As your final BE semester rolls around, Indian and multinational corporations start visiting your campus for recruitments. Or you may be in the middle of admissions to a business school. In either case, you are likely to face a group discussion or a GD round as part of the selection process.

So, what exactly happens in GD rounds and why are they so important?

In a typical GD round, candidates are divided into groups of 8 to 10 members. Each group of candidates is assigned a topic or a situation, allotted time to brainstorm, and then asked to discuss the topic among themselves for 15-45 minutes. A panel of judges tests each group. Every individual’s ability is evaluated by how they articulate their point of view and communicate it effectively with group members. So, what can your performance in a GD tell an evaluator about you? Quite a bit actually. Organizations rely on GDs as a screening tool because working and communicating seamlessly in a team is one of the biggest markers of your success as a manager. Not only that, but GD rounds also evaluate candidates for awareness, the ability to lead and listen, and the ability to conceptualize. While all this may seem a bit daunting, remember there is no reason to get intimidated by a GD. Preparing yourself in advance for a GD round is half the battle won.

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What to do after a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering?

If you love to know how things work and invent new products, a career in mechanical engineering may be perfect for you. Popularly known as the “mother of engineering,” mechanical engineering relates to concepts such as mechanics, thermodynamics, robotics, kinematics, structural analysis, fluid mechanics, and many others. These concepts are applied in the process of designing customised manufacturing units, different types of automobiles, aircraft and aerospace parts, and anything and everything else you can think! This article answers all your questions about what the job of a mechanical engineer entails, and the career paths available for you after a BTech/ BE in mechanical engineering.

What is the job description of a mechanical engineer?

So, what does a mechanical engineer do: Hint: the answer is in the name of the job itself. As you can probably tell, mechanical engineers create, structure, test, and improve mechanical devices such as tools, engines, and machines. This includes everything from refrigerators to the parts of a Boeing aeroplane. Because mechanical engineering has such vast applications, mechanical engineers work everywhere — in engineering services, research facilities, manufacturing industries, and various government bodies. Typically, a mechanical engineer will spend most of his or her time in the office, but occasionally on the field as well, often partnering with architects, computer scientists, product designers, and managers. Apart from making and testing prototypes of machines and equipment, mechanical engineers also supervise the installation and maintenance of machinery, as well as troubleshooting problems with machines. Tech-y in nature, mechanical engineers, often use computer-aided design (CAD) packages to produce blueprints that contain the specifications for their projects. They also work on evaluating and testing designs and redesigning and upgrading systems. ​

Is mechanical engineering a good career for me?

Because of its broad applications, mechanical engineering is a great career option. Every industry from aerospace to robotics needs mechanical engineers and pays well for them. For a mechanical engineer fresher, the starting salary ranges upwards from Rs 20,000 – Rs 30,000 a month. If you have an aptitude for physics and the following qualities, mechanical engineering is also a career path that will keep you fulfilled. Here are a few more skills you’ll need for a career in mechanical engineering:

Innovative skills. Since mechanical engineers design new machines and equipment, they need to be inventive and innovative.

Communication skills. Like said earlier, a mechanical engineer’s job involves frequent collaboration and teamwork. The ability to articulate different approaches and listen to varied perspectives is an essential skill set for mechanical engineers.

Computational skills. As a mechanical engineer, you will need to use many advanced maths subjects, such as linear algebra, calculus, and stats to analyse, create, and test equipment. An aptitude for maths and computation is thus a must for mechanical engineers.

Skills to work under pressure. The job of a mechanical engineer often involves developing complex technical solutions under a deadline. Therefore, you must be able to work in an intense environment to succeed as a mechanical engineer.

Problem-solving skills. Mechanical engineers need to apply scientific principles and theories to design and create new products. Thus, the job requires strong problem-solving skills.

What are my career options after mechanical engineering?

