Different Types of Engineering

There are so many types of engineering today. It is indeed a tough task for students to choose one from so many options. A student should choose one according to his personal interests and hobbies. Doing so will definitely gives him/her an edge over others.

The list below, gives you an overview on different types of Engineering. Choose one which interests you most:

1- Aerospace engineering - Do you love making things fly? If so, then you must pursue Aerospace Engineering. It involves all the work related to designing and construction of aircraft and spacecraft. It gives you detailed knowledge about various aspects of aircraft designing.

2- Agricultural Engineering - As the name suggests, it teaches you about various technologies and sciences used in production and processing of agriculture. It gives you thorough knowledge about various aspects of food production processing, preservation and marketing.

3- Biomedical Engineering - If you are interested in exploring life science and medicines, then this field is for you. Biomedical engineering is primarily concerned with Living systems. It's a systematic approach to developing and exploring medicine, biology and healthcare field.

4- Chemical Engineering - This branch of Engineering Degree involves in various aspects of transforming raw material and chemicals, either physically or chemically, into more valuable and useful products which are going to be used by us in our everyday life. 

5- Electrical Engineering - It is one of the most dynamic and diverse branch of Engineering discipline. It is considered as mathematically oriented application as it covers various aspects of electric components, circuits and electric signals. It involves designing and developing technologies and incorporates them into electric devices and systems.

6- Computer Engineering - If you are tech-savvy person and spend liking most of your time at you PC and want to explore everything about computers from hardware to software, from programming to designing, then you must do Computer Engineering as  this field is all about developing and designing various components and hardware products and incorporate then into computers. It teaches you about the various computer technologies.

7- Mechanical Engineering - This is one of the most popular degrees amongst students. This field deals with analyzing, designing and maintaining mechanical systems. It is one of the oldest and broadest engineering disciplines.

Agricultural 
Applied Engineering Sciences 
Biomedical 
Biosystems 
Chemical 
Civil 
Computer Science 
Electrical 
Environmental 
Industrial 
Mechanical

architctural

geotechnical

geophysicist

planning

geological

aeronautical

reverse
marine
telecommunication

The various types of engineering courses that are available in Indian colleges and universities are listed below –

o    Agricultural engineering – One can judge out very clearly by the name itself that it is the course that educates the students about various types of the sciences and the technologies being adopted in the processing and production of agriculture. This course aims at providing proper information about the different features of the processing of food production, marketing and preservation.

o    Chemical engineering – It is the study that involves the features of the transformation of the chemicals and raw materials, chemically or physically, to get more useful and valuable products that can be used in everyday life of people.

o    Aerospace engineering – It is very interesting field of engineering in which jobs related to the construction and designing of spacecrafts and aircrafts is involved. The study of this course provides detailed information of the different aspects for the designing of an aircraft.

o    Computer engineering – This course study is the best for the tech savvy persons and the ones who like to expend most of their time in computers. The persons who like to explore everything about computers from software to hardware, from designing to programming, computer engineering is the best option to choose. This course educates the student about the designing and developing different hardware and software products and their incorporation into computers and a variety of computer technologies also.

o    Electrical engineering – The most diverse and dynamic branch of the engineering field is electrical engineering. This field is also considered as the mathematically tilting application due to the fact that variety of aspects of circuits, electric signals and the electric components are covered in this study. The developing and designing of various technologies and their incorporation into electric systems and devices are also covered in it.

o    Mechanical engineering – This stream of engineering is one of the top most choices among the students that deals with the maintenance, analyzing and designing of the mechanical systems. This stream is one of the broadest and the oldest engineering streams.

Career in Mechanical Engineering

Introduction

Mechanical engineering is one of the oldest branches of engineering. It is also referred to as the ‘mother’ branch of engineering. Another appealing feature of mechanical engineering is that the application base of this field of study is extremely broad and diverse. Almost all inventions during the ancient period and a vast majority in the modern era are direct contributions of one or the other application of mechanics.

Traditionally, mechanical engineers have to deal with concepts such as mechanics, thermodynamics, robotics, kinematics, structural analysis, fluid mechanics and many others. These concepts are applied in the process of designing state-of-the-art manufacturing units, different types of motor vehicles, aircraft and aerospace parts and a vast assortment of industrial machinery. Mechanical engineers also contribute in the development of various engines, power plant equipment, heating and cooling systems and other simple and complex machinery. Mechanical engineers not only design new mechanical systems but they are also responsible for testing, maintaining and manufacturing them.

