensive use of computers as well as equipments such as oscilloscopes and
voltmeters.
Expertise wise also, you will be
specialised in one of the fields in Electronics like Digital Signal Processing,
Industrial Electronics, Digital Electronics, Aviation Electronics, Fibre Optics
and Lightwave Engineering, Microwave Electronics, Microelectronics, VLSI Design,
Telecommunication Engineering, Power Electronics, Integrated Circuits,
Communication & Radar Engineering, Control Engineering and Instrumentation,
and Medical Electronics.
Although most of the time you will
be working indoors in the workshop or the factory you may also have to travel
to worksites to handle installation of electronics equipment. Most of the
electronic product manufacturing facilities and research and development
establishments are air-conditioned and dust free. Electronics is a precision
engineering and it needs controlled environment.
Requirements
You need:
· Good technical and numerical abilities
· Good communication skills
· Team work and leadership qualities
· Keen interest in technology
You will also need to be good at interpreting
drawings, problem-solving skills and decision-making. Electronics engineers
need to be creative, inquiring and able to work well as part of a team. You
need to be self-motivated, patient, persistent and disciplined. It is important
that you are able to make good judgments and work well under pressure.
Electronics engineers should have
good hand-eye co-ordination and good eyesight as they deal with very small
electronic components.
Electronics engineers need to have
a broad knowledge of physics, mechanics, electronics, maths and computers. A
diploma in electronics engineering is the minimum qualification to enter this
field. Of course, a bachelor's degree in the above stream will make your
prospects better. To be in research and development, you will need a Master
degree.
Continuing education is important, as you need to keep up with the improvements
in technology that is taking place. You therefore need to read periodicals,
books and look on the Internet yourself to keep informed.
Job Opportunities
You will gain employment in
· Consumer electronics companies like BPL, Videocon, etc
· Companies manufacturing electronic related products like LCD displays,
cathode tubes, etc.
· Companies providing basic telephone and mobile telephone services like
BSNL, VSNL, MTNL, BPL Telecommunication Ltd., Orange
· Industrial Electronics and telecommunication equipment manufacturing
companies like HFCL, Hindustan Cables Ltd., Enkay Telecommunication Ltd.
· Research & Development organizations like the DRDO (Defence Research and
Development Organisation) and National Physical Laboratory
· Electronic product testing laboratories like the Regional Testing
Laboratories under the Department of Electronics, Government of India
· Telecommunication hardware and software producing companies like Hughes
Telecommunication, Cisc o systems, and Mahindra British Telecommunication
· Computer software producing companies like Infosys Ltd., TCS, and HCL
· Telecommunication and Internet Service providers like VSNL, BSES, and Reliance
Telecommunication Ltd.
· Defence services
Government sector also has good
openings for engineers. Other than the Public Sector Enterprises like BSNL,
BHEL, SAIL, NTPC etc., UPSC conducts an exclusive exam every year, called
Indian Engineering Service (IES), for recruitment of engineers specializing in
various fields, in organizations like the Railways, Central Public Works
Department (CPWD), Military Engineering Service etc. Civil Service is also
quite a popular option. You can also work in the sales and marketing
departments of Electronics companies. Teaching at academic institutions remains
another option open to you.
Money & Other Benefits
Starting salary is in the range of
Rs 6,000-9,000 per month. Salaries for diploma holders are in the range of Rs
3,500-6,000 per month.
Most companies have training programmes for their engineers. So you may even
get to go to a reputed university abroad to specialise in a particular area at
your company's cost.
Career Prospects
Electronics Engineering graduates have
a bright employment future, as there is comparatively plentiful number of jobs
at the entry level. This rosy job outlook for engineers is in large part due to
a shortage of people with the right set of technical skills.
Overall prospects of electronic
engineers are very good as electronics industry is developing very fast with
arrival of newer technologies almost every month. The new century will also see
merging of electronics, telecommunication, computer, and biotechnology which
will further push the demand for electronic engineers up.
The rapid technological changes that are taking place
in the electronics industry mean that engineers need to keep up to date with
the skills and knowledge required. In addition, the development of modern
electronic processes, and the way in which electronic equipment works through
software, has meant that computer software design and programming skills are
also required out of electronics engineers.
Fire Fighter/Engineer
Increasing urbanisation and
mounting industrial activity has resulted in greater use of electrical devices
in houses and offices. Add to that terrorist activities like bombing, and
irresponsible deployment of inflammable substances and you have the perfect
recipe for fire hazards. Chemical fires in industries is not uncommon.
Out of the many opportunities at a Fire station you could choose to be a fire
fighter or a fire engineer.
The fire engineer advises and assists organisations in taking protective
measures against fire hazards; he may be called upon to design or recommend
materials or equipment, alarm systems, fire extinguishing systems; and provide
advice on location, handling and maintenance of such devices and systems.
Fire engineers are also responsible for determining causes of fire and methods
of fire prevention. They conduct research and tests on fire retardants and fire
safety of materials a nd devices. They may recommend safe methods for the
storage of inflammable and other hazardous materials. Fire engineers have to
use mathematical principles to assess fire risk, then apply scientific
principles to fire-safety practices.
With experience, a fire engineer moves up the ladder and takes on supervisory,
administrative and regulatory responsibilities too. In senior positions, they
are placed in charge of training and supervising fire-fighters, administer laws
and regulations related to fire department in the organisation, ensure
maintenance of fire equipment, prepare departmental budgets and so on.
In the inhibition and prevention of the onset and spread of fire, fire
engineering uses management techniques. In active fire fighting and supervisory
roles, a fire engineer's work is hazardous, however, administration and
research spheres mean more of deskwork.
A fire-fighter's main responsibility is reducing the consequences of fire if
there is an incident. The other side of is to reduce the incidence of fire, by
effective fire prevention and fire safety advice.
Fire-fighters have to work in shifts in dangerous conditions and are at risk of
burns, smoke inhalation and exposure to chemicals. The successful firefighter
is an approachable, good communicator with the ability to take decisive action
under trying circumstances. Firefighters must be able to perform strenuous
physical tasks, such as carrying unconscious people down flights of stairs,
directing the flow of a hose that carries 2,000 gallons of water per minute, or
breaking down doors locked from the inside.
