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Which field are you looking to pursue?

There are more than 100 branches in engineering. Selecting the right one can be easy if the student's interest is aligned with the course.

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Shyamala Elango
In simple terms, engineering is the application of math and science to solve problems. It is also about research, prototypes, design, maintenance and production. From computer chips and satellites to medical devices and renewable energy technologies, engineering makes our modern life possible.
There are more than 100 varieties of engineering branches. Many parents in this generation are more focused on getting the 'best' branch of engineering. However, branch is not all that important. Selecting a branch of engineering should ideally depend on the student's interest and career planning. Students should be able to evaluate their inherent personality traits and match it against factors that may be the mandatory determinants for success in any particular branch of engineering.

Requirements for engineering education
To be a successful engineer, you should be strong in mathematics and science. High analytical and problem solving skills, good communication skills, imagination, and creativity are some of the qualities an engineer should possess. In addition, advanced mathematics and science skills are helpful, since they are strongly emphasised in all engineering degree programmes. Calculus, chemistry and computer knowledge are also typical general programme requirements. Successful engineers typically have inquiring minds, and possess an ability to see the big picture, including potential problems and real world solutions.

What's next?
Engineering offers a vast variety of job opportunities and specialities. Engineers will play a huge role in working towards a sustainable future for our world. For entry-level positions, a bachelor's degree will be sufficient, but for higher and more detailed jobs, a specialisation is required. Work experience is a must for full-time job options, so you should grab any internship opportunity that comes your way while in college. In this technology era there are various specialised engineering job titles, such as spacecraft electronics/design engineer, petroleum engineer, design verification engineer, etc.

To be considered a fully qualified engineer, one must obtain accreditation from the relevant board in their country.

A few of the accrediting bodies are:
ABET - Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
IET - Institution of Engineering and Technology
ASEE - American Society for Engineering Education
AICTE - All India Council for Technical Education
IEEE - Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Among STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields, architecture and engineering majors are the most common, followed by computers, statistics, and mathematics majors; biology and life sciences majors; and physical sciences majors.
STEM majors not only have the highest wages, but they also experience the largest wage growth over the course of their careers.

Below is a graph that shows the median annual wages of college - educated workers with architecture and engineering majors:






Shyamala Elango is Director, Educational Services at Inner Universe. She can be reached at elango.shyamala@inneruniverse.org