The aforementioned are the conventional roles and responsibilities of mechanical engineers. However, times have changed. Nowadays the scope of mechanical engineering is expanding beyond its traditional boundaries. Mechanical engineers are focussing their attention towards new areas of research such as nanotechnology, development of composite materials, biomedical applications, environmental conservation, etc.

The ever increasing scope of this particular job profile now requires professionals to get into financial and marketing aspects of product development and even into people and resource management. All in all mechanical engineering offers a wide bouquet of job options to students who are looking for a stable and stimulating career.

Step-by-Step

Passing 10+2 with PCM (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics) is the first step you take towards becoming a professional mechanical engineer. To be eligible for a graduate programme (BE/BTech) in a college, you should have scored at least 50% marks and 60% for being eligible for IITs (Indian Institute of Technology) in 10+2 with PCM as subjects. After this, you can sit for various entrance examinations such as:

•  The Joint Entrance Examination for IITs (IITJEE) for admission to various IITs

•  All-India Engineering Entrance Exam (AIEEE) for admission to various National Institutes of Technology or regional engineering colleges

Apart from these, there are hundreds of engineering colleges across the length and breadth of the country where you can get into a graduate programme in mechanical engineering. Some of these colleges conduct their own entrance exams whereas some accept AIEEE scores.

You can also opt for a diploma in engineering from a polytechnic. For obtaining a diploma, the basic eligibility is completion of Class 10 with 50% marks. The duration of these diploma courses is three-years for regular and four-years for part-time study.

You can also go for an associate membership qualification from the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, which is considered at par with the diploma earned from a state run polytechnic or a university degree. Another option is to earn a similar qualification offered by the Institution of Engineering (India). Diploma holders can also get direct entry into the second year of a graduate program (lateral entry).

After successful completion of the graduate program, you can go for the two-year masters program in mechanical engineering or ME/MTech. If you are interested in pursuing a post-graduate programme in mechanical engineering from any of the IITs, then you must appear for the Graduate Aptitude Test for Engineers (GATE).

These days many engineering colleges are offering a dual (BE/BTech and ME/MTech) programmes. Some other institutions are offering a combination of an engineering degree along with a management programme.

In case you are interested in further studies, you can go do a PhD or even opt for a management degree from a reputed business school.

Start Early

To make mechanical engineering your chosen career path, you must have affinity for the way different machines function. This trait can be observed from early childhood when children try to tinker around with different machinery in their immediate vicinity. Such kids often tend to take apart mechanical toys, clocks, bicycles and then they try to assemble them back again.

These children are so innovative that they may even try to make new things. Here, parents have a special role to play. They must understand that the child possesses an inquisitive mind that is interested in gaining knowledge about machinery and not in breaking or destroying things. Parents must encourage the child’s curiosity to know more about different gadgets and machines in and around the house.

During schooling, the quest to play around with machinery increases all the more. This curiosity often culminates with the child opting for science with the PCM subject combination.

Is it the Right Career for Me?

Like other career paths, the entry into this particular branch of engineering also requires you to possess certain basic traits. First and foremost, you must have a penchant for mechanical components and machinery and how these machines work. Then you must be good at physics, chemistry and mathematics. You must also have skills such as an analytical bent of mind, logical reasoning and problem solving.

Further, you must have immense patience, physical strength, ability to work for long hours and an inventive spirit that are essential ingredients for becoming a successful mechanical engineer.

What would it Cost Me?

A graduate programme from a private engineering institution will cost you anywhere between Rs.50,000 to Rs.2,00,000 annually. However, in a reputed government run establishment such as the Indian institute of Technology (IIT) or any regional engineering college, you will have to pay an annual fees in the range of anywhere between Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000.

Funding/Scholarship

Educational institutes offering programmes in mechanical engineering generally extend scholarships to students from socially and economically backward classes. For example, IITs waive off the complete tuition fees for students belonging to the socially backward communities. Scholarships, freeships, stipends and financial assistance are also provided to students on the basis of merit and other qualifying criteria.