The profession is very
dangerous--over one in four firefighters have to take time off for work-related
injuries, ranging from slipped disks to disfiguring burns--and requires a
strong sense of commitment to public service.
P.S. Rahangdale, Station Officer at Fort Fire Brigade and recipient of the
President's medal, says, "without courage, one cannot enter any emergency
site. It is vital to be ready in the line of action." The December 1992
and January 1993 riots in Mumbai saw the Fire stations are manned around the
clock. Fire Department being deluged with thousands of calls. Firefighters must
be able to deal with brief bursts of intense activity, then long periods of
boredom. One fireman recalls, ''there were times when we had to attend over 100
calls in just one shift of eight hours.''
Fire-fighters need to be able to relate to a five-year-old one day and a
75-year old the next. It's being aware of how to communicate with different age
gro ups and cultures. They also need to know about relevant fire safety
legislation, fire safety precautions and how these relate to buildings and
building construction. They need to know about streets and places in their
district, the handling of dangerous goods and building construction. They also
need to know about fire-fighting, different types of fires and how to deal with
them, and about rescue methods and equipment.
Fire-fighters need to enjoy working in the community, and be able to relate
well to people from different cultures, lifestyles and age groups. They need to
be calm in emergencies and able to make good judgements. They need to be
patient and disciplined, quick and efficient, reliable, self-confident and able
to work well in teams. They need to be in good health with no breathing
problems, and have a consistently good level of fitness.
Requirements
Fire engineering is a technical
profession that calls for a person with a scientific bent of mind. Other
qualities include physical agility, presence of mind, calmness of mind,
self-discipline, the ability to take quick, snappy decisions, a sense of
responsibility and leadership qualities. One should also plan for an
eventuality in advance, for after all accidents wouldn't be accidents if we
knew about them beforehand.
One should also have the desire to learn and update oneself constantly. Being
able to handle all types of people is a definite asset. Taking control of
panic-stricken crowds and shocked victims is no easy task.
There are some physical qualities
that are pre-requisites. Apart form being physically fit, one should be free
from any disease that hamper one when discharging duty. The minimum height
stipulated is 165 centimetres. Chest measurement: 81 centimetres, with five
centimetre expansion.
Fire-fighters need to have educational and presentation skills, good written
and spoken communication skills, organisational ability, and skills in
evaluating situations, making decisions and solving problems. They also need to
have practical ability, such as first aid skills, fire-fighting skills, and a
reasonable level of computer skills.
After Class 10 + 2 With Physics,
Chemistry, Maths you can opt for a diploma in Fire engineering. Alternatively
after B.Sc with Chemistry as a major subject you can do a BE in Fire
engineering.
There are some diploma courses on
offer by private institutes, which may not get you a job in a city/state fire
service but you may get a job in various companies, which manufacture fire
fighting systems. You may also get a job in Middle East or Africa.
You can also begin as a Sub-Officer
in a city or state. Fire service after doing a Fire Sub-Office course and later
on getting promotions after passing out departmental examinations.
Job Opportunities
The government has made it
mandatory for all companies in the private and public sector, to appoint a fire
officer if their workforce exceeds a specified number. The fire officer who
will be incharge of procuring the materials and devices to give direct training
to the workforce of company, supervise fire fighters engaged in operation,
administer law and regulation regarding the fire department and ensure
maintenance of fire equipments.
Fire engineers find job openings in the government fire services, architectural
and building design, insurance assessment, project management, aircraft
industry, refineries, industrial processing, and any area of safety where the
possibility of fire or combustion represents a hazard. All major organisations
that own offices or residential premises use the services of a fire engineer to
ensure safety of their premises.
The protective role requires a lot of safety checks, updating of equipment, con
ducting scheduled and surprise fire drills. Fire engineers may also work as
surveyors in insurance companies assessing the extent of damage suffered by an
insured party, investigating the cause of the fire, the efficacy of the fire
safety devices, equipment and alarm systems.
Money & Other Benefits
In Government establishments, your
starting gross salary could be in the range of Rs 5,000-7,000 a month. Opportunities
for getting a job in industry, office complexes, or other private sector
establishments generally exist after a few years of experience. In private
sector, salary on joining may gross around Rs 8,000-14,000 per month. If you
are lucky, you can land up a job in the Middle East or African countries with a
salary of about Rs 25,000 or more per month.
Career Prospects
With the ever-increasing risk of
fire hazards the need for specially-trained fire fighters and engineers has
become indispensable. Although technology has improved considerably, unforeseen
circumstances and unique developments all require competent and experienced
professionals to make snap decisions and take decisive action.
A degree in fire engineering makes one eligible for the management cadre in
Fire Service in the government or public sector. Fire stations all over the
country employ fire engineers. With increasing urbanisation and industrial
activity, the use of electrical devices, appliances, office automation has
become a must in most organisations and homes. The situation in turn increases
the possibilities of eventualities. Fire engineers play a pivotal role in
ensuring protection and taking the necessary precautions. Every state gover
nment has a fire department executing preventive and precautionary functions.
An option lies in the insurance sector as surveyors. When there are instances
of fire accidents, fire engineers are called upon to assess the extent of the
damage, investigate the cause of the fire, the efficiency of equipment
installed and so on.
Industrial Engineer
Industrial engineers determine the
most effective ways for an organisation to use the basic factors of
production-people, machines and materials to make a product or provide a
service.
You will design better methods and facilities for manufacturing and services.
You will study the various industrial processes involved, use mathematical
models and computer simulation to devise new manufacturing systems that are
more efficient. You will calculate how much work each machine or worker should
deliver and if necessary initiate the use of automation and robots. You will
aid in financial planning and cost analysis, design production systems as well
as quality control procedures. You will also have to work out the best possible
system for handling and storage of raw material, setting inventory size, as
well as packaging and the physical distribution of goods and services. In
addition to these responsibilities you are also concerned with worker safety
and work environment.
When new projects come up, you will
be involved in it from start to finish. Industrial engineers determine the
suitability of locations for factories depending on the best combination of raw
materials availability, transportation, and costs. In actual plant design, you
will figure out which computer systems, machines and automated equipment will
be used in the design and manufacturing process. You will determine the most
effective layout for computers, equipment and offices such that it is flexible
and easily maintainable. You will also develop wage and salary administration
systems and job evaluation programmes.
