Questions to Help You Decide if Engineering is the Right Field for You

It is often seen that students end up choosing engineering due to a lack of awareness about other career options and streams. Another scenario involves students who do not know the right attributes required to be an engineer end up getting confused and choosing the wrong career option.

Students who wish to pursue engineering as a stream often choose Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) with specialization in a particular field. B. Tech is a four-year degree program with minimum eligibility of 10+2 or an equivalent qualification. Many students appear for entrance exams like JEE Advanced, JEE Main, JET, etc. for various engineering courses and colleges in India. With so many options available, students often find it difficult to choose one relevant specialization to suit their requirements.

The field of engineering is an ever-developing field that includes understanding and studying the theories of science and technology along with their practical applications. The knowledge that students attain is not just limited to the classrooms. The main objective is to drive future engineers towards innovation, research, and development for a bright, better, and functional society.

Popular engineering specializations include:

1. Mechanical Engineering
2. Civil Engineering
3. Electrical and Electronics Engineering
4. Aerospace Engineering
5. Food Technology
6. Computer Science and Engineering

The framework of a B. Tech program is designed keeping in mind the specialized fields of engineering, wherein students pursue both theoretical as well as practical knowledge. The course includes classroom lectures, practical classes, industry visits, and an internship program. In most engineering colleges, students have a common set of subjects like physics, chemistry, manufacturing science and technology, applied mathematics, engineering design, etc. In the second year of Bachelor of Technology, students are exposed to specialized courses associated with their respective streams. Engineering students need to have adequate experience in fieldwork and internships, as these experiences make them industry-ready and efficient.

Below are some of the questions which students need to answer honestly to decide whether they are suited for engineering or not.

1. Do you like solving problems? If students like solving problems, then they can choose engineering as their future career. If one wants to pursue engineering then it is very essential to have skills like problem-solving, analytical reasoning, and critical thinking. Engineering aspirants are prepared to make decisions under pressure and stick to those decisions to get the desired results.
2. Do you like Maths and Science? If one wants to pursue engineering, good command over mathematics and science is essential. It is always considered that students who have a liking for these subjects can pursue engineering. If students are planning for a career in engineering then they should make sure that they take up science and mathematics in classes 11 and 12. In major engineering entrance exams, most of the questions are based on mathematics and science streams.
3. Do you like working with computers? The first and foremost thing you need to know about engineering is that it revolves around the latest technology and computers. To determine if you are an ideal candidate for pursuing engineering your interest, knowledge, and passion for computers matter a lot. All designing models are prepared through computers, be it mechanical engineering, civil engineering, or computer engineering.
4. Do you like creativity? Creativity is defined as the act of turning ideas into reality. The field of engineering requires a lot of creativity. As an engineer, you will have to continually find new approaches to solve problems. To be a successful engineer, you need to be creative, cool, calm and composed. To be creative, one has to be imaginative.

If your answer to most of the above questions was a yes, then it is safe to assume that you are suited for engineering. A carefully planned decision must be taken after considering individual interests, strengths, and opportunities.