Given its vast applications, the list of mechanical engineering career options is unending, but let’s take a look at the top three:

1. Go in for further studies

Mechanical engineering graduates can find work in various sectors right after graduation, but pursuing an advanced course opens avenues for better employment opportunities. Here are four popular further study options in core engineering, as well as non-core careers, after a BE in mechanical engineering:

a. MTech in Mechanical Engineering

The logical “next-step” advanced course for a mechanical engineer is, of course, an MTech in mechanical engineering. You can pursue an MTech in mechanical engineering from prominent institutes such ss the IITs, NITs, BITS, and many other regional colleges. This is a 2-year full time program which you can pursue after your BTech/ BE. Engineering graduates who are working also have the option to pursue a 3-year-long part-time regular program. Admission for MTech courses depends either on the grades in your bachelor’s degree or on the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) score and an interview. In your MTech course, you can specialise in mechanical engineering design, industrial and production engineering, thermal engineering, automobile engineering and more.

Where: SRM University Amravati, Andhra Pradesh, all major government institutes such as the IITs and NITs

Job prospects: Work with multinational manufacturing corporations; teach at an engineering college; work as a consultant in transportation, logistics and automobile engineering firms; work with the software divisions of IT giants like IBM, which support automobile engineering conglomerates like Ford and other heavy machinery manufacturing companies; work as navigating officers or marine engineers in naval companies.

Starting monthly salary: Rs 35,000 and above

b. MTech in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are extremely promising upcoming broad disciplines that seek to simulate numerous innate human skills such as case-based reasoning, data analysis, fuzzy logic, decision-making, natural language processing, language translation, pattern recognition, and speech recognition. In addition, machine learning is an AI subset that enables a system to learn and improve from experience. The advantage of artificial intelligence and machine intelligence technologies is that they bring more complex data-analysis features to existing applications. Other related disciplines are cyber security and data science. Entrance to all such MTech courses may require GATE.

Where: SRM University, Amravati, Andhra Pradesh

Job Prospects: Work at space research organizations like ISRO; work as a research analyst with companies like Google; work as an AI researcher with institutes like the IITs.

Starting monthly salary: Rs 50,000 and above

c. MTech in Robotics

Another great advanced study course for mechanical engineering graduates is robotics. Robotics involves the scientific study of the design and manufacturing of robots, which nowadays are used in fields as diverse as customer service to surgery. This branch of engineering has a lot of potential applications, providing many career opportunities for robotic engineers. May require GATE.

Where: The IITs, Jadavpur University (Kolkata), the University of Hyderabad

Job Prospects: As a robotic engineer, you can work with space research organisations, in industries which manufacture microchips, in the defence sector, in medical and automobile industries and many more. Once you’ve completed your MTech, you can take jobs in manufacturing, maintenance, research of nuclear power plants and many other areas. Due to the advancement of technology, robotics technology is used in space exploration, power plant maintenance, the automobile industry, and finding new petroleum and crude oil sites. Admissions to an MTech in robotics requires you to pass the GATE exam.

Starting monthly salary: Upwards of Rs 35,000-40,000

d. Masters in Business Administration

Finally, a popular course for mechanical engineering graduates is a postgraduate diploma programme in management or an MBA from a reputable business school. If you’re interested in non-core engineering career prospects, an MBA is a great bet for you! You’ll be required to pass the CAT (combined aptitude test) or various other entrance exams to gain admission into an MBA programme. The combination of an engineering degree and an MBA is very helpful in getting jobs in managerial positions. An MBA offers a wide choice of career options.

Where: All the IIMs; XLRI, Jamshedpur; Indian School of Business, Hyderabad; various government and private institutes

Job prospects: Work as an analyst, executive, or manager with Indian and multinational corporations.

Starting monthly salary: Varies greatly, depending on your graduating discipline and institute. Average starting monthly salary is in the range of Rs 50,000 to upwards of Rs 1,00,000.