Industrial engineers must also
understand ergonomics (which seeks to adapt working conditions to suit the
worker) and consider how the machines and work environment affect the worker.
You will design workstations to reduce fatigue and prevent discomfort and work
related injuries. You will ensure that the placement of equipment, computers
and keyboards is perfect right down to the height of desks and tables.
Much of an Industrial Engineer's
output is used by management for making decisions. Your recommendations may
affect the size of a firm's profits, its labor relations, as well as its
production costs. In many ways you are the bridge between management goals and
operational performance.
One of the major challenges an
Industrial Engineers faces is automating a production process. You will have to
first determine what aspects of production needs to be automated and if it
makes financial sense. You will also decide which machines fit the
requirements.
You will be spending a lot of time
in your office pouring over papers and meeting heads of various departments.
Your visit to the production plant would usually be restricted to supervising
installation of new equipment and ensuring that the production flows smoothly.
Requirements
You need:
· Strong technical and numerical abilities
· Good communication skills
· Team work and leadership qualities
· Analytical ability
· Organising ability
· Practicality
· Spatial reasoning
· Excellent logical reasoning skills
· Ability to grasp concepts quickly
Apart from the general qualities
that every engineer should possess, industrial engineers should also enjoy
working with people. It is essential that industrial engineers not only show
proper technical understanding, but that they should also have insight into
human relations, accounting and management techniques. They should also be able
to adapt effortlessly to changing work situations and circumstances
In order to qualify as an industrial engineer you need to have a BE/ B.Tech or
ME/ M.Tech degree in industrial engineering. After the SSC exams you can do a
three-year diploma course. After this course you have two options. Join an
engineering firm straightaway or enroll for a three-year degree programme.
Instead of doing a diploma, you could study science all the way up to HSC and
then enroll for a four year degree course in industrial engineering.
If you wish to study further after graduat ion you could choose between to do a
master in industrial engineering, like an ME (Master of Engineering), M.Tech
(master of Engineering), which are for one and a half year, or an MS (Master of
Science-if pursued in the US), which lasts for two years. You can also do a
Ph.D if you want to enter the field of teaching of advanced research.
The course in industrial engineering will teach you concepts involving
industrial automation, systems engineering, process engineering as well as
management concepts. A Masters degree in business administration (MBA) is
particularly helpful for those planning to branch out into industrial
management later on.
Any
Engineering graduate can do a Master's in Engineering in Industrial
Engineering.
Job Opportunities
Almost any organisation in the
industrial sector requires the services of industrial engineers. A majority of
industrial engineers work in manufacturing industries. Other employment avenues
exist in the construction and pharmaceutical sectors.
Engineering consultancy
organisations like Larsen and Tubro and Tata Engineering services also employ
Industrial engineers.
You will begin your career as an assistant engineer. As you gain experience,
you will advance to associate and senior level positions. From here you can
branch out into senior managerial levels like project management or production
supervision.
As a trainee engineer with a
Bachelor's degree you can expect to earn a salary of about Rs 8000-12000 per
month. However your earnings will be much lower if you are just a diploma
holder. Senior engineers earn as much as Rs 30,000 - 40,000 per month.
Career Prospects
The increasing complexity of
industrial operations and the expansion of automated processes in factories and
offices is contributing to the demand for industrial engineers. In today's
troubled times, companies are trying to cut costs and improve efficiency. Most
of them choose to outsource experienced industrial engineers. Starting your own
consultancy firm after several years experience has therefore become a very
lucrative option.
Footwear Technologist
There are various categories of
footwear - those made from leather, synthetic material and other fibres. Since
all humans are different in size and taste, shoe manufacture needs to keep in mind
different needs and wants - shoes for men, women, children, formal shoes,
casual shoes, trekking shoes, sports shoes and so on. As you can imagine, the
list of different styles of shoes is endless.
In India, we have both the organized
and unorganized sector in the shoe manufacturing industry. In the organized
sector shoe manufactures use sophisticated machinery and skilled manpower. Here
shoe manufacturing is a highly mechanized process. This sector comes under the
purview of the Ministry of Commerce, which has set up institutes to help expand
footwear production and export.
On the other hand we have the
unorganized sector like the village sector where the work is handled by the
state level artisans. They form a part of the Khadi and Village Industries
Cooperatives.
There are also other players in the
private sector that deal with the production and export of footwear, in
collaboration with international contacts.
The functions carried out in a footwear industry can be classified into:
Designing: This is purely for the
creative brains. It involves creating new styles and patterns, of footwear. The
job of footwear designers today has gone high tech as they use computer aided
design systems to churn out beautiful footwear. If footwear designers had their
way and dress the feet in their creations, we'd be looking at people's feet
rather then at their faces. Footwear designer are faced with the constant
challenge of coming up with new styles to adorn our feet.
Manufacturing: After the design comes the actual process of making the
footwear. It has become a mechanized process where skilled technicians are
required to operate the machines. If you happen to work for a sports shoe
manufacturer like Nike or Reebok your main task will be to design shoes for the
competitive athlete.
Marketing: Here you'll be involved in selling various types of shoes to the
various retail outlets. Knowledge of the domestic and international market will
hold you in good stead. You will also be involved in organizing shoe fairs and
exhibitions in and around India. Marketing managers generally work with
advertising agencies to work out marketing strategies.
Requirements
If your work involves designing
footware then it goes without saying that you need to be creative. "As a
designer, I am constantly noticing things that inspire creative thoughts.
During one of my visits to Japan, I was inspired by this organic building that
contrasted all the other conventional homes in the neighborhood. For the Air
Fantaposite Max, I was particularly interested in how different shapes and
patterns can wrap around 360 degrees to form a unique 3-D structure," says
Matt Holmes, Nike Footwear Designer.
Though it is not mandatory for
footwear designers to be involved in the production part of it, technical
knowledge can sure be an added advantage. It's always good to know what the
different components that go into the making of the shoes. It gives you the
insight you need when it comes to designing.
