Interests, strengths, passion and ambitions should be the combination of thinking among the students while choosing an engineering branch and the selection of a good institution based on its faculty, infrastructure, placements and alumni network.
This advice was given by the speakers at a seminar on “How to choose the right engineering college” organised by The Hindu in association with Manipal University here on Saturday. The speakers who included K. Suryanrayana, Lead - Corporate L & D, TCS; Naresh Dubbudu, CEO, Gyanville Academy and B. Kishore, Placement Officer, Manipal University presented a holistic view of the course throwing light on various branches and the skills industry looks for among engineering graduates.
Mr. Kishore explained that interest of students was the key in selecting the branch and they should not blindly follow the trend. Careers that students want to pursue at a later stage and research interests should be kept in mind while picking up the course. But he also cautioned that selecting the right college to pursue the right course was important. Brand name, infrastructure, course contents, on-campus opportunities, internship opportunities and alumni network were as important as the course itself.
K. Suryanrayana, Lead - Corporate L&D, TCS cautioned students not to choose a career for monetary gains, or that it was a cool and easy job. They are wrong reasons, he said and advised them to analyse what they were good at, which were the hot areas and what skills and competencies were needed to achieve the goal.
Finding a mentor, getting trained periodically, and gaining experience working in a company were the key factors for those who want to start their own businesses. Communication skills, interpersonal skills, technical skills and self confidence were critical parameters in achieving success in either job or business.
Naresh Dubbudu, CEO, Gyanville Academy focussed on non-IT careers, skills needed and the opportunities available. A question answer session followed where the students got their doubts cleared by the experts.