2. But what if I want to get a job right after my Bachelors in Mechanical engineering?

Go for it, because there are several well-paying job opportunities for mechanical engineering freshers. In fact, getting a few years of work experience before going in for advanced studies is a good idea, because it equips you to deal with real-world conditions. Let’s take a look at four types of mechanical engineering jobs for freshers in the private sector, and the starting salaries you can expect:

a. Auto research engineers work to better the performance of cars. These engineers work to improve the traditional features of cars such as suspension, and they also work on aerodynamics and possible new fuels. An automotive engineer makes and improves equipment and structures related to automobiles. As an automotive engineer, you can work for a company that manufactures original equipment or for a company that manufactures cars, such as Ford, Volkswagen, etc. Since you will be designing a large part of your work on a computer using CAD software, expertise in design software is essential. But don’t think it is just a desk job; a lot of automotive engineering involves hands-on work, such as tests that are carried out to try out new technologies. The starting salary for an automotive engineer in India is Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 per month, while the median salary can easily be upwards of Rs 60,000 per month.

b. Heating and cooling systems engineers work to design and support environmental systems wherever temperatures and humidity must be kept within certain limits. Where are such systems most needed? Think of environments like airplanes, trains, cars, schools, hospitals, and even computer rooms. The starting salary for a heating and cooling system engineer in India is Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 per month, while the median salary can easily be upwards of Rs 60,000 per month.

c. Simulations engineers play a vital role in complex engineering projects. As the job title implies, the work of a simulation engineer involves testing the performance, safety, and durability of any piece of equipment in a virtual environment that simulates or mimics real world conditions. Since testing in real-world conditions can be extremely expensive, simulation offers a distinct cost-advantage for companies. Additionally, with the help of simulation, a manufacturer/ engineer can understand the behaviour and life cycle of a product before even building a prototype. Thus, simulation solves problems, saves time and money, and improves product and product development process. Apart from tech giants like Bosch and Siemens, companies working in the fields of bio-mechanics, medicine, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, automobiles, energy, and consumer goods also utilise simulation. The average starting monthly salary for a simulation engineer in India varies greatly, from Rs 22,000 for a company like Tata technologies to upwards of Rs 60,000 for multinational companies like Eaton.

d. Computer-aided design (CAD) engineers design products using computer-aided design software applications such as AutoCAD, Pro/ENGINEER, and SolidWorks. A CAD engineer designs products, creates and tests prototypes, and oversees other drafters. The main responsibilities of a CAD engineer include designing frameworks for a project, working with industrial and packaging engineers to develop, create, and sell a product, and analysing design and building business/technical solutions that deliver the client’s goal. The starting monthly salary for a CAD engineer (not to be confused with a CAD technician) is upwards of Rs 30,000.

3. And what if I want to work with the government and PSUs?

That’s a lucrative and stable option as well. Working with government departments like the ISRO and PSUs like Bharat Heavy Electrical (BHEL), and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is an excellent career path after mechanical engineering. Like the MTech, you need to clear the GATE exam to qualify for various PSU and government jobs. The starting salary varies across departments and organizations and ranges from Rs 20,600 to Rs 46,000 per month.

So, there you have it, whether you want to pursue core engineering options, or branch out into non-core areas like management, a degree in mechanical engineering is a solidly structured (pun intended) foundation for your career!

What are Nanomaterials?

Nanomaterials are substances or materials that are manufactured and used at a, as the name suggests a very small scale. ISO (2015) defines a nanomaterial as a ‘material with any external dimension in the nanoscale (size range from approximately 1 – 100 nm) or having an internal structure or surface structure in the nanoscale’.

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAOFpgocfrg

Why is it important?

Nanomaterials are the most recent and most exciting development in materials science. Nanoscale materials have unique optical, electronic, or mechanical properties. Thus, when compared to the same material which is not at the nanoscale, they show more optimal performance measured typically in strength, chemical reactivity or conductivity.

What are the industrial applications of nanomaterials?

The scope, unlike the size of nanomaterials, is massive:
• Better building insulation,
• More energy efficiency,
• Better batteries,
• Better cosmetics,
• Nimble automobiles, aircraft, ships, spacecraft
There is nothing nano about the potential for nanomaterials and nanotechnology. There is every possibility that this field will touch just about every industry that exists today and will even create new and unthought-of applications.

