Best time to start preparation is 3rd year when student has more than 1.5 year to graduate. This time is sufficient to prepare for all the modules (technical and non technical). All these modules support each other. A student can collectively prepare for GATE/CAT/GRE which provides him more opportunities and for better preparation. Quantitative aptitude and Verbal is part of syllabus of GATE, CAT and GRE. Hence preparation should be done such that all the option could be opened. Collective preparation helps to better prepare for campus placement also and exams like IES and IAS.

Students after many years of continuous studies feel that they should join the job immediately and start earning. Option of higher education is avoided by many students for numerous frivolous reasons. ECP strongly recommends higher education (MS/ M-Tech/MBA/PhD) for bright long term career. Higher education can be done immediately or after some years of job experience depending upon what kind of job option is available and what course of higher education is to be chosen. If college from where graduation is done doesn’t provide good opportunity of placement (less than 5 Lakh per annum) then option of higher education to enhance branding is advisable. Students interested to go for MBA must join only if they get good institutes such as IIMs or else try during job. MBA from good school after 2-3 years of job experience provides good career growth. Those interested in academic, teaching or research domains must complete their higher education after B-Tech as they have inertia of studies which must be utilised to pursue field of interest and specialisation.

M-Tech or MS is higher education in technical field (M-Tech in Indian is called MS abroad) and make specialist in particular domain. It prepares Engineers to choose specific domain of specialisation. Those who want to pursue career only in technical field must go for M-Tech /MS. MBA is generic course and is career enhancing degree. Normally it must be done after some years of job experience for maximum benefit. M-Tech/MS must be done within 2-3 yrs of graduation if not immediately (earlier the better). Most important thing in higher education (either MS or MBA) is that it must be done from institute of repute as it is brand and identity of Engineers in professional life. M-Tech/MS courses offer scholarship in Indian and foreign universities. There is no such scholarship in MBA.

It is always better to start career with PSUs/ Govt as these are ideal employers. The kind of training imparted by these organisations has no match in private sector. Engineers normally can jump from Govt sector into private after some year of job experience in middle management level but vice versa is not possible. PSU jobs provide opportunity for healthy balance of personal and professional life. For girl Engineers these can be best jobs especially in academics such as research or teaching in IITS, NITs etc.

Best time to start preparation is 3rd year when student has more than 1.5 year to graduate. This time is sufficient to prepare for all the modules (technical and non technical). All these modules support each other. A student can collectively prepare for GATE/CAT/GRE which provides him more opportunities and for better preparation. Quantitative aptitude and Verbal is part of syllabus of GATE, CAT and GRE. Hence preparation should be done such that all the option could be opened. Collective preparation helps to better prepare for campus placement also and exams like IES and IAS.