Career in Engineering
The shape of the modern world can be credited to the advancement in the engineering field of science and technology. The challenge of discovery, improvements, and modifications to various machines, equipment, tools, etc. gives ample contentment and thrill to today’s engineers.
In today’s scenario engineering is no longer limited to the classic division of civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering, but offers a variety of other fields to master. Now engineers probably have a wider choice to work, and a greater variety of jobs, than is possible in any other profession. This is because there is vast scope for engineers in areas such as automobile, thermal engineering, vacuum technology, polymer technology, communication, and computers to name a few.
Engineer's work starts with planning, designing, construction, production, testing, implementation, maintenance, etc. Engineers work on scientific theories to get practical solutions. In fact, Engineers have a hand in the creation of everything in use anywhere. Professionals in this field are in great demand today and the demand keeps on increasing day by day. Engineering offers tremendous scope for employment depending upon the area of specialization. Apart from jobs in the private sector, engineers can find employment in the public sector as well. There are numerous opportunities for engineers in the computer software industry too.
With the advancement in every sphere of life, there is a wide scope for engineers as they can join Defense services as commissioned officers by taking up the UPSC exam. They have great demand in Civil Aviation Industry and Merchant Navy. They can also join coveted Indian Engineering Services by clearing the Combined engineering services exam taken by the Union Public Service commission. Other opportunities include working as a consultant in research / scientific organizations. Engineers with entrepreneurship abilities can also set up his/her own enterprise and use their expertise to be successful entrepreneurs.
To get to these positions the aspirants have to join some coveted engineering colleges like IITs etc. by competing in the entrances exams like JEE etc. Although a tough ask but with an increase in the range of fields it has become a little easier than earlier. Presently one can join any of the following given several branches of engineering to use its potential to the full extent. List of various trades that one can choose from:-
- Automobile Engineers
- Agricultural Engineers
- Aeronautical Engineers
- Biomedical Engineers
- Civil Engineers
- Chemical Engineers
- Computer Engineers
- Electrical Engineers
- Electronics and Communication Engineers
- IT Engineers
- Instrumentation Engineers
- Mining Engineers
- Marine Engineers
- Metallurgy Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Metallurgical Engineers
- Production and Industrial Engineers
- Textile Engineers
- Telecommunication Engineers & many more
Aspiring candidates can enter this vast field of engineering and technology either by joining three years diploma course in State Polytechnics/diploma engineering colleges followed by a degree from AMIE or can do four years of BE/ BTech degree courses from the degree engineering colleges like PEC, IIT, BITS Pilani, etc. to name a few.
Equipped with the right qualification there is great scope for the engineers in respect of salary/pay packages as well as career prospects. In the government sector, the hierarchy starts with:-
- Junior Engineer - JE (Entry level for a diploma engineer)
- Assistant Engineer - AE (Entry level for a Degree holder)
- Sub Divisional Engineer - SDE (Also known as SDO)
- Assistant Executive Engineer - AEE
- Executive Engineer - XEN
- Superintendent Engineer - SE
- Chief Engineer - (Top most position)
Salary and Pay scales in Engineering
As far as pay packages of the engineering profession in the private sector are concerned it depends upon the organization one joins and the capability of the individual professional. A competent engineer in the private sector can expect anything from Rs. 15,000 per month to start with and expect up to Rs. 50,000 with some experience and expertise in the particular field. Where in the government sector there are specific pay scales for the various state and central governments although with small variations from state to state.
Career in Architecture
Architecture, the science of building, is the visualization of building blocks. It is that area of study that deals with the designing and planning of bridges, buildings, structures, and the spaces between them. Architecture is a highly competitive and multi-disciplinary profession involving a variety of tasks including spatial design, aesthetics, safety management, and material management to name a few.
Architects have licensed professionals trained in the art and science of designing and building. They are involved in all the phases of the construction i.e., functional, safety, and economical, and have to satisfy the needs of its user or occupants. These professionals are competent persons for the planning, designing and supervising of construction works for houses, office buildings, skyscrapers, landscapes, and even entire cities.
“Al burg” the tallest residential building in Saudi Arabia is the latest marvel of Architecture. An Architect is a combination of an artist, professional, and businessperson. They make the ideas, and sketches, make blueprints of their designs and then see them come to life as cottages, skyscrapers, and even monuments. Apart from designing and construction, architects are trained in activities ranging from conceptual problem-solving to project management.
Professionals in this field are in great demand today and the demand keeps on increasing day by day. Architecture offers tremendous scope for employment in the present scenario. With the country's current growth in industrial and economic activities, there exist wide employment opportunities for architects, both in the public and private sectors. A qualified architect can work with government departments such as central and state public work departments, housing, and urban development corporation, municipalities, city development authorities, state housing boards, and town and country development boards to name a few. They are also employed in industrial ventures, consultancies, private architectural firms, teaching institutions, real estate development firms, etc.
The professional with multiple capabilities of architecture and entrepreneurship can go for the most privileged field of architecture i.e private practice by registering himself with the Council of Architecture - The Council of Architecture constituted by the government of India is charged with the responsibility to regulate the education and practice of profession throughout India besides maintaining the register of architects. This body along with the Indian Institute of Architects - the national body of Architects in the country, lays down the guidelines for working hours, work environment, fees, etc.
Interesting candidates can enter this profession either by joining three years diploma course in State Polytechnics/diploma engineering colleges followed by a degree from AMIE or can do four years B.Arch degree courses from the degree engineering colleges. There is great scope for well-qualified architects in respect of remunerations/pay packages as well as career prospects.
Some of the best institutes that offer Graduate/ Post Graduate Architect Degrees are:-
- School of Planning & Architecture, New Delhi
- Chandigarh College of Architecture, Chandigarh
- School of Architecture CEPT, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad
- Govt. College of Architecture, Lucknow
- College of Architecture, Goa
- Sir J J College of Architecture, Mumbai
- Indian Education Society's College of Architecture, Mumbai
- Marathwada Mitra Mandal College of Architecture, Pune
- Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad
- Anna University, Chennai
- Sushant School of Art and Architecture, Gurgaon
- School of Architecture & Interior Designing, New Delhi
Architect Salary
A fresh graduate architect working as a trainee with established architects starts with a salary of nearly Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000 per month.