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fY0E4xRyfek

Who is the field relevant for?

Considering that we have only just begun to understand the scope of development and application of nanomaterials, the future for this field is bright.
The kind of backgrounds required for this field could include:
• Engineers,
• Material Scientists, and
• Physics, Chemistry, and Biology graduates.
However, nanoscience is essentially interdisciplinary wherein science is applied to engineering and hence a holistic mindset/approach is needed.

What are the career prospects?

As mentioned, the industries requiring this expertise are extremely diverse. Currently, nanomaterials have seen significant adoption in sectors like:
• Electronics,
• Textiles,
• Polymers,
• Packaging,
• Transportation,
• Sporting goods,
• Computing,
• Medical equipment,
• Forensics,
• Military and
• Energy, among others.
According to the widely followed recruiter.com, salaries in the USA range between $45,000 and $73,000for nanotechnology engineering technicians. Estimates for India are not easily available since it is a nascent yet growing field, though fact remains that there are very few qualified professionals in this field. Needless to say, as use of nanomaterials expands, engineers with significant experience can see their salaries grow significantly in the coming years, more so since demand will outstrip the supply of candidates.

How do I get started?

The pathway starts from an undergraduate degree in engineering or sciences with a focus on specific courses in nanotechnology, nanomaterial, or nanoscience. Alternatively, with the growth of nanoscience in India, several universities, including SRM AP offer undergrad and masters courses with specialisation in nanotechnology. This can be coupled with the many options available at the PhD level.

What is it?

Engineering Physics refers to the combined disciplines of physics, mathematics, and engineering. The field seeks ways to apply, design, and develop new solutions in engineering and holds promising career prospects for interested graduates of science or engineering.

Engineering Physics is unlike both traditional engineering or science disciplines – it does not restrict itself to one area. The focus is on applied physics covering highly specialised fields such as quantum physics, materials science, applied mechanics, electronics, nanotechnology, microfabrication, microelectronics, computing, photonics, nuclear engineering, biophysics, control theory, aerodynamics, energy, solid-state physics, and others.

The focus on coming up with integrated solutions sourced from multiple specialities ensures that the solutions are more optimal, effective, and efficient. The cross-functional focus also closes the gap between theoretical and practical sides of science and engineering.

Is it for me?

As stated, graduates of science or engineering can look to specialise in Engineering Physics. Scientists looking to move beyond theory, or engineers looking to create real solutions to tangible problems using theoretical rigour find this field exciting.

What kind of jobs can I get?

Qualified engineering physicists fit in into opportunities within high technology industries, some of which are in emergent domains. The roles span research and development, design, and analysis. The sector will depend on the engineering specialisation that is selected, i.e. mechanical, computer, nuclear, aerospace, etc.

Engineering Physics is well poised to grow as a segment specifically because of the many new sectors in which it has application as well as the technological progress in the last decade that has created entirely new industries. Some of the critical areas that will see job growth are discussed below.

Agro Physics

The pressures of a growing global population and the need for sustainable agriculture are going to [belatedly] lead to science and engineering, playing a more significant role in how we grow crops. Agro Physics is an evolving field, and it involves the study of materials and processes in the sowing, harvesting, and processing of agricultural produce.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence or AI refers to machines that mimic human cognitive functions such as learning and problem-solving. This exciting field is growing by leaps and bounds and holds great promise in the automation of many processes besides an exponential growth in processing capacities.

Biomechanics

Biomechanics involves the study of the structure, function and motion of the mechanical aspects of living systems. The field touches applications such as aerodynamics, orthopaedics, locomotion, pathology, oncology, among others.

Bionanotechnology

Bionanotechnology refers to the combination of nanotechnology and biology. Here, biosystems within nature are used as inspiration for creating new nanodevices or nanoparticles. Nanomedicine is the open field that is looking to benefit from the progress made in Bionanotechnology, while agriculture is another sector that will see the application of new solutions.