There is a lot of hard work involved
if you want to make a career out of it. Recognition comes very hard, once you
have made your presence felt in the field. You got to be passionate about your
work along with the ability to experiment. Precision is one of the most
important factors in footwear designing. While designing the footware the
designer has to keep the prospective buyer in mind. Unlike designing a piece of
garment, which can be altered later according to the specifications of the
buyer, a pair of sandals cannot be amended later on. So you have to be extra
careful.
All aspiring footwear designers
must also keep themselves abreast of the latest happenings in the field.
Finally the west is taking note of the footware industry in India and that is
good news for all aspiring footware technologists. Today our designs are
selling well in the international market. So knowing the developments in the
indust ry helps.
Being computer savvy is an added
qualification because most footwear technology courses are computer aided. Use
of CAD (Computer Aided Design) in footwear designing has made it much easier.
And thanks to the Internet, today you can send a design to any part of the
world.
To make an entry in to this field
you need to go for a course in footwear technology or designing right after
your HSC. Some certificate and short-term courses require only an SSC. There
are various courses that you can choose from, depending on your interest. The
duration of the courses can vary from 12 weeks to two years. You can opt for a
Diploma in footwear designing or even choose to do B.Tech in footwear
technology.
The National Institute of Design, Paldi, Ahmedabad offers courses both after
10+2 and graduation.
After 10+2 NID offers Graduate Diploma Programmes of four-year duration.
Eligibility is 10+2. The Institute conducts an entrance examination consisting
of a test and interview. Competence in technical and related subjects is
normally be considered an advantage. Upper age limit for candidates is 22 years
(for SC/ST candidates the age limit is relax able by 3 years). Candidates with
higher qualifications are also eligible to apply. Central Footwear Training
Institute (CFTI) also offers courses in Footware technology.
Job Opportunities
After
completing your course you can either apply for a job with shoe houses or do
projects with them. As this can give you considerable amount of working
knowledge it is always good to begin by taking on projects with footwear
manufacturers. If designing is what you want to pursue, you could approach a
garment designer with samples of your works. In this way you could do
collections on a small scale for designers.
If you have the infrastructure and capital, then you could also open a small
unit of your own and supply to retail stores. Nowadays Internet is becoming a
favourite shopping mall for many. You can also display pictures of your
collection on the Net, which will enable sales.
Money & Other Benefits
Starting
salaries for designers of all kinds will be in the range of Rs 6,000 per month.
However if you are from a good institute you can expect a few more thousands in
your initial salary packet. After that as you progress in your profession, the
salary will be proportionate to the kind of work that you can churn out. It's
not unheard of about dedicated designers earning around Rs 50,000 per month
after being in the industry for a few years.
Post/Average Candidate/Candidate
from FDDI/Candidate from CLRI & CFTC
Designers & Supervisors/Rs
3,500 (starting pay)/Rs 5,500-7,500/-
Managers/Rs 6,500 (starting pay)/Rs
7,000-9,000/-
Candidates with MFT /Rs. 6,500
(starting pay)/
Senior Managers with MFT/Rs 20,000
Technical Officers (Dip. in FT)/Rs 7000-9000
Assistant Managers (PG in FT)/Rs
10,000-12,000
Career Prospects
Footwear designing may not have
created ripples in the career field the way IT or Biotechnology have. But it is
a field that is slowly catching up. With the boom in the fashion industry,
footwear designing is becoming a popular career choice.
A number of international footwear
companies have also stepped in. "There is a lot of scope in the field of
footwear designing. People just need to be made more aware of it," says
Prem Pal, Director of the Central Footwear Training Institute (CFTI).
Earlier, a career in the field of footwear designing was unheard of in India.
"We have always looked to the West when it came to fashion. The fashion
capital of footwear has always been Italy," says Sadiq Mohammed, a
scientist with Central Leather Research Institute of India (CLRI). "India
had always been in the backyard as far as footwear designing went. The designs
were imported. But that has changed and now buyers look upon us to design and
manufacture the shoes," he says.
There is tremendous amount of scope for this industry as the Ministry of
Commerce continues to place emphasis on it. About 20-30 per ce nt growth is
expected in the coming years, which translates into career opportunities for
many.
Export industry is also picking up
and is planning to reach 400 million pairs in the next 5 years! The investment cost
being low, a number of private units are also being established. Students, on
the individual level, are given support from the institutes such as the FDDI,
in the form of loans given on merit. Therefore, those interested in this field
should definitely pursue it as the Footwear Industry certainly holds a good
future.
Marine Engineer
If you thought you got to be a
sailor to have a career in the sea, then read this. There are various options you
can choose from. In fact there are more career gateways in the shipping
industry than most of us realise. This branch of engineering stands out from
others mainly because of the job opportunities that lie at the end.
As a marine engineer, you will be responsible
for the ship's machinery and equipment and its engine department. This includes
all the mechanical, electrical and electronic systems on board a ship. At sea
you will be responsible for the smooth working of all systems and be able to
solve problems quickly, should anything go wrong.
On shore you will be responsible
for over seeing the maintenance and any refits that you may consider necessary.
Yours will be an important job as without its propellers a ship is as good as a
big piece of metal! Later on, you could move on to designing next generation
ships, or specialise in the repair and maintenance of boats.
The life of a marine engineer is
not an easy one. You will mostly be below the deck of the ship. You will have
to memorise your way through the main engine, boilers and pumps, hydraulic and
fuel systems including the ships electrical plant and distribution system. If
any part of a ship's systems fails, it must be dismantled, assessed, repaired,
reassembled and put back into operation. This will be your responsibility.
You will get an opportunity to work
on passenger liners and ferries, ships carrying cargo, offshore oil and gas
supply and pipelining vessels, warships and submarines, and a variety of other
specialised craft. So you better be prepared to get your hands dirty.
Requirements
This is what you need if you are
planning a career as a marine engineer.
* Ability to adjust with people
* Ability to handle stress
* Should be level-headed
* Practical and cool in times of crisis
For starters, Mechanical and
Electronic Engineers qualify for training in Marine Engineering. However, those
of you who want to start early need to take the IIT entrance exams after the
12th standard. The course is conducted at Marine Engineering Research Institute
(MERI), in Calcutta and in Mumbai. It offers a government recognised Bachelor's
degree (BE) in Marine Engineering. There are also some courses offered at other
institutes.
