By Koneru Lakshman Havish
It is often said that individuals who choose the less-travelled path act independently, liberating themselves from societal conformity. Graduates with backgrounds in engineering must not only strive to survive but also to thrive in the job market, contributing to society through innovation in their field. Given the increasing number of graduates each year, it is no surprise that many find themselves facing stiff competition in the job market. Preparation for securing a position should commence during one’s academic tenure. Waiting until the term’s end may result in delayed opportunities to more proactive candidates. To successfully navigate the job market, students should focus on establishing a relevant network, enhancing their communication and interview skills, and seeking guidance from mentors, among other strategies. This article will discuss the strategies and skills that may assist in effectively navigating the job market.
Joining an internship is an excellent way to gain hands-on experience in the industry. Many higher educational institutes have made internships mandatory for engineering students during their academic term. Becoming an intern has many advantages- the most significant is interacting with seasoned industry experts. Such interactions help students gain insight into their field and industry. The company often absorbs the students at the end of the internship period. Moreover, the internship also helps to build a network, which grows along with their career path.
Global certifications
Engineering graduates can acquire certifications relevant to their field of work. Attaining global certifications can significantly boost the earning potential and accelerate chances of promotion. One might question the necessity of obtaining a global certification after earning an engineering degree. However, such certifications serve the crucial purpose of allowing employers to verify a graduate’s depth of knowledge and expertise in a specific area of engineering. Furthermore, they distinguish you from the competition, helping you shine brightly in the job market.
Build a strong network
Building a solid network is pivotal for better career opportunities. The popularity of social media platforms like LinkedIn helps you to interact with industry experts and seasoned professionals from your field. A solid network helps to foster interaction through webinars and other offline and online events that bolster information and insight about the industry. Its main benefit is that students can foster meaningful connections that will help offer guidance and mentorship which can flourish through their career path. It is critical to start building your network during your academic term.
Hackathons and coding events
Hackathons and related challenges provide ample opportunities to explore, learn, and implement skills into reality. These competitions revolve around technology applications, with a primary focus on coding. They serve as a haven for engineers with coding backgrounds. What’s even more enticing is that esteemed higher educational institutions, multinational companies, and various organizations in this domain actively scout top-tier talent at these events, turning them into a goldmine for aspiring engineers. Competitive programming not only hones your coding skills but also fosters problem-solving, critical thinking, and efficient coding abilities.
Developing soft skills
Developing soft skills is imperative to create an overall personality. Skills like effective communication and interview skills are necessary to crack job interviews. Organisations prefer to hire candidates who have a well-rounded personality along with technical knowledge. It is pivotal for engineering students to work on upskilling their soft skills. Many higher education institutes offer upskilling of soft skills by inviting expert trainers to conduct workshops for students. Students can attend many good soft skills training programs by vocational training institutes to develop their skills and create a well-rounded personality.
Effective resume
A resume is the first introduction that a company see of a candidate. A resume must present the most effective impression of a candidate. A good resume exponentially increases a candidate’s chance of being shortlisted among hundreds of candidates for a job. Writing a good resume is a skill that requires expertise. Students must learn resume writing skills or hire a professional resume writing expert to write it. There are many excellent resume-writing courses that students can invest in. Make sure to take review from professors or seasoned professionals on the final resume before sending it to various organisations.
The journey to securing a coveted position in the competitive job market, particularly for engineering graduates, demands a blend of refined skills and strategic approaches. Employers are increasingly seeking candidates who are not just qualified, but also ready to hit the ground running. Therefore, by dedicating oneself to continuous improvement and cultivating an environment conducive to professional growth, engineering students can significantly enhance their chances of not only landing a desirable job but also excelling in their chosen career paths.
The author is vice president of KL Deemed to be University. Views are personal.