Composite materials

A composite material is made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties that, when combined, produce a material with characteristics different from the individual components. The objective could be to make the composite lighter, stronger, harder, softer, resistant, flexible, rigid, etc. While composite materials have existed since ages (concrete and steel are composite materials!), limits in the development of new materials are constantly being pushed through progress in Engineering Physics.

Machine learning (ML)

ML is a subset of AI and refers to algorithms and statistical models that computer systems use to perform a task without any instructions input by human operators, relying on patterns and inference instead. ML is beginning to find application across many sectors including primarily Economics, Finance, Forensics, Medicine, Search Engines, etc.

Microfabrication

The miniaturisation of various devices (think about the first cell phones and compare them with devices today) has led to the need for Microfabrication, which is the process of fabricating miniature structures of micrometre scales and smaller. Progress in material science, nanotechnology, and other fields have led to growth in possibilities in this field.

Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter on an atomic, molecular, and supramolecular scale. Apart from medicine, Nanotechnology holds immense potential for multiple industrial sectors such as defence, textiles, food packaging, sports, construction, and energy. The fruits of the research conducted in this exciting field over the years are only just beginning to be realised.

Neural engineering

The human neural system is an extremely complex arrangement linking the brain with the rest of the body. Neuroscience is still making tentative progress in understanding how this system works and this pace has quickened lately, thanks to the improvement in imaging systems. Neural engineering is a discipline within bioengineering that uses engineering to understand, repair, replace, or enhance these complex neural systems. Aspects such as Neuroimaging, Neuromechanics, Neuromodulation, Neurorobotics, and Neuroregeneration hold great promise for patients who have been resigned to living with neurological disorders.

Robotics

Robotics is the right combination of Computer, Electronics and Mechanical Engineering with Physics. While Robots have existed since many decades now, the application across more sectors, the sophistication of the robotic systems, and their efficiency are being enhanced through the many technological developments. This will lead to productivity and efficiency gains across multiple sectors.

The Covid-19 pandemic undoubtedly had a substantial impact on the placement season this year. Many recruiters, big and small, have stalled new placements, deferred on previously offered positions. However, as experts at the recent Outlook India conclave themed ‘Would the Covid pandemic impact campus placement?’ reiterated – “There is no lockdown on opportunities.”

In fact, young universities like SRM University – AP, Andhra Pradesh have upped their game to harness the novel opportunities of the new world for its students. Online and remote placements are the answer this year. Remote interviews are certainly different from in-person interviews. They have their unique challenges, and hence your preparations have to be unique, and in keeping with the demands too.

Here are five steps that will help you ace online and remote placements

1. Remote interviews can be done over the phone or video calls. Either way, before the interview make sure you have picked an interference-free spot. If the interview will be held over Skype or Zoom call, ensure that the spot you pick looks professional to make the right impression.
2. Some of the interview preparations will remain unchanged. For example, you should do your research about the organization and the role. It’s also a good idea to have a printout or a handwritten version of your CV handy. Going over different tabs on your screen during the interview is not a good look.
3. It’s also important to have access to a good webcam and microphone for the interview. You might want to test the equipment before you get on the call. Be ready and in position for the interview a few minutes before the designated time. You don’t want to seem rushed when you begin.
4. Dressing up for the interview will put you in the right mindset, so make the effort even if it’s a phone interview. Pay attention to details like whether the device is charged, mute all notifications to avoid disturbance. You can put a sticky note under the webcam so you know exactly where to look and make eye contact with the interviewers.
5. Work from home is the mantra in the new world. Your online interview is the perfect platform to showcase yourself as a candidate who is accessible and responsive. Show that you are someone who revels in taking initiative, are self-motivated, and can be efficient with minimal mentoring.