You course will include practical
training including operating, overhauling and testing auxiliary power plants in
addition to the fundamentals of marine engineering.
Job Opportunities
A seafaring career begins as a
Junior or Fifth engineer. The ranks progress to Fourth Engineer, Third
Engineer, Second Engineer and finally at the apex - Chief Engineer. At this
level you will be the technical equivalent of the captain.
Marine Engineers for the most part
of their lives work at sea. But there are plenty of shore-based jobs available.
You can work in the shipping industry for trading, buying, freighting and
selling cargo.
A marine engineer may find
opportunities in: -
In large passenger ships you could
function as a Hotel Services Engineer. You will take care of galley equipment,
air conditioning and passenger lifts.
In ships that carry perishable
items such as frozen foods etc., you could function as the refrigeration
engineer.
On scientific survey ships or those
involved in cable laying you will be in charge for the use and maintenance of
diving equipment.
In the Indian navy, in addition to
maintaining the ship's engines, you will also have the opportunity to operate
complex weapon systems on ships and even submarines.
Offshore, you could find employment
in dockyards as well as companies engaged in ship building. You can also take
up jobs with a harbour or port department. But for these offshore posts some
experience at sea is required.
Money & Other Benefits
In the beginning of your career,
expect a salary of Rs 30,000 a month as a Fifth Engineer on a merchant marine
vessel. The pay scales are much lesser in Indian Navy. If I were you I would be
heading for the Merchant Navy. Just look at the money - a First Officer in the
Merchant Navy gets up to Rs 1 lakh every month! And the Chief Engineer earns as
much as Rs 1.5 lakh per month!
Career Prospects
Shipping has always been a big
industry. Although there isn't much indication of any great surge in the industry,
there isn't any decline either. The job opportunity has remained stable and the
demand supply ratio has remained constant. A large number of engineering
graduates opt for this field and so competition remains high.
Mechanical Engineer
The creation of mechanical
engineers impacts all of us. They are the wheels of the world. Mechanical
engineers, design, develop, and manufacture every kind of vehicle, power
system, machine and tool. Simply put, mechanical engineers are involved with
anything that moves. In fact any type of machine that produces, transmits or
uses power is most likely the brainchild of a mechanical engineer. There is
hardly any aspect of life that is not influenced by a mechanical engineer.
As a mechanical engineer in this
field you will research, develop, design, manufacture and test tools, engines,
machines, and other mechanical devices. You will work on power generating
machines such as electricity generators, internal combustion engines, steam and
gas turbines, and jet and rocket engines. You can also develop machines such as
refrigerators and air-conditioners, robots, materials handling systems, and
industrial production equipment's. Mechanical engineers also design tools
needed by other engineers for their work.
Your work will also include
designing and developing jet engines, steam engines, power plants, underwater
structures, hydraulic systems, measurement devices, etc. you can also work in
testing or product maintenance. So you see mechanical engineering is the
broadest and most diverse engineering discipline. Not many people can perform
their jobs without mechanical engineers.
Mechanical engineering may be
broken down into many sub-specialties. Some Mechanical Engineers work in
specific industries, building and designing nuclear plants, or automobiles, or
railway equipment, or aircraft. These mechanical engineers are sometimes called
nuclear engineers, automotive engineers, railway engineers and aerospace
engineers, respectively.
Other areas where mechanical
engineers play an important part are in fossil fuel, solar, wind, geothermal
energy, energy storage, waste disposal and management, environmental control,
fuel research, and ocean engineering.
Some mechanical engineers also work
in areas not usually considered to involve engineering. Biomechanical engineers
cooperate with physicians to investigate the workings of the body and to design
aids and instruments for medicine. Other Mechanical Engineers, work closely
with trainers and athletes, to design sports equipment. In the textile
industry, they work with fabric designers and artists. In fact, it would be
hard to fine an area or object in every day life that was not in some way
affected by a Mechanical Engineer.
The explosive development in the
use of computers is causing enormous changes in the analysis, design,
manufacture and operation of many mechanical engineering systems. This refers
not only to recognized 'high technology' areas such as the use of lasers,
automation, computer aided engineering and design, but also to a host of
mechanical engineering systems related to transportation, automotive
engineering, manufacturing, power generation, biomechanical engineering,
materials behaviour in design, fuel alternatives, pollution control and many
others.
Requirements
Strong technical ability,
communication skills and high motivation are equally important characteristics
for a successful engineer in today's competitive and demanding workplace. If
you want a job that challenges you each and every day, and provides you with a
wide variety of career opportunities, mechanical engineering is an excellent
choice.
In order to qualify as a mechanical
engineer you need to have a BE/ B.Tech or ME/ M.Tech degree in mechanical
engineering. There are both degree as well as diploma courses in mechanical
engineering. If you want to make an early beginning you can choose this route.
After the SSC exams you can do a 3 year diploma course. After this course you
have two options. Join an engineering firm straightaway or enroll for a three
year degree programme, which will enhance you job prospects.
There another way you could be a
mechanical engineer. Instead of jumping into a diploma after SSC, you could
study science all the way up to HSC and then enroll for a four year degree
course in mechanical engineering. Both ways, the number of years equal to six
years (10+3+3 or 10+2+4). The degree awarded will be BE (Bachelor of
Engineering) or B.Tech (Bachelor of Technology).
The subjects covered in mechanical
engineering are theory of machines, applied thermodynamics, machine design,
fluid mechanics, refrigeration and air-conditioning, machine tool design, heat
transfer, prime movers, pumps and compressors.
Post Graduation
If you wish to study further after
graduation you could choose between to do a master in mechanical engineering,
like an ME (Master of Engineering), M.Tech (master of Engineering) or MS
(Master of Science-if pursued in the US). All these courses need you to study
for another two years. You can also do a Ph.D if you want to enter the field of
teaching of advanced research.
Most engineering institutions in
India offer a four year degree courses mechanical engineering. Some of the
Mechanical Engineering colleges and Universities are:
The IIT's viz; IIT Mumbai, Delhi
(for under-graduate and graduate studies) .
IIT BHU (Benaras Hindu University) .
Veer Jijamata Technical Institute (VJTI), Matunga, Mumbai.