Job Prospect

Since mechanical engineering is the broadest of all engineering fields, the job prospects on offer for skilled mechanical engineers are aplenty and unending. Mechanical engineers are required to design, test, manufacture, install, operate and maintain a wide array of machines and mechanical systems that are used in countless industries. These professionals can find employment both in the government and private sector undertakings.

Major industries that employ mechanical engineers include automobiles, space research, aeronautical, energy and utilities, air conditioning, bio-mechanical industry. Other major employers include giant manufacturing plants, air conditioning and refrigeration industry, turbine manufacturing plants, oil and gas exploration and refining industries and the agricultural sector.

In the government sector, mechanical engineers can provide their knowledge to various government run projects in the role of technical experts and consultants. They can also work in private engineering companies that provide technical consultancy to both government and corporate firms.

These engineers can also hold high managerial positions in government as well as private sector organisations according to their field of expertise and educational qualifications.

Pay Packet

Mechanical engineering offers a wide variety of career opportunities to job aspirants. The average monthly salary of mechanical engineers who are new to this profession is approximately in the range between Rs.10,000 and Rs.25,000. Good campus placements can fetch even better packages for deserving students. Mechanical engineers who hold a post-graduate degree from a reputed academic institute tend to get better offers than diploma and degree holders.

From here on the annual pay packet depends on a number of factors such as the skill set possessed, experience, expertise, the employer, nature of roles and responsibilities, etc. Highly skilled mechanical engineers can easily command pay packets as high as Rs 40-45 lacs per annum.

Demand and Supply

There is great demand for skilled mechanical engineers in different segments of the industry. Their expertise is required in traditional manufacturing industries such as automobiles, aviation, shipping, aerospace, power plants and machinery manufacturing. In recent times, the services of expert mechanical engineers have even been sought in fields such as nanotechnology, biomedical engineering, energy conservation and environmental engineering.

There is also great requirement for mechanical engineer consultants who have management skills along with technical proficiency. The primary role of such professionals is to manage both technology and people and firms that provide engineering consultancy require them.

Various engineering colleges and polytechnics across the country are doing their best to meet the burgeoning demand of skilled mechanical engineering professionals.

Market Watch

The job market for mechanical engineers is perennial. Even the vagaries of the global economic crisis could not knock out the demand for these professionals in the Indian job market. Although some branches of mechanical engineering went out of focus during the meltdown period, the overall situation was much better as compared with other careers. On the brighter side, things are getting back to normal and this evergreen career path is again gaining coin amongst career aspirants as it did during the pre-meltdown years.

In fact, this is a period of resurgence for mechanical engineers. They not only have countless options in the industrial sector but they can also make foray into new realms of technology and even get into management and technical consultancy.

According to a survey, mechanical engineering is amongst the most sought after branches of engineering preferred by students seeking admission to various technical institutes across India in the recent years.

International Focus

Highly qualified professionals from this field, such as post-graduates from various IITs, often seek suitable employment in foreign countries. It is not that only highly qualified mechanical engineers get opportunity to work abroad. If you are employed in a multinational company, you may also get the chance to work on offshore projects

Positives/Negatives

+ives

•  There are umpteen job openings and you will not remain unemployed
•  Constant involvement in the development of new components, gadgets and machines
•  Innovative contribution to the new frontiers of science such as nanotechnology, biomedical engineering and environmental sciences
•  Not hit by recession or global economic meltdown

-ives

•  Working conditions can be adverse at times
•  Deadlines and work pressure can exact a heavy toll on the body and mind
•  Physically strenuous and not for the weak

Different Roles, Different Names

Mechanical engineering is considered the ‘mother’ of all branches of engineering. In this context the roles and responsibilities held by a mechanical engineer are different and depend on their area of specialisation and the industry they are working for.
In broad terms, the job profile of mechanical engineers can be classified into the following functional segments:

•  Research and Development (R&D): Engineers whose role is to do research and then plan for new machines and their constituent parts.

•  Design: Professionals whose responsibility is to draft technical drawings, manually or with the aid of computers.

•  Production: Engineers who supervise the manufacturing of mechanical components and machines.

•  Analysis and testing: Engineers who analyse and test different types of machines and their parts to ensure that they function flawlessly.