These strategies formed the crux of specialized online and remote placement training SRM AP offered its students. It paid dividends as students got placed with names like VIRTUSA Corporation, AB InBev, Sahaj Soft and more. Students have bagged attractive offers and are stepping into the professional arenas in dynamic roles that can lead to rewarding careers in the new world.

Sep 30, 2020, Andhra Pradesh: First is forever, because it sets the benchmark for others to follow and beat. Not surprisingly then, all eyes in academia were trained on the placement results of the maiden batch of SRM AP, which was set up with the aim of being a world-class university. It has taken giant strides in a short span of time, raising the bar for higher education in the country. And the sensational placement results, in spite of this year’s circumstances, have taken it a step closer to cementing its place as the force to reckon with in Indian academia.

The Covid-19 pandemic has put a spanner in the placement plans and outcomes for many universities across India. But SRM AP seems to have successfully navigated through the pitfalls by taking its founding batch to their dream job profiles. Its early placement run and seamless transition to online hiring seem to have paid off. Besides dynamic profiles, the maiden placement season for the university has exceeded expectations with its highest salary package of Rs. 29.5 LPA, which was offered to Sri Ritika Katragadda by global giant Amazon.

Anheuser-Busch InBev, HealthRx (Bajaj Finserv Health Ltd., Optum Global Solutions, Sahaj Soft, Sabre Corporation, Amadeus LabsCoviam Technology, Walmart Labs, Standard Chartered, Virtusa, and L&T Technology Services Ltd are some of the top-notch recruiters at SRM AP. It’s interesting to note that several of these renowned organizations have hired multiple candidates from the maiden batch, instating their faith in the University’s programs. IT sector in India, in particular, will now see a strong presence of SRM AP graduates as they make their mark from Pune to Bangalore and Chennai.

The multi-stream research-focused university has strived to create a transformative learning experience for its students. Its collaborations with well known International universities offer students a platform to groom themselves as global professionals of tomorrow. Faculty members too have strong International exposure, which helps students gain insights into best global practices and strategies. The maiden batch of SRM AP found fantastic opportunities to put their learning into practice through internships with well-known brands and organizations.

Sri Ritika Katragadda made her internship with Amazon count and bagged the plum placement as Software Developer. And she wasn’t the only one. Several students of the maiden batch bagged PPOs and placement cum internships, which speaks volumes about their training at the University that has led to a smooth transition from the classroom to boardrooms. They will now start their careers as Software Developers, Software Engineers, Solution Consultants, and Technical Support Engineers etc. charting their way to professional success and becoming glorious ambassadors for their university. As the first among equals!

What it is

Engineering Physics refers to the combined disciplines of physics, mathematics, and engineering. The field seeks ways to apply, design, and develop new solutions in engineering and holds promising career prospects for interested graduates of science or engineering.

One of the biggest advantages of Engineering Physics is that unlike traditional engineering or science disciplines, it does not restrict itself to one domain. The focus is on applied physics covering highly specialised fields such as quantum physics, materials science, applied mechanics, electronics, nanotechnology, microfabrication, microelectronics, computing, photonics, nuclear engineering, biophysics, control theory, aerodynamics, energy, solid-state physics, and others.

The focus on coming up with integrated solutions sourced from multiple specialities ensures that the solutions thus derived are more optimal, effective, and efficient. The cross-functionality also serves as a bridge for the long-standing gap between the theoretical and practical sides of science and engineering.

Who is it for

As stated, graduates of science or engineering can look to specialise in Engineering Physics. Scientists looking to move beyond theory, or engineers looking to create real solutions to tangible problems using theoretical rigour find this field exciting.

Career prospects

Qualified engineering physicists fit in into opportunities within high technology industries some of which are in emergent domains. Broadly speaking, the roles span research and development, design, and analysis. The industry will depend on the engineering specialisation that is selected, i.e. mechanical, computer, nuclear, aerospace, etc.
Engineering Physics is well poised to grow as a segment specifically because of the many emergent sectors in which it has application as well as the technological progress in the last decade that has created entirely new industries. Some of the key areas that will see job growth are discussed below.

