Age-old specialisations such as Mechanical and Structural Engineering are back in vogue among students, along with the technology favourites.We check out the scene.

EVEN though the number of career options available to students has increased tremendously over the last few decades, engineering continues to remain a popular favourite. One just has to see the ample advertisements for coaching centers that promise to train you for success in your engineering entrance examinations such as the IIT-JEE or the EAMCET, to get an idea!

There is no doubt that a degree in engineering is considered a stepping-stone to untold riches and assured life-long stability and prosperity. However, the constant dilemma of choosing between traditional (computer science, electrical, mechanical and civil) and contemporary streams (biotech, aerospace, metallurgy, energy, nuclear et al) is a call most students find difficult to take. Even engineering institutes promote their high technology courses a lot more than the old school concentrations in an attempt to attract the brightest engineers. But, in today's economy is all this hype about hightech engineering degrees really necessary?

THE NEW ECONOMY MAJORS

The 1990s saw the IT industry rule the market, offering humungous salaries. Soon, students, parents and institutes responded to the boom by opting for high technology engineering options. It was inevitable that options such as mechanical and civil would be put on the back burner and lose glamour.    The IT industry also offered a golden ticket to explore the world outside India. Silicon Valley needed computer engineers by the droves and it became standard practice to complete bachelors in India and head for a master's degree in the US. It would, however, be a fallacy to believe that once you've completed your degree, you are set for life.

"Have you ever bought the 'latest' computer, only to find out a month later that there is a more efficient, and cheaper option being introduced?" asks computer engineer Visuddha Bowatte. "Well, that is what your computer engineering is like. You learn the latest technology in school but by the time you graduate, your education is obsolete," he adds.

OLD SCHOOL MAJORS

There is no doubt that computers and technology are an integral part of life. But one must question whether a high-tech engineering degree is necessary to be successful. According to IIT Professor Rana, "There are many applications of computers but it is not necessary that everyone needs to know how to 'develop' the system." Kunal Guha, an automation engineer, adds, "Computer companies often have clients who are engineering companies with software requirements. Therefore, computer companies themselves need to hire engineers, so that they can work together with software developers to create company specific software." 

Since IT companies still offer high salaries, these new developments work in favour of the old school majors who can now explore different job opportunities. It seems to be the general consensus that core-engineering degrees allow a greater range of flexibility in jobs.

DEMAND FOR QUALITY ENGINEERS

With booming infrastructure investment in India and rapid growth in the manufacturing sectors there is great demand for quality engineers from most of the 'old economy' engineering disciplines. But the lack of supply of quality manpower in this area is increasingly being viewed as a serious issue. In terms of campus recruitment, manufacturing and other old world recruiters have begun to rise to the challenge and offer more ambitious job profiles. Many of them offer salaries and career paths that mirror IT firms. However, it will take a long time before all industries are able to catch up.

Civil engineer Aditya Shah, explains the reason behind this: "Even if you are the class topper with a civil degree your salary will not match that of an IT degree to start off. In this industry, the work experience you have is the only way to add value to one self." He adds, "One can expect to wait for about to ten-fifteen years to equalise his salary with someone who graduated at the same time with an IT degree."

THE FINAL WORD   

Keep in mind that a fundamental aspect of engineering is the practical application knowledge. Engineers are problem solvers, and if you're considering a career in engineering, it's probably because you have a love of math and science and have a knack for dissecting complex mechanical or logistical problems. Every discipline offers you enough and more opportunities to excel in any walk of life. Choose wisely!