•  Installation: Professionals who install machines and mechanical parts at the client location.

•  Maintenance: Engineers whose primary role is to ensure that machinery is working as per specifications.

Top Companies

1.  Automobile and auto part manufacturers
2.  Aerospace industry
3.  Various Government sector undertakings
4.  Aviation companies
5.  Steel plants
6.  Thermal plants and gas turbine manufacturers
7.  Air conditioning and refrigeration industry
8.  Shipping industry
9.  Engineering consultancies
10. Armed forces

Tips for Getting Hired

1.  It is advisable to earn a post-graduate degree in this field
2.  Computer proficiency is a must these days
3.  You must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills
4.  A management degree further brightens your career prospects

Automotive engineering

Modern automotive engineering, along with aerospace engineering and marine engineering, is a branch of vehicle engineering, incorporating elements of mechanical, electrical, electronic, software and safety engineering as applied to the design, manufacture and operation of motorcycles, automobiles, buses and trucks and their respective engineering subsystems.

Product Engineering

Some of the engineering attributes/disciplines that are of importance to the automotive engineer:

Safety Engineering: Safety Engineering is the assessment of various crash scenarios and their impact on the vehicle occupants. These are tested against very stringent governmental regulations. Some of these requirements include: Seat belt and air bag functionality, front and side impact testing, and resistance to rollover. Assessments are done with various methods and tools: Computer crash simulation (typically Finite element analysis), crash test dummies, partial system sled and full vehicle crashes.

Fuel Economy/Emissions: Fuel economy is the measured fuel efficiency of the vehicle in miles per gallon or litres per 100 kilometers. Emissions testing the measurement of the vehicles emissions: hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and evaporative emissions.

Vehicle Dynamics: Vehicle dynamics is the vehicle's response of the following attributes: ride, handling, steering, braking, and traction. Design of the chassis systems of suspension, steering, braking, structure (frame), wheels and tires, and traction control are highly leveraged by the Vehicle Dynamics engineer to deliver the Vehicle Dynamics qualities desired.

NVH Engineering (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness): NVH is the customer's feedback (both tactile (feel) and audible (hear)) from the vehicle. While sound can be interpreted as a rattle, squeal, or hoot; a tactile response can be seat vibration, or a buzz in the steering wheel. This feedback is generated by components either rubbing, vibrating or rotating. NVH response can be classified in various ways: powertrain NVH, road noise, wind noise, component noise, and squeak and rattle. Note, there are both good and bad NVH qualities. The NVH engineer works to either eliminate bad NVH, or change the “bad NVH” to good (i.e., exhaust tones).

Performance: Performance is a measurable and testable value of a vehicles ability to perform in various conditions. Performance can be considered in a wide variety of tasks, but it's generally associated with how quickly a car can accelerate (i.e. 0-60 mph, 1/4 mile, trap speed, top speed, etc), how short and quickly a car can come to a complete stop from a set distance (i.e. 70-0 mph), how much g-force a car can generate without losing grip, recorded trap lap times, cornering speed, brake fade, etc. Performance can also reflect the amount of control in inclement weather (snow, ice, rain).

Shift Quality: Shift Quality is the driver’s perception of the vehicle to an automatic transmission shift event. This is influenced by the powertrain (engine, transmission), and the vehicle (driveline, suspension, engine and powetrain mounts, etc). Shift feel is both a tactile (feel) and audible (hear) response of the vehicle. Shift Quality is experienced as various events: Transmission shifts are felt as an upshift at acceleration (1-2), or a downshift maneuver in passing (4-2). Shift engagements of the vehicle are also evaluated, as in Park to Reverse, etc.

Durability / Corrosion engineering: Durability and Corrosion engineering is the evaluation testing of a vehicle for its useful life. This includes mileage accumulation, severe driving conditions, and corrosive salt baths.

Package / Ergonomics Engineering: Package Engineering is a discipline that designs/analyzes the occupant accommodations (seat roominess), ingress/egress to the vehicle, and the driver’s field of vision (gauges and windows). The Package Engineer is also responsible for other areas of the vehicle like the engine compartment, and the component to component placement. Ergonomics is the discipline that assesses the occupant's access to the steering wheel, pedals, and other driver/passenger controls.

