What IIT Can Teach About Changing India's Workforce, Creating Opportunities through General Engineering

In the past, engineering graduates would select a certain branch and work in that industry. Companies usually hire straight from college campuses, allocating resources for the new hires' specialized training.

Long-term partnerships between employers and employees were promoted under this strategy. Nonetheless, there has been a discernible shift in recent years. The frequency of job changes among employees has increased, and the skill sets needed have become more multidisciplinary.

For instance, computer science graduates can gain from knowing mechanical and civil engineering principles, whereas mechanical engineers now need to be conversant in electrical and computer science.

How India's Workforce Can Be Transformed by General EngineeringThe all-encompassing style of the program enables students to investigate multiple sectors before settling on a specialty, guaranteeing that they make well-informed career decisions. (Photo courtesy of Unsplash) — Dr. Satvasheel Ramesh Powar

It might change the game to introduce the idea of general engineering. An interdisciplinary program called "General Engineering" gives students a general understanding of several engineering specialties before letting them choose one to focus on.

During the first two years of their curriculum, this strategy provides students with a comprehensive understanding of many engineering disciplines, such as computer science, data science, mechanical, electrical, and civil.

Students should leave with a wide range of transferable skills that they can use in many different contexts.

During their first two years, students ought to be given plenty of opportunities to follow their interests. Organizing field trips to several industrial environments can assist their comprehension of the practical applications of theoretical knowledge.

Students can gain motivation from these experiences and identify their areas of interest.

Following the exploration stage, students can choose their focus areas. The curriculum must to be created in a way that allows students to gain real-time knowledge about the advancements and trends occurring in the sector.

Students should work for the institute or a business in their chosen field for a year after deciding on their specialization. The practical training under the guidance of professionals will equip students for the specific requirements of their future professions. The course design for individual demands will definitely benefit industry and expert involvement.

India has many obstacles to overcome, but there are also many opportunities. In the manufacturing sector, automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence are very important, especially for Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSME).

Considering the importance of value for money in the Indian market, creating affordable products and solutions specifically for this market can create new avenues for international marketing and distribution.

Better job offers and higher job satisfaction might arise from preparing students for specialized occupations before graduation. Employers gain from taking on recent graduates who are qualified and eager to contribute right away. As a result of this strategy, both businesses and employees benefit.

The program's comprehensive approach allows students to explore various fields before specializing, ensuring that they make informed career choices.

General Engineering greatly improves students' future career prospects by equipping them with critical problem-solving skills and preparing them for leadership roles, thereby opening up broader career opportunities and laying a solid foundation for advanced studies or further specialization. These are just a few reasons why students might choose to major in general engineering.