Sardar Patel College of Engineering, Andheri, Mumbai.
Job Opportunities
Here's the good news. Mechanical
engineers probably have the maximum number of employment opportunities. The
most traditional careers in mechanical engineering are those working as design
and manufacturing engineers for companies that produce a mechanical product,
such as cars, planes or refrigerators. In the government sector some of the
largest employers include the Indian Railways and the armed forces. In the
public and private sector almost all industries require mechanical engineers.
Maximum openings exist in the sectors of power generation, automobile. Machine
tools.
Mechanical engineering students can
go on to work of international giants such as General motors, Boeing, Pratt and
Whitney, General Electric, Ford and Many other 'mechanical engineering'
companies. In these firms you have the choice of entering the field, where you
will design and manufacture products, or supervise teams of younger engineers.
The other option is to enter the management track.
Most of the large technical firms
are still run by managers with degrees in engineering. General Motors, for
instance, had a succession mechanical engineers as CEOs during the years when
they prospered. The military research labs and Nasa all employ large numbers of
mechanical engineers.
Today, mechanical engineering has
merged and inter-faced with the worlds of electrical, electronics, computer
engineering. As a mechanical engineer you will find work in may industries and
your work will vary by industry and function. Some specialties include applied
mechanics; computer-aided design and manufacturing; energy systems; pressure
vessels and piping; and heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning systems.
You can work in production operations, maintenance, or technical sales as
administrators or managers.
You can also work in the research
and development team (RandD) of any industry. Here you will have to come up
with optimal, efficient, accurate, cost-saving and safe designs of the product
under consideration. If you are employed in the automobiles industry you be
involve din the safety testing of the vehicle being manufactured, designing
safe, crash and crumple zones for cars.
Initially you will have to begin as
an apprentice or a trainee in the Research and Development (R and D),
Production or Quality Control departments. If the company finds you good enough
you could be retained after a year as an officer. Managerial posts start coming
once you have completed 7-8 years in this field. It will be a long way before
you are promoted to the post of a General Manager of the firm.
Alternatively, you can also choose
to be you master and become an entrepreneur.
Money & Other Benefits
As a trainee engineer with a
Bachelor's degree you can expect to earn a salary of about Rs 5000-12000 or
more a month. However your earnings will be much lower if you are just a
diploma holder.
Career Prospects
Virtually every company that
produces a product employs some mechanical engineers. Mechanical engineers are
also involved in the computer industry in the design of hard disk drives, in
the cooling of electronic components and of course in the manufacturing of all
of the components of a computer.
The scope for mechanical engineers
in manufacturing will only increase as the demand for improved machinery and
machine tools grows and industrial machinery and processes become increasingly
complex. The demand for mechanical engineers in business and engineering
services firms is expected to grow faster than average as other industries in
the economy increasingly contract out to these firms to solve engineering
problems. In addition to job openings from growth, many openings should result
from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the
labour force.
Mining Engineer & Metallurgist
Your responsibilities will involve ensuring
proper ventilation, pumping, lighting and power facilities at the site. As a
Metallurgist you will be handling minerals and developing new alloys. You will
also develop new methods for processing different kinds of metals.
As a Mining Engineer you will be
involved in finding, extracting and preparing minerals for use in manufacturing
industries. You have to decide the best method to do all this.
Your work will involve designing
open pits and underground mines, supervising the construction of mine shafts
and tunnels in underground operations. You will also devise methods for
transporting minerals to processing plants.
Besides, you will also decide the
best suitable method for transporting the minerals to the factories where they
will be processed. And lastly, you will be responsible for treating and storing
the minerals. You will work alongside geologist and metallurgical engineers to
locate and appraise new ore deposits.
Requirements
This field is not for the weak
hearted. You need to be prepared for natural disasters such as the earth
collapsing or caving in, fire, floods, explosion, etc.
Law does not allow women to work
underground. However, aspiring women could train as metallurgists and work in
production and marketing of metals, minerals and metal products.
You need to have:
To enter this field you need a
Bachelors course in B. Tech/BE or B.Sc. in Mining Engineering, Mining
Machinery, Mineral Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Open Cest, Surface
Mining and Metallurgy. The minimum requirement is 10+2 with science.
The B. Tech/B. Sc. courses are for
a period of four years. There are also diploma courses in Mining and Metallurgy
after SSC.
After graduation you could do your
Masters (M.Tech) with specialisation in Mineral Exploration, Open Cest Mining,
Mineral Machinery, Mineral Engineering, Mining, Mine Planning or Mechanisation.
Job Opportunities
Mining Technologists and
Metallurgists are primarily employed with public sectors like Coal India, Hindustan
Zinc Ltd., the steel plants at Bhilai, Rourkela, Durgapur and Bokaro, the
Neyveli Lignite Corporation Ltd., and the Geological Survey of India.
You could also be recruited in Central and State Government offices as Mine
Managers, Ventilation Officers, Safety Officers, Analysts or Assistant
Metallurgists at the junior level.
With promotions you could rise to
the Senior Executive Position. Promotions depend upon the company's rules and
are usually based on competency and seniority.
Mining and Petroleum Engineers work
with geologists and metallurgical engineers to locate and appraise new ore
deposits. Your job requires specialisation in the mining of one mineral or
metal, such as coal or gold.
These days the main emphasis is on
protecting the environment. You could be involved in solving problems related
to land reclamation and water and air pollution. You can also be involved in
studies related to exploration, development and extraction of oil and gas
deposits; plan, design, develop and supervise projects for the drilling,
completion, testing and re-working of oil and gas wells; and, conduct analyses
of oil and gas reserves and production potential.
Developing new mining equipment or
directing mineral processing operations to separate minerals from the dirt,
rock and other materials with which they are mixed can be another area of work.
Metallurgists are employed with
research laboratories, industries and plants extracting and processing metals
like iron and steel, nickel, tin, copper, zinc, aluminum, brass, etc.
Money & Other Benefits
As a graduate Engineer
Trainee/Executive/Management trainee, your starting salary could Rs 5,
000-8,500 a month or more. With a diploma you can expect a starting salary of
about Rs 3, 000-5,000 or more a month.