Climate Control: Climate Control is the customer’s impression of the cabin environment and level of comfort related to the temperature and humidity. From the windshield defrosting, to the heating and cooling capacity, all vehicle seating positions are evaluated to a certain level of comfort.

Drivability: Drivability is the vehicle’s response to general driving conditions. Cold starts and stalls, RPM dips, idle response, launch hesitations and stumbles, and performance levels.

Cost: The cost of a vehicle program is typically split into the effect on the variable cost of the vehicle, and the up-front tooling and fixed costsassociated with developing the vehicle. There are also costs associated with warranty reductions, and marketing.

Program timing: To some extent programs are timed with respect to the market, and also to the production schedules of the assembly plants. Any new part in the design must support the development and manufacturing schedule of the model.

Assembly Feasibility: It is easy to design a module that is hard to assemble, either resulting in damaged units, or poor tolerances. The skilled product development engineer works with the assembly/manufacturing engineers so that the resulting design is easy and cheap to make and assemble, as well as delivering appropriate functionality and appearance.

[edit]Development Engineer

A Development Engineer is a job function within Automotive Engineering, in which the development engineer has the responsibility for coordinating delivery of the engineering attributes of a complete automobile (bus, car, truck, van, SUV, etc.) as dictated by the automobile manufacturer, governmentel regulations, and the customer who buys the product.

Much like the Systems Engineer, the Development Engineer is concerned with the interactions of all systems in the complete automobile. While there are multiple components and systems in an automobile that have to function as designed, they must also work in harmony with the complete automobile. As an example, the brake system's main function is to provide braking functionality to the automobile. Along with this, it must also provide an acceptable level of: pedal feel (spongy, stiff), brake system “noise” (squeal, shudder, etc), and interaction with the ABS (anti-lock braking system)

Another aspect of the development engineer's job is a trade-off process required to deliver all the automobile attributes at a certain acceptable level. An example of this is the trade-off between engine performance and fuel economy. While some customers are looking for maximum power from their engine, the automobile is still required to deliver an acceptable level of fuel economy. From the engine's perspective, these are opposing requirements. Engine performance is looking for maximum displacement (bigger, more power), while fuel economy is looking for a smaller displacement engine (ex: 1.4 L vs. 5.4 L). The engine size, though is not the only contributing factor to fuel economy and automobile performance. Other attributes include: automobile weight, aerodynamic drag, transmission gearing, emission control devices, andtires.

The Development Engineer is also responsible for organising automobile level testing, validation, and certification. Components and systems are designed and tested individually by the Product Engineer. The final evaluation though, has to be conducted at the automobile level to evaluate system to system interactions. As an example, the audio system (radio) needs to be evaluated at the automobile level. Interaction with other electronic components can cause interference. Heat dissipation of the system and ergonomic placement of the controls need to be evaluated. Sound quality in all seating positions needs to be provided at acceptable levels.

[edit]Other automotive engineering roles

There are also other automotive engineers:

§  The aerodynamics engineers will often give guidance to the styling studio so that the shapes they design are aerodynamic, as well as attractive.

§  Body engineers will also let the studio know if it is feasible to make the panels for their designs.

Career in Civil Engineering

Introduction

Since time immemorial, human beings have been engaged in building all kinds of edifices. From huts made of mud to Taj Mahal, we have definitely come a long way. As civilisations matured, it simultaneously led to the development of bigger, better and diverse structures. From cave dwellings, human beings had moved on to construct houses, palaces, canals, dams, highways, and stadia. These civilian structures played a significant role in the development of human race and gave various dimensions to human life as various activities evolved: social, political, economic and recreational. 

Some significant structures from the past include the Stonehenge in Britain, the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Roman Coliseum, the Great Wall of China and the magnificent Taj Mahal. Also worth mentioning here are buildings from the ancient cities of Chichen Itza, Machu Picchu and Petra. These are just but a mere glimpse of the examples set by one of the oldest branches of engineering, that is, civil engineering.

Amongst all branches of engineering, the range and application of civil engineering is the broadest and the most visible. In fact, the entire infrastructural framework of a modern nation is the creation of civil engineers. The credit of building mighty power plants, dams, airports, sea ports, highways, inland waterways and industrial plants goes to civil engineers. These professionals are also engaged in building an unending array of urban structures such as commercial complexes, skyscrapers, tunnels, bridges, roads, urban rapid transport systems, sports stadia and so on.

