Experts clear the air
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`The Hindu's pre-counselling guidance workshop in Vijayawada and Tirupati helps students think positively.'
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The experience of eminent academics and enthusiasm of the young students - the combination led to some lively discussion.
Engineering was not just computations and calculations or a test of programming as they discovered at the end of the programme. The medical stream was more dynamic, away from the mundane MBBS and BDS degrees, as many found out. That a pharmacy degree fetches much more money than a MBBS degree was a revelation. The very perspective of the courses and careers changed for thousands of students and their parents in just two sessions.
The EAMCET career guidance sessions organised by The Hindu at Tirupati and Vijayawada opened a new chapter in the lives of students. As they put it: "Experts' suggestions on emerging courses helped them to think boldly."
A host of speakers drawn from various universities in the State addressed the students. Here are a few excerpts from the engineering stream.
Dispelling myths
Prof. P. Trimurthy, Head, Department of Computer Sciences and Information Technology, Acharya Nagarjuna University
The notion that computer science and IT are entirely different is a myth. These courses offer a lot of job opportunities.
A growth rate of 23.4 per cent is witnessed in this sector. To take up careers in this sector, you should look for colleges that provide motivation to open up and change to meet the emerging demands.
The belief that computer science is software oriented while ECE is hardware oriented is also a myth.
Computer science has hardware and software foundations, while ECE contains electronics and communications technologies.
It is wrong to say that electrical related subjects like CSc, IT, ECE and EEE will fetch good jobs while civil and mechanical engineering holders do not have jobs. Any candidate strong in fundamentals in his subject, along with soft skills, gets a good job.
Order of choice demanded by candidates during May/June 2006 for seats under management quota in most colleges: biotechnology, computer science, electronics & communication engineering (ECE), electronics & computers (in limited colleges only), IT, electrical, mechanical, industrial production and civil engineering.
Select good course, college
Prof. V. Vasudeva Rao, Principal, V.R. Siddhartha Engineering College
As many as 4.7-lakh engineering graduates roll out of colleges in India every year. The share of Andhra Pradesh is over 85,000. These statistics indicate the extent of competition awaiting students on completion of their four-year course. It is time for them to select a good course and pursue it in a good college.
One student sought an engineering course that does not require much of mathematical background. Unless you are strong in maths, it will be difficult to make good progress in the engineering stream.
Go for electronics course if you are strong in maths and physics and have an aptitude for electronics. Do not consider whether it has job opportunities or not. An engineering degree without first class and special skills will not lead you anywhere.
Opportunities galore
Assistant Professor, J.N.M. Rao, Department of Mechanical Engineering, V.R. Siddhartha Engineering College, says that applications of mechanical engineering are far and wide. Every field of activity is touched by it in some way or the other. It throws up opportunities in many vibrant sectors - power production, boiler heating, coal exploration and Government departments like the PWD and the R&B. Presence of mechanical engineers is a prerequisite in maintenance of equipment.
Question of adaptability
Prof. G. Subba Rao, Director, Institute of Electronic Governance, Hyderabad
Students should acquire proper skills in all the areas concerned to meet competition. What was relevant 40 years ago is not relevant today. Change is the only certainty in this rapidly globalising and knowledge-driven economy. A student should constantly assess whether he can adapt to a new situation without much difficulty.
What one has to look for in colleges is whether they are creating this kind of competitive atmosphere on their campuses. Many students are painfully realising that they are not in a position to apply in jobs what they have memorised through bookish knowledge. Companies are rejecting them. Graduates should mould themselves in such a way that they should be able to turn ideas into products and services. This is what employers are looking for.
G. RAVIKIRAN
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Karnataka
Chennai
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Tiruchirapalli
Vijayawada
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