Depending on the company, your
salary as a Mining Engineer may vary from Rs 6,500-8,000 a month in the
beginning.
Career Prospects
Opportunities are aplenty in the
private sector in the manufacture and fabrication of mineral-based products
like steel, petroleum automobiles, etc. Plants involved in extracting and
processing nickel, zinc, tin, copper, aluminium and brass and foundries and
rolling mills also employ Mining Engineers and Metallurgists. You could also
opt for teaching and training or academic research.
Since Mining and Petroleum
Engineers have a broad training, there are many other career opportunities open
to them in the construction and tunneling industry, banking and finance,
engineering consulting companies, equipment manufacturers and Federal and State
agencies, to name a few.
Naval Architect
A naval architect is a professional
engineer who is responsible for the design, construction and repair of ships,
boats and offshore structures.
These include:
Merchant ships - Oil/Gas Tankers, Cargo Ships, Cruise Liners, etc
Passenger/Vehicle Ferries
Warships - Frigates, Destroyers, Aircraft Carriers, Amphibious Ships, etc
Submarines and underwater vehicles
Offshore Drilling Platforms and Semi Submersibles
High Speed Craft - Hovercraft, Multi-Hull Ships, Hydrofoil Craft, etc
Workboats - Fishing Vessels, Tugs, Pilot Vessels, Rescue Craft etc
Yachts, Power Boats and other recreational craft
You will design vessels and offshore
structures that are stable, seaworthy and have the economic performance for a
comfortable travel in all conditions. You will build complex mathematical and
physical models to test and prove that the design is satisfactory.
Apart from the architectural
aspects of ship form and layout, you will also have to ensure that the design
meets the technical and safety standards laid down by the various governing
agencies.
You will then convert these
drawings and detailed specifications into real structures. You will be
responsible for the management of planning, production and the complex
operation of fitting equipment. You will strive to make savings with new
techniques and equipment and better training for the work force. Organising the
supply of materials and components as well as inspection and testing are also
part of your job.
Ships and offshore vessels are kept
in service for decades and so maintenance repair and upgradation becomes part
and parcel of every naval architect. Emergency repair work will often require
you to come up with ingenuous ideas and improvise on the spot.
In additions to the above duties,
you will coordinate activities with your clients, other professionals and
government officials. You will also be required to assist in the budgeting
process.
Most of your time would be spent on
the computer using architecture and engineering software. But you will also
have to work on the dry docks (docks where the ships are berthed and the water
is drained out) as well as off shore. Modern engineering on this scale is
essentially a team activity conducted by engineers from various disciplines.
However, as a naval architect you will integrate all these activities to
produce a product, which is fit for the purpose.
Requirements
You need to have:
Good design and technical skills
An eye for detail
Sound analytical and numerical ability
Good communication skills
Mechanical ability
Physical stamina to work on the
desk as well on the site, patience, team spirit, sense of responsibility and
accountability are some other important traits of this profession.
The minimum qualification to enter
this field is a Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture / Ocean Engineering.
You can also pursue your Bachelor's in Architecture and then do a postgraduate
specialisation in Naval Architecture.
You will learn the systems involved
in a typical design process like analysing requirements, deciding materials and
production techniques as well as assessing quality and reliability.
Along with the various engineering
techniques such as material fabrication, assembly, installation and
commissioning you will also be made aware of management practices such as
production, planning and quality control.
Job Opportunities
Naval Architects are employed by ship
builders and offshore constructors such as Garden Reach Ship Builders &
Engineers Ltd., Mazgaon Docks, Goa Shipyard Ltd., etc. Here you will work on
commercial as well as defence projects. Companies involved in off shore
petroleum drilling for petroleum like ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Commission)
also employ Naval Architects
You can work with companies engaged
in the design of products as propulsion systems, auxiliary (back up) systems,
under water equipment and control systems.
Many shipping companies have
technical departments in which Naval Architects are responsible for the many
phases of ship and equipment procurement and for taking care of the company's
maritime operations. (SCI, Great Eastern Shipping Company Ltd.)
Naval Architects are also employed
as ship surveyors by national and international agencies such as the
International Maritime Organisation. You will be evaluating the safety of ships
and marine structures on the basis of international standards and approving
them on aspects of design such as strength, stability, and safety.
You can also find jobs in companies
engaged in Research and development, educational institutes and the sales and
marketing departments of marine engineering and construction engineering.
Money & Other Benefits
Because this is a specialised
skill, starting salaries are comparatively higher in the range of Rs 15,000 -
20,000 a month for those with a Bachelor's degree and around Rs 22,000 - 30,000
for those with postgraduate degrees. Pay scales in government organisations are
marginally lower in the range of Rs 8,000 - 16,000 a month. But then you have
job security along with numerous other perks and privileges.
Career Prospects
If you think that you are going to
design a luxury ship like the Queen Elizabeth II or a super tanker capable of
carrying millions of tonnes of crude oil then you are sadly mistaken. The
economic slump has meant that companies no longer find it feasible to construct
new mammoth ships. However this means that ships currently in service will need
more overhauling and upgrading. Your challenge will therefore be to take
existing structures and make them better.
With time, naval architects become
specialists in one field or develop broad experience in several areas.
Eventually you will grow up to senior executive positions.
Alternatively you can start off
your own consultancy services providing clients with engineering solutions,
technical guidance and project management for vessel constructions, repair and
upgradation.
Production Engineer
Production engineers are
responsible for the planning, organisation, co-ordination and control of
production in a company. It will be your job to ensure that your products are
made in the required quantities at the lowest possible cost.
You will decide the best possible to produce an item. It can be anything from
crayons to cars. You will work out the best process to develop the product. You
will decide what kinds of machinery will be required and oversee its
installation. In certain cases you will also have to supervise the recruitment
of skilled and unskilled workers to handle the production lines that you set
up.
Once the entire production system has been set up, your job will move on
improving the efficiency of the production process. You will be looking at the
minutest aspect of the process and initiate changes if required. You will have
to keep abreast of the latest technological advancements in the market and
recommend the upgradation of m achinery and processes if it makes sound
economic sense.
Safety is also one of your important concerns. You will be required to ensure
that all safety standards for men and machinery are strictly adhered to.
