Below is response to a set of questions for a newsletter intended for Fresh engineers.
1. Most often graduating students find it hard deciding whether to take up post-graduate studies right away or get some work experience first. What factors do you think should be considered while making this decision?
I think that getting some work experience in some R&D organization prior to Masters is the better approach. This helps understanding the practical limitations of the theoretical concepts that we study during our bachelors. It sometimes also helps in identifying whether one should opt for doing Masters at all or not. If a person is a better developer it is better to remain in the industry. But if one is clear about going for masters he should start the admission process as soon as possible meanwhile getting some practical exposure preferably at some R&D setup.
2. Some students reject job opportunities in hope of straight-away-landing into their dream job, whereas there are others who would avail any kind of job opportunity that comes their way with the idea to switch once provided with a better option. What approach would you suggest, keeping in view the limited job opportunities currently available as well as the fact that progress, including that in one’s career, has far more to do with the right direction than the pace?
Generally there is no dream job in real world. The students should try to evaluate their field primarily based on their interest. For the first few years “what they learn” is more important than the salary they get. If they enjoy their work they will naturally excel in that field. Better opportunities are merely a byproduct of excellence in a field.
3. What are some of the essentials for success in Career? What are common misconceptions?
The first misconception is definition of success itself. It varies from person to person. In my view, the most important measure of success is satisfaction. And satisfaction is generally more dependent on “what we contribute” rather than “what we gain”. Generally, I have found those people successful who are devoted to their work, enjoy their work and are keen in helping their colleagues.
4. Before considering a job-switch, how many years of experience working with a company you suggest one to at least have for it to be considered a worthwhile experience in one’s career profile?
There are no set rules for this, but in general one should not have multiple job switches within a year. This gives an impression on not being a reliable resource that can be trusted to stay when needed. Secondly, one should not leave a company in the hour of need. The world is round and we encounter same people over and over again in our careers.
5. Would you like to give any suggestions to the present students?
I heard this tagline somewhere “Do what you love, Love what you do”. Being an engineer is an enjoyable thing. The students should make a routine of learning and enjoying things other than the formal education they are getting. I would suggest that start a low paced thread like one video lecture a week, or one book in three to four months. There is a large collection of online video lectures and research papers available for everyone on internet. Keep a track of where the technology is heading, keep sampling varying domains of knowledge.
Especially if someone is jobless, he has ample time to start learning what he wants which eventually may enable him to create opportunities on his own instead of waiting for one. Consider the lack of opportunities as an opportunity to create opportunities. It’s easier said than done but it’s true in general that God helps those who help themselves.