Wherever you might be, in cities or towns or in the far-flung areas of the country you simply cannot miss the creation of civil engineers. The nature of this profile makes it an evergreen prospect for career minded youngsters. There is an endless demand for this job profile both in the private as well as in public sector undertakings in our country.

Step-by-Step

If you have decided to become a civil engineer then there are two options available. You can either go in for a diploma or degree in civil engineering. After a graduate degree, you can also pursue post graduation in the subject.

You can go for a three year Diploma course after Class 10. For applying to a graduate program in civil engineering, you will have to qualify an entrance test either on a national level or on the state level. Your performance in 10+2 examinations could also be taken into consideration. The duration of the graduate program is four years.

After successful completion of this degree course, you can go for a post-graduate course if you are interested in research or teaching. Those interested in higher studies and research can apply for a doctoral program.

For a qualified civil engineer, there is no dearth of jobs, in both government departments and private organisations.

Start Early

The first and foremost thing in choosing this profession is the inherent interest in making something useful for the society at large. You must also have a liking for appreciating ancient and modern buildings. 

A good start to achieve the goal of being a civil engineer is a “well rounded education” which is very necessary to get into this field. For that, you have to take up and excel in subjects like Maths, Physics and Chemistry in 10+2 and during graduation.

Is it the Right Career for Me?

As a civil engineer, you will have to plan out, design and supervise the construction of different types of buildings. You need to posses good knowledge of mathematics and science. Also, you must also have good supervisory and administrative skills. 

Furthermore, you must be ready to sweat it out at construction sites and even work under stressful and hostile conditions. And if you think you fit the bill then civil engineering is the right profession for you.

What would it Cost Me?

A graduate course from a private college will cost you between Rs1,00,000 to Rs 2,00,000, annually. However, in a reputed government run establishment such as the Indian institute of Technology (IIT), you will have to pay an annual fees in the range of Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000.

Funding/Scholarship

Colleges offering programs in civil engineering generally extend scholarships to students from socially and economically backward classes. Scholarships, freeships, stipends and financial assistance are also provided to students on the basis of merit and other qualifying criteria.

Job Prospects

There is huge demand for civil engineers in India and it is also expected to get a boost as the country gets ready to upgrade its infrastructure with growing economic and political clout in the world. The career opens a lot of opportunities in numerous government departments. Civil engineers are employed in all major construction projects carried out by central and state government agencies. 

There are equally good opportunities in the private sector for civil engineers. A major opening for qualified civil engineers is also in armed forces where they can make vital contribution to the protection of the country. Last but not the least you can set up your own engineering consultancy.

Pay Packet

Pay packet of a civil engineer depends on a number of things such as educational qualification, type of employer, industry, location of work and so on.

Starting monthly salary of a graduate in civil engineering could be around Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000. With due experience and continuous upgrade of skills, the salary increases by leaps and bounds. Professors in engineering colleges get extraordinary amounts as monthly salary along with other benefits.

It is important to ensure that you get a degree or diploma from a reputed college as salary will also depend on the brand image of your college.

Demand and Supply

In the past few years, the demand for civil engineers has exceeded the supply. The growth in economy and exceeding demand for well qualified and experienced civil engineers has resulted in towering pay levels. Shortage of 7,000 civil engineers is witnessed by India every year. Therefore, no civil engineer can go without a job after his graduation. As a civil engineer, good job opportunities will await at your doorstep.

Market Watch

Growth in the economy as a whole and the construction industry in particular has brought cheers to youth seeking to make a career in civil engineering. This demand has been further pushed higher with more multinational engineering companies setting up their footprint across India. Further, the rapid increase in population and the steady technological progress made by the country has considerably enhanced the market for civil engineers.

International Focus

Indian engineers are in high demand in Asia, Africa and the middle-east. Those graduating from IITs also manage jobs in developed countries. The employment opportunities abroad are very appealing but sometimes it also carries a certain amount of risk. For instance, Indian engineers involved in construction work in Afghanistan have been repeatedly targeted by terrorists. So the decision to go abroad should be taken after considering all the possible scenarios and your won priorities in life and career.