You will work closely with personnel in the management arm of the company as
well as the workers on the production lines to ensure that everything goes of
smoothly. At the end of the day it will be you responsibility to ensure that
the actual production meets the scheduled requirement. You will set the
production target for a certain period in accordance with the factory
management.
At the senior level, you will be responsible for helping junior engineers plan,
execute, and meet the company's requirements in areas of safety, quality,
productivity, and finance. You will be required to provide your technical
expertise to enhance and expand the company's business.
Requirements
You need:
· Strong technical and numerical abilities
· Good communication skills
· Team work and leadership qualities
· Analytical ability
· Organising ability
· Practicality
· Spatial reasoning
· Excellent logical reasoning skills
· Ability to grasp concepts quickly
In order to be a production
engineer you need to have a BE/ B.Tech or ME/ M.Tech degree in production
engineering. After the SSC exams you can do a three-year diploma course. After
this course you have two options. Join an engineering firm straightaway or
enroll for a three-year degree programme.
Instead of doing a diploma, you could study science all the way up to HSC and
then enroll for a four-year degree course in production engineering.
If you wish to study further after graduation you could choose between to do a
master in production engineering, like an ME (Master of Engineering), M.Tech
(master of Engineering) or MS (Master of Science-if pursued in the US). All
these courses need you to study for another two years. You can also do a Ph.D
if you want to enter the field of teaching.
In the Production engineering course, you will learn subjects like design for
manufacturing, quality manag ement techniques, use of machine tools and robotics,
etc.
In this field, knowledge of software tools like Computer Aided Design and
Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) is most essential.
Alternatively, you can also become
a production engineer after completing your B.E in any stream and working in
the production department of an industry for three to four years.
Almost any
organisation in the industrial sector requires the services of production
engineers. A majority of production engineers work in manufacturing industries.
Other employment avenues exist in the construction and pharmaceutical sectors.
Engineering
consultancy organisations like Larsen and Tubro and Tata Engineering services
also employ production engineers.
Money & Other Benefits
As a
trainee engineer with a Bachelor's degree you can expect to earn a salary of
about Rs 8000-12000 per month. However your earnings will be much lower if you
are just a diploma holder. Senior engineers earn as much as Rs 30,000 - 40,000
per month.
Career Prospects
The increasing complexity of production processes has
contributed to the demand for production engineers. In today's troubled times,
companies are trying to cut costs and improve efficiency. That has also added
to the demand for experienced production engineers. With enough years of experience
you can even start off your own small scale manufacturing businesses.
Telecommunications Engineer
For starters you will be concerned
with sending and receiving data. This could be done using basic telephones, fax
machines, mobile phones, over the radio or T.V as well as the Internet. You
will make use of high-end technologies such as radar technology, microwave
technology and even communication satellites.
Telecommunication engineering
encompasses the field of hardware and the software. In the hardware field you
will be responsible for the physical installation and servicing of equipment.
It could be anything from laying telephone wire under a busy metropolitan road
to putting up satellite dish in a remote corner of the country. You will also
be responsible for ensuring that all this complex telecommunication equipment
is operating at its optimum level. If there are any breakdowns, you will the
one who will need to fix it and fix it real quick. After all nobody likes a
dead phone or a disconnected Internet connection for hours on end!
In the field of software you could
be sitting in a plush office, but your job will be just as hectic and
challenging. You will be responsible for ensuring that all the communication
devices are linked properly and that there is smooth data transmission. Looking
after aspects of data transmission such as signal strength, data loss, etc.
will be your responsibility. Since telecommunication apparatus are so complex,
in the event of something going wrong, you will have to be quick in deciding
where the fault lies and solving it.
Technology is growing at a rapid
pace and there is enormous scope in the field of research and development. If
you come from a hardware background, you will develop new communication devices
like mobile phones with which one can surf the Internet. You could also develop
transmission devices like more compact dish antennas. As a software person you
will create programmes that will help new devices communicate or modify old
software to suit new devices and technologies.
Requirements
You need:
If you are keen to work as a
hardware enginner in the telecommunicatin industry, then physical fitness and
an adventurous outlook becomes essential. Your work may take you on hundred
feet tall towers with close proximity to electrical wires and circuits. At that
point of time you can't shy away from the situation. You also need to make sure
that you are not colour blind as communication wires and cables are colour
coded. You should be able to distinguish red from green or else people using
the telephone will have to hear from the mouthpiece and talk from the earphone!
A diploma in electronics and telecommunication engineering is the minimum
qualification to enter this field. Of course, a bachelor's degree in the above
streams will make your prospects better. You can also have a B.E in Computer
Science or Electronics to work with telecom software companies.
Continuing education is important
for telecommunications engineers, as you need to keep up with the rapid changes
in technology that is taking place. Going in for a master's degree in
Telecommunication /Electronics/ Electronics & Telecommunication/ Computer
Science & Engineering in India or abroad will be time and money well spent.
At the advanced levels you could
specialise in current and emerging technologies such as:
Job Opportunities
As a telecommunication engineer you
will be employed in:
You can also work in the sales and
marketing departments of telecommunication companies. Teaching at academic
institutions remains another option open to you.
Money & Other Benefits
Starting salary is in the range of
Rs 6,000-9,000 per month. Companies involved in software development pay
between Rs 9,500-15,000 per month in the beginning. Salaries for diploma
holders are in the range of Rs 3,500-6,000 per month.
Telecommunication engineers need to
update their knowledge and skills from time to time. Most companies therefore
have internal or external training programmes for their engineers. So you may
even get to go to a reputed university abroad to specialise in a particular
area at your company's cost.
Career Prospects
Convergence is the name of the game
today. Getting different equipments like the computer and mobile phone to
communicate with each other is the main thrust of the telecommunication
industry. Along with that is the emphasis on developing better forms of
wireless communication systems.
India's liberalization programme
has resulted in telecommunication giants like Ericksson to set up shop here.
Increased competition amongst the players in providing basic telephony
services, mobile services and Internet services has resulted in a substantial
demand for telecommunications experts.
Although research opportunities in India are limited
there is enormous scope abroad in working for telecommunication giants such as
AT & T, BELL, Motorola, etc. and government agencies such as NASA (National
Aeronautics and Space Administration)