Agro Physics

The pressures of a growing global population and the need for sustainable agriculture are going to [belatedly] lead to science and engineering playing a larger role in how we grow crops. Agro Physics is an evolving field and it involves the study of materials and processes in the sowing, harvesting, and processing of agricultural produce.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence or AI refers to machines that mimic human cognitive functions such as learning and problem solving. This exciting field is growing by leaps and bounds and holds great promise in automation of many processes besides an exponential growth in processing capacities.

Biomechanics

Biomechanics involves the study of the structure, function and motion of the mechanical aspects of living systems. The field touches applications such as aerodynamics, orthopedics, locomotion, pathology, oncology, among others.

Bionanotechnology

Bionanotechnology refers to the combination of nanotechnology and biology. Here, bio systems within nature are used as inspiration for creating new nanodevices or nanoparticles. Nanomedicine is the obvious field that is looking to benefit from the progress made in Bionanotechnology, while agriculture is another sector that will see application of new solutions.

Composite materials

A composite material is made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties that, when combined, produce a material with characteristics different from the individual components. The objective could be to make the composite lighter, stronger, harder, softer, resistant, flexible, rigid, etc. While composite materials have existed since ages (concrete and steel are composite materials!), limits in development of new materials are constantly being pushed through progress in Engineering Physics.

Machine learning (ML)

ML is a subset of AI and refers to algorithms and statistical models that computer systems use to perform a task without any instructions input by human operators, relying on patterns and inference instead. ML is beginning to find application across many sectors including primarily Economics, Finance, Forensics, Medicine, Search Engines, etc.

Microfabrication

Miniaturisation of various devices (think about the first cell phones and compare them with devices today) has led to the need for Microfabrication, which is the process of fabricating miniature structures of micrometre scales and smaller. Progress in material science, nanotechnology, and other fields has led to growth in possibilities in this field.

Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter on an atomic, molecular, and supramolecular scale. Apart from medicine, Nanotechnology holds immense potential for multiple industrial sectors such as defence, textiles, food packaging, sports, construction, and energy. The fruits of the research conducted in this exciting field over the years is only just beginning to be realised.

Neural engineering

The human neural system is an extremely complex arrangement linking the brain with the rest of the body. Neuroscience is still making tentative progress in understanding how this system works and this pace has quickened lately thanks to the improvement in imaging systems. Neural engineering is a discipline within bioengineering that uses engineering to understand, repair, replace, or enhance these complex neural systems. Aspects such as Neuroimaging, Neuromechanics, Neuromodulation, Neurorobotics, and Neuroregeneration hold great promise for patients who have been resigned to living with neurological disorders.

Robotics

Robotics is the true combination of Computer, Electronics and Mechanical Engineering with Physics. While Robots have existed since many decades now, the application across more sectors, the sophistication of the robotic systems, and their efficiency are being enhanced through the many technological developments. This will lead to productivity and efficiency gains across multiple sectors.

What are Nanomaterials?

Nanomaterials are substances or materials that are manufactured and used at a, as the name suggests, very small scale. ISO (2015) defines a nanomaterial as a ‘material with any external dimension in the nanoscale (size range from approximately 1 – 100 nm) or having internal structure or surface structure in the nanoscale’.

Insert video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAOFpgocfrg

Why are they important?

Nanomaterials are the most recent and most exciting development in materials science. Nanoscale materials have unique optical, electronic, or mechanical properties. Thus, when compared to the same material which is not at a nanoscale, they show more optimal performance measured typically in strength, chemical reactivity or conductivity.

What are the industry applications of nanomaterials?

The scope, unlike the size of nanomaterials, is massive:

• Better building insulation,

• More energy efficiency,

• Better batteries,

• Better cosmetics,

• Nimble automobiles, aircraft, ships, spacecraft

…..there is nothing nano about the potential for nanomaterials and nanotechnology. There is every possibility that this field will touch just about every industry that exists today and will even create new and unthought of applications.

