Many of the students who choose science stream in higher high school education aspire to become engineers in the future. They prepare for the entrance exams with their usual study curriculum in the hope of making it to the top colleges to get a bright future for themselves. A good engineering college sums up to good quality education, great exposure, and even better placements. But, the looming question in the young minds is- “Which branch to opt for?”
Any layman would say just do what interests you and that stands true as well. However, this might not be the only factor that you consider before going for the branch of engineering you want to study. You may choose a branch, but there is always a 50% probability you can study it. This is all because of the competition around. Hence, you need to keep backups, look at the prospects of all the branches and then choose the right branch.
This article aims to provide you with certain tips on selecting the right branch of engineering for your higher education. Read through these tips to guide yourself in making a better decision.
Types of Engineering
There are majorly four broad branches of engineering under which you can find many sub-branches. These four major branches are- mechanical, chemical, civil, and electrical engineering. It is natural for anyone to get confused after having a look at the variety of options they have to go for. Here is a very brief overview of the major branches.
Civil Engineering - One of the oldest forms of engineering, the main emphasis of this branch is on maintenance, analysis, construction, and designing of the structure, either human-made or natural. The sub-branches of this may include urban engineering, municipal engineering, structural engineering, construction engineering, biomechanics, control engineering, to name a few.
Mechanical Engineering - Considered as the mother of all engineering branches, mechanical engineering pertains to analysis, designing, and manufacture of mechanical systems.
Electrical Engineering - As the name suggests, this branch of engineering is concerned with electronica. Sub branches of this stream include electronic engineering, optical engineering, power engineering, telecommunications engineering, to name a few.
Chemical Engineering - Chemical engineering is about applying chemistry to formulate new materials and processes to transform materials to obtain desirable and useful products.
So, it can be seen that there are many options under each category for you to specialise in. And to help you chalk out which branch(s) you can rightly pick for your future as a priority and backup as well, here are certain tips to guide your way.
Tips to Choose the Right Branch of Engineering
Your Interests - Figure out what excites you and intrigues your conscience to know more about it. This is the first and foremost step you should do to find your interested branch of engineering. Looking up through articles and reading about what the major and sub-branches of engineering offer curriculum wise can be a productive step. Landing on the wrong branch can cost you a life-long regret. Hence don’t compromise on your choices.
Job Prospects - This is the next important aspect you should look out for. Engineering courses take four years to complete. And if you want to pursue further or more branches even more. These courses tend to keep students on their toes all the time and there is a lot of hard work involved. Working under stressful situations, deadlines, etc. hence, if you are putting in so many efforts, you will want an equally productive output. And that fruitful output is landing on a good job. Why did you opt for the branch that you did? Obviously, it was your interest, but it was also the jobs it offered and their pay along with it. Everybody wants a secure and safe future. Hence there is no harm in looking out fo it.
Field Trips - A field trip? It might seem odd but it is a good idea. A field trip can come handy to give you an insight into the practical life that the branch of engineering you choose beholds. Having a gist of the practical scenario will provide you with a certain level of clarity if you would want to go ahead with your choices or can get you to consider your options and rethink it through.
Branch Over College - this is a very tricky and subjective point. But if you listen to yourself, you can figure it out. Making it to the top colleges can be tough with the entrance examinations and the stiff competition from all around. Still, if your sole aim is to get into a good college irrespective of which course you take, you might want to revisit your instinct. Getting into a great college will provide you with quality education and a good job. But if you study a course that is not even in your interests, then it will make you regret your decision your entire life. You can always end up in a good position if you have the caliber. And that means you should pursue your subject of interest even if it means not studying in a mediocre college. But if both the course and college are in your hand, consider yourself lucky!
Counselling - there are various counselling workshops offered and open for budding students to help choose their path. You can enroll yourself into one to find yourself help. These counselling sessions enlighten you about the pathways of every branch- from the syllabus, the sub-branches, the various job opportunities, and everything else you need to know. They can also help you clear your doubts regarding any of the branches.
Talking to Seniors/Family - a personal touch is always welcomed. You can contact and talk to trusted seniors or family members who have pursued engineering and take lessons from their experience. Science, they have already passed through the process or are going through it, it might as well as be helpful to get an idea from a hands-on knowledgeable person.
Conclusion
Well, it might seem like a burden choosing the right branch, but it is not a hard shell to crack. All these tips and all the prep work is meant for you to be able to live a better and content life ahead. Many children take up engineering because of parental pressure and because of orthodox beliefs of not having a career apart from being an engineer. Such cases can be toxic and may have dreadful consequences. If you have other interests, be strong enough to speak up for them and pursue them.
As for the ones who find engineering interesting and want a career in it, don’t blindly go for any option. Do your research take your time because there are hundreds of choices you will have once you start exploring. Finalise your specifications, make up your mind if you want to go for a job, pursue further studies, and work on the planner accordingly.
This article on tips to select the right engineering branch can be of great help to you if you feel lost. Hope this article gave you some clarity on your decisions, and you start paving your way to the future.
