Like many engineering students today, you may be wondering why so many classmates are out of a job or employed in non-engineering positions. How did this happen? Why is the engineering unemployment rate so high? Is it me? I recently gave these questions a lot of thought after reading several articles on the subject and gathering my own thoughts on the issue. After working on an article that was featured in the Huffington Post and a local newspaper, I've come to some conclusions I'd like to share with you.
This could be due to the poor quality education offered by Indian private colleges or a large number of engineering graduates. This is in addition to the combined total of the engineers produced by China and the USA. This is what the AICTE data shows. The issue at hand is the gap between graduates and placements. These data raise questions about the engineering education system. This data also creates fear among young minds about what will happen after they leave college. Btech graduates are afraid of being jobless, even after they have paid tuition fees. LiveMint reported that the starting salary for fresh engineers would not change over the next three to five years. Software engineers start at Rs 2.75 lakh to 3.25 lakh. 76% of 1,389 IIT Mumbai graduates were placed on campus during the 2011-12 session. Sources indicate that only 66% of the 1,389 IIT Mumbai pass-outs were able to find campus placements in 2012-13. The situation is worse for students of Tier II and Tier III colleges. This will make the gap between Tier 2 and Tier 3 colleges' start-up salaries even wider. The average IIT pass-out salary is Rs 9-10 lac per annum, but the average second-grade college graduate is only Rs 1.80-2 lakh.
What are the top skills preferred by the industry in engineering graduates?
1. Identifying and solving complex problems
Computers are becoming smarter thanks to AI and data handling. They can even outperform human employees in many tasks.
As horses have been replaced by cars, machines can also replace us. However, some decisions and problems require human intervention.
Engineers must be able to solve complex problems using hands-on learning. This will allow them to learn in real-world situations.
This allows them to be well-trained and makes them more adaptable when using the latest technology.
This skill can be developed by learning code.
Although most Indian engineers are proficient in coding, they lack confidence in their abilities. This is why it is so important to instill this skill in them.
These engineers are young and know how to contribute, but they need guidance to map out the path to success.
Engineers and programmers must contribute to the individual level, not just at the company level.
Many engineers are unable to deal with ambiguity because they have not been exposed to dynamic coding scenarios.
Learning that involves solving ambiguous problems will help improve learners' learnability.
2. The ability to think critically
Critical thinking is the second essential skill an engineer should have.
All professions require the ability to think clearly, solve problems and make logical judgments.
Engineers can grasp new concepts with critical thinking. It fuels innovation and helps to understand their connections and patterns.
3. Being Creative
Although machines can work faster, they are not as creative and imaginative as humans.
Engineers who approach technology from a creative and logical perspective are preferred by tech companies.
Creativity is a key ingredient in the transformation of various types of data into information.
4. Human resources management
No matter what profession you are in, people management skills are a must.
This is crucial as you might be asked to manage or be part of a team. A person with excellent people management skills can effectively divide the workload and help others to work together productively.
5. Collaboration with others
People-management skills include the ability to coordinate with others.
If you want to become an engineer, it will be a benefit to work with others and plan your work carefully.
6. A high level of emotional intelligence
This skill is based on the ability to manage your emotions and empathize with others.
Higher emotional intelligence will likely help you navigate through many professional situations. This will allow you to grow your career.
Only by being able to control your emotions can you communicate clearly and get the job done in the best way possible.
7. Decision-making and judgment
Making the right judgment and appropriate decisions are important skills for one to be able to come to sensible conclusions and draw connections/parallels between concepts and relationships.
This skill is often acquired through personal experiences.
It facilitates an improved assessment of people, events, and ideas in the professional environment.
8. A service-oriented approach
Service orientation is the ability to use your skills to help others.
You will be a leader if you are able to help others in innovative and effective ways, while also managing your own tasks. This skill will allow you to win the trust and loyalty of your team members.
9. Negotiation
Negotiation is all about reaching an agreement that doesn't involve any differences of opinion.
This skill is acquired through experience, having conversations with superiors, and gaining practical knowledge.
It is a great way to learn this skill by watching others negotiate.
10. The ability to adapt cognitively
Cognitive flexibility, which is the ability to deal with different situations and people in a positive way, is last but not least.
The biggest problem today is that engineers can't keep up with technology changes. (Dr. Spencer Johnson's bestselling book What Moved My Cheese focuses on changes in work and life.
If you are able to grasp complex concepts and have high cognitive flexibility, you may be able to learn new skills and have a strong career.
It has been shown that cognitive flexibility, which can also be referred to as "learnability", is one of the most important skills engineers need in this VUCA (Volatile Uncertain Complex Ambiguous) environment.
Learning ability is defined as the ability to rapidly and continuously improve and adapt one's skills to stay employable throughout one's professional career.
You will be able to learn new skills and can tackle new challenges using the creativity and innovation that your growing knowledge base allows. This will make it easier to do everything else.
Improving these skills will definitely help students enhance their employability.
Remember to continue networking, getting more involved in clubs and activities, and seeking professional experience. And if you hit a wall in any of these areas, try asking your professors for advice or tips as well to improve your chances of success with these steps.