Insert video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fY0E4xRyfek

Who is the field relevant for?

Considering that we have only just begun to understand the scope of development and application of nanomaterials, the future for this field is bright.

The kind of backgrounds required for this field could include:

• Engineers,

• Material Scientists, and

• Physics, Chemistry, and Biology graduates.

However, nanoscience is essentially interdisciplinary wherein science is applied to engineering and hence a holistic mindset/approach is needed.

What are the career prospects?

As mentioned, the industries requiring this expertise are extremely diverse. Currently, nanomaterials have seen significant adoption in sectors like:

• Electronics,

• Textiles,

• Polymers,

• Packaging,

• Transportation,

• Sporting goods,

• Computing,

• Medical equipment,

• Forensics,

• Military, and

• Energy, among others.

According to the widely followed recruiter.com, salaries in the USA range between $45,000 and $73,000 for nanotechnology engineering technicians. Needless to say, as use of nanomaterials expands engineers with significant experience can see their salaries grow significantly in the coming years, more so since demand will outstrip supply of candidates.

How do I get started?

The pathway starts from an undergraduate degree in engineering or sciences with a focus on specific courses in nanotechnology, nanomaterial, or nanoscience. Alternatively, with the growth of nanoscience in India several universities including SRM AP offer undergrad and masters courses with specialisation in nanotechnology. This can be coupled with the many options available at the PhD level in this exciting field.

What is Energy Storage?

Ever since humans mastered energy capture, energy storage and retrieval for use at a later point of time or place has been the key pursuit in power engineering. As per Wikipedia, “Energy storage is the capture of energy produced at one time for use at a later time. A device that stores energy is generally called an accumulator or battery.”

Insert video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JGMm8qDfxw

Why is it important?

Energy comes in multiple forms, which include radiation, chemical, gravitational, electrical, temperature, and kinetic. Energy storage technology converts energy from these forms into economically storable forms that are safe and accessible.
Energy storage systems are assuming greater importance with the increasing focus on sustainable energy (solar, wind, hydro) electric vehicles and the rapid rise in use of battery-powered electronic devices like smartphones, which has led to a surge in production of lithium-ion batteries. This makes energy storage one of the most promising upcoming sectors.

Insert video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljKFr_o24jo

What are the industries involved in Energy Storage?

When one thinks of Energy Storage, one immediately thinks of batteries. However, batteries are about storage and retrieval of chemical energy, but energy is of many different types. A hydroelectric dam, stores gravitational potential energy, ice storage tanks store ice frozen by cheaper energy at night to meet peak daytime demand for cooling, and fossil fuels such as coal and gasoline store ancient energy derived from sunlight, buried and over time and then converted into these forms. Industry application include power storage and distribution obviously, but also automobiles, real estate, mining, and telecom.

Insert video ‘Future of Energy Storage’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LAuDTNW5dw

Beyond Batteries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3R7EzO3uBms

Who is the field relevant for?

The demand for energy storage systems is likely to grow exponentially globally as the world shifts towards renewable energy sources. This shift will mandate both grid level and unit level energy storage systems that are of a viable size, cost, and energy efficiency. Significant research is currently being conducted on materials, engineering, and other optimisations.

The kind of backgrounds required for this field could include:

• Metallurgists for analysing potential of viable materials,

• Chemical engineers and chemistry graduates,

• Electrical engineers

• Automobile engineers interested in electric vehicle development

However, energy storage is somewhat interdisciplinary bringing together material science with expertise in the energy storage using sectors.

What are the career prospects?

Estimates by Lux Research, an independent research and advisory firm, suggest that the global industry for energy storage could be worth $100billion in the next few years.
Given the focus, demand, and growth, energy storage sector will generate significant jobs in the future. Moreover, due to the shortage of qualified professionals relative to demand, entry salary and salary growth prospects are positive.

How do I get started?

The roadmap involves an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering or material sciences with a focus on specific courses in renewable energy and energy storage.