Positives/Negatives

+ives

·         In big cities like Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai, new employees are even paid salaries that come close to salaries of Information Technology professionals.

·         Construction industry is experiencing a boom in the country and lucrative opportunities are plentiful.

·         You derive the satisfaction of having built numerous structures that facilitate the betterment of the society and the country.

-ives

·         You will have to undergo six moths to a year of training before you get a full-time job in the industry.

·         Construction industry is vulnerable to fluctuations in the economy.

·         Civil engineers often work in varied settings shifting from posh modern offices to job sites in extremely remote areas. 

·         The job often involves frequent travelling.

Different Roles, Different Names

The following are some of the important branches of civil engineering:

·         Construction engineering: This branch involves construction of highways, railroads, airports, power plants, bridges, tunnels, skyscrapers and so on. As per their abilities and position, engineers generally take care of different aspects of construction as well as business management. They have to manage project planning, costing and budgeting, scheduling, quality assurance, quality control, on site layout survey, material testing, material procurement, etc.

·         Hydraulic engineering: Engineers in this field primarily make their contribution in setting up structures associated with different water bodies. They contribute in the development of hydroelectric plants, dams, irrigation and navigable canals, reservoirs, bridges, culverts, storm sewers, water pipelines, etc.

·         Coastal and ocean engineering: This branch of civil engineering involves monitoring coastal areas and taking adequate steps to protect them from sea storms, flooding and erosion. These professionals also have a hand in the development of various sea port facilities.

·          

·         Transportation engineering: Engineers in this branch are concerned about the development of city roads, interstate highways, railroads, airfields, pavements, canals and urban mass rapid transport systems. They also play an active role in urban development and planning, traffic management and betterment of the transport system in the country.

·         Materials engineering: This branch of experts has to ensure the quality and durability of a vast variety of materials used in the development of different edifices. Material engineers usually deal with materials such as cement, concrete, concrete additives, metals and alloys, polymers and paints.

·         Structural engineering: Structural engineers are responsible for analysing different types of stresses and strains that a structure has to endure during and after it has been built. The study generally involves the identification of different types of loads that would act upon a structure and plans for making the structure safer from these loads. Structural engineers are also concerned about the overall strength of a structure when it is built so that it can withstand the onslaught of natural elements as well as human intervention.

·         Earthquake engineering: Seismic activity is the biggest enemy of all types of manmade structures. Experts who research the impact of earthquake on different types of edifices and implement quake resistant measures are referred to as earthquake engineers.

·         Urban engineering: Engineers responsible for the design and development of urban public utilities are categorised as urban engineers. Public works include structures such as city roads, pavements, fresh water pipelines, waste water disposal systems, public parks and so on. These engineers play an important role in urban planning as they are primarily responsible for setting up the core infrastructural requirements of an urban area.

·         Environment engineering: Although a relatively new field, this branch of civil engineering is rapidly gaining importance with the growing emphasis on environment protection and sustainability. These engineers have to develop strategies for protecting the environment from air, water and land pollution. They have to manage issues such as solid waste management, water treatment, air and water pollution, safe disposal of hazardous materials. Another dimension of this profile is the construction of buildings that are environmental friendly, energy efficient and green.

Top Companies

1.    Ajay Kadam Association

2.    Antant Access

3.    Associated Engineering 

4.    Balaji Railroad Systems Ltd.

5.    Dr. Kelkar Consultants Pvt. Ltd.

6.    Expert Technology – Chennai

7.    Gammon India Ltd.

8.    Hiranandani Construction Pvt.Ltd.

9.    IVRCL Infrastructure & Projects Ltd.

10.    Jaypee Group

11.    Larsen and Tubro

12.    Macro Marvel Infrastructure Corporation Ltd.

13.    Nircon Engineering Consultants.

14.    Potential Consultants.

15.    RDS Projects Ltd.

16.    Simplex Projects Ltd.

17.    Subhash projects and Marketing Ltd.

18.    Vadakar and Associates.

Tips for Getting Hired

1.     Making a good resume that focuses on education and computer skills is important.

2.     Network with people who work in the same field and discuss with them different aspects of this profile. Getting involved with a project and going to sites will give you practical knowledge of the profession.

3.     Seek opportunities for entry level jobs or internships; this will give you rich experience.