What to do after Engineering?

I'd be completing my Mechanical Engg course in 2015. I would like to go for higher studies in USA. Please guide me... - Shravya, Manikonda

First understand that an Overseas Education is different from an Overseas Career. Many who think that a job is certain after spending lakhs of rupees are disappointed. On returning to India, they are back to square one with depression. Avoid this. My sincere advice is that if one wants to do a Masters in USA think ahead and plan for a PhD also. Pursue knowledge and research.

Not a mere paper degree overseas. This alone will give a safe overseas career as after a PhD, better work in Industry is offered as a true research expert. Avoid the private one year Masters education. Also avoid working in grocery stores overseas along with study to make money.

There are so many better options in India itself to acquire skills and go for an overseas career. Why waste money and time for another paper degree chase. I always advice that one should pursue Masters + PhD after 3 years of work experience. Then you would be able to relate with specialization and a focused purpose.

I've completed my Electrical & Electronics engineering in 2011 and then joined a company as a CAD engineer. I've also done Web Designing Course. Is MBA useful to me? Please let me know the career opportunities for me... - Ramya, Karimnagar

If you want to pursue MBA for the sake of certification, it’s not advisable. You can learn a lot without degrees too. So better understand the purpose of going for MBAs before you join them. CAD and Web Design are two different areas. If you're considering a career in Computer Aided Design (CAD), this is your starting point.

CAD designers may pursue a wide variety of careers in different industries, depending on their educational background. erospace and manufacturing industries rely heavily on the knowledge and skills of their designers to integrate current technology or design new products. CAD designers, in architectural engineering or the electrical industry work in a similar capacity.

Drafters using computer-aided design have generated notable benefits related to mechanical or piping needs in those sectors as well. You’ve plenty of opportunities like Mechanical Design and CAD, Architectural/Construction Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, etc. Focus on learning more in addition to AutoCAD; other tools like AutoCAD Civil 3D; AutoCAD Architecture; 3ds Max; Inventor; Maya; Revit Architecture; AutoCAD Electrical.

After my Bachelor of Arts, now I am pursing M.B.A. So, please suggest which specialization I should choose as I'm not interested in Finance/Accounts side. - Madhu, Nandyal

While choosing your specialization, be very careful to take subjects based on your interest and aptitude, and those that are aligned to your long-term career goals. It is best to go through the first year, as a brief introduction of all fields is given, before finalizing on the specializations.

It is generally accepted that people who are more outgoing are preferred for marketing jobs, as Marketing requires meeting prospective customers, understanding their requirements, chalking out new strategies vis-a-vis consumers’ expectations, etc. Many organizations tend to offer lesser packages to professionals, as it is considered a cost function, as opposed to their counterparts in Marketing and Finance, which are considered as revenue functions.

However, this perception is slowly changing around the world, and HR is also being given its due. Having good communication skills, lots of self-confidence, and a passion towards the job will always make for a successful career in HR. If you have an inclination towards Production or Shop-floor Management, you can go in for Operations Management.

You need to have good analytical and team skills to be successful as an Operations Manager. Manufacturing firms and Engineering Industries hire operations people to take care of the operations in different domains. Systems has recently emerged as an important MBA specialization. Generally taken up by software engineers who have worked in IT firms earlier, an MBA in Systems opens up a plethora of options for you to advance your career in the same industry, with subjects like Systems Analysis & Design, IT Project Management, Enterprise Resource Management, e-Commerce, etc. adding to your existing technical expertise.

I am doing my ECE 2nd year. I observed that my seniors are not getting jobs after their academics. My cousin who passed out in 2011 in E&C also is still struggling. How do I prevent that I do not get into the trap. - Preeti, Samarlakota

Engineering colleges ought to know that Placement activity or focus in the final year of studies is a sheer waste. The Pre Placement activity should start from the very second semester to prepare for internship. Work in the summer vacation to get the taste of technology first hand. Approach start-ups in Hyderabad such as http://hyderabad.startupweekend.org/ and Bangalore which provide a lot more.

Once you are back in the campus, even if you spare 4 hours in a week write blogs on technical subjects using WordPress http://wordpress.com/. Use Google Alert http://www.google.co.in/alerts to be on self learning mode. So by the time you finish your graduation you would have skills that would attract the hiring manager. You would now know where you want to join too.

Design a career road map in the process of which company and technology where you want to be someday. Validate all the information with real professionals. Keep track of Barcamps http://barcamp.org/ where it is always happening. Join them, meet up. Being free of cost you can also share this with your friends for group learning rather than going all the way to superficial institutions which waste your time and money, like your cousin became a victim.

Sir, few days ago I attended an interview. In that discussion, the HR manager asked me “May I contact your present employer for a reference?” How do you suggest me to face such questions? - Pruthvi, Hyderabad

They may try to find out if you’re genuine and if there are any hidden factors about you. In general, no one would like to let his/her boss/colleague know about their job search before receiving an offer/appointment letter. Being purely one’s private affair, if you have discussed with your boss/employer about your job search, then you can ask the recruiter to proceed with the reference check. Otherwise you can tell them to wait until they are ready to hire you. For example, you can say this.

“I did not discuss this with my present boss or employer, for obvious reasons, and I would prefer to keep it that way. I would appreciate if you kept our discussion confidential for the time being. However, when we both are on the same page and you’re ready to hire me, then you can contact my present employer.

I’m very proud of my work performance in that company.” The writer is the CEO and founder of Passion4career, an organisation that trains students to make them employable. For queries call 8099453869 , www.facebook.com/khrconsultant

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By:kamal pabba