Careers in Instrumentation Engineering

Instrumentation engineering mainly focuses on the design, configuration and automation of systems. The professionals who are involved in these activities are known as instrumentation engineers.

Instrumentation engineers generally work in industries with automated processes, such as chemical or manufacturing plants with the goal of improving system productivity, reliability and stability. They are mainly responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of instruments and entire instrumentation systems. Instrumentation engineers also decide the type of instruments required for ensuring better quality and efficiency of the end product. Hence they are considered to be essential positions in the industrial manufacturing sector.

Eligibility

The basic eligibility criteria is 10+2 (with Physics, Chemistry and Maths). There are many BE/BTech program in Instrumentation engineering of four years duration. The selection is generally made on the basis of entrance tests (e.g. IITJEE, AIEEE, BITSAT etc.) conducted at both national and state level.  

One can also go for Diploma program in Instrumentation engineering after completion of his/her class 10th. In this case he/she will be recognized with the status of a junior engineer.

Career Prospects

Instrumentation engineers can have opportunities in various sectors including R&D units of public and private sector companies, heavy industries such as thermal power stations, refineries, steel plants, cement and fertilizer plants etc. They can also find jobs in companies manufacturing specialized instruments as well as in the user industries themselves, both in public as well as private sectors.

Institutes/Universities

BE/B.Tech course in Instrumentation engineering is offered by almost all engineering colleges/technological universities including the IITs and NITs. Most of the state universities and private B.tech colleges offer instrumentation engineering branch. 

Careers in Food Processing

Food processing is a modern industry that improves distributional efficiency and  the marketing of the food products. It is a branch of food science, which uses a set of methods and techniques to transform raw ingredients into food for safe consumption by humans or animals. The food processing industry existed even during prehistoric period, the technology input to enhance preservation of food, flavor, etc and to reduce the toxins in the food product is relatively new and has revolutionized the entire food industry.

Food processing includes manufacturing, preservation and packaging, processing and canning of different food items. The process involves preparing and converting raw materials into finished goods through actual processing, to be further sold to the final consumers grocers, institutional food services,  over-the-counter at restaurants, and wholesalers. The actual processing uses various methods, such as blanching, crushing, chopping, mixing, or even cooking. It is through food processing that you can find a large variety of food products available in  pantries, cabinets, and refrigerators of every household. 

Course Details
Many courses are available in the area of food processing. One can look for degree, diploma, certificate and short-term programs to become an specialist in food processing. At the degree level, 3-year B.Sc courses in home science/food technology/food science can be pursued after completing 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Maths as main subjects. One can also go for, 4-year B.Tech courses in food technology, with the same eligibility criteria. For further education One can take admission in M.Sc and M.Tech programs in food and nutrition, food technology, home science, and biotechnology, at the post graduate level, running for two years of duration. After completion of the course food technologists can choose their respective fields of specialization, namely, alcohol, sugar, bakery, fruits oil, and vegetables, and so on, through PhD program in food technology, biotechnology, or food preservation. As many as 10-15 institutes in India offer research programs for aspirants.

Career Prospects
Good number of job opportunities are available in in the food processing industry, for fresher and experienced personnel. Jobs can be explored in major sectors of food processing, such as milk products, fruits and vegetables, grains, fisheries, plantation products, confectionery, beverages, packaged/convenience foods, and health foods and supplements. India, alone, has over 35 companies catering to this sector. Dabur India, Agro Tech Foods, ITC Limited, Parle Products Pvt. Ltd., Nestle India Pvt. Ltd., Cadbury India Ltd., PepsiCo India Holdings, Britannia Industries Ltd., Hindustan Unilever limited, and Godrej Industries Limited are the major players. Individuals who have done their majors in food processing can work as toxicologists, packaging bacteriologists, technologists, food cooking machine operators  and tenders, food batch makers, baking and drying machine operators and tenders, trimmers, bakers, fish cutters, and slaughterers and meat packers. Those willing to set up their own firms can expect a wide scope of returns and profits in the domestic as well as international markets.

Institutes Offering
Many institutes and universities are offering course in food processing in India. The major institutes conducting courses and programs in food processing and related fields are: Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai; Fruit Technology Institute, Lucknow; Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore; Krish Vishwavidyalaya, Himachal Pradesh; Karunya University, Coimbatore; National Dairy Research Institute at Karnal and Bangalore; Small Industries Services Institute, New Delhi;SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai; MS University, Vadodara; National Sugar Institute (NSI) at Kanpur, Chennai and Kolkata; and Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE) at Barrackpore, Kakinada, Lucknow and Mumbai.

Remuneration

 Remuneration varies largely on the type of industry, skills acquired, geographic location, and educational qualifications possessed. However, as a fresher, one can receive a monthly salary of Rs. 8000 to Rs. 10,000. With about five years of experience, one can fetch an average monthly pay of Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 25,000. Highly qualified professionals with over 10-15 years of experience can earn up to Rs. 50,000 per month. Very good salaries are offered to senior management positions with several years of experience.

Careers in Industrial & Production Engineering

Industrial/Production engineering deals with the study to develop, improve, implement and evaluate the integrated systems of people, knowledge, money, information, equipment, energy, material and as a whole the industrial process. Industrial Engineering can also be termed as Production Engineering, Operations management, Manufacturing Engineering or Manufacturing Systems Engineering depending on the viewpoint or motives of the user.

Industrial engineers’ work includes planning, measuring and controlling all activities within the organization, besides designing the production process for a product. An industrial engineer is responsible for the overall industrial production and management.

Eligibility

The basic eligibility criteria is 10+2 (with Physics, Chemistry and Maths). There are many BE/BTech program in Industrial engineering of four years duration. The selection is generally made on the basis of entrance tests (e.g. IITJEE, AIEEE, BITSAT etc.) conducted at both national and state level.  

The Institution of Engineers (India) also offers AMIE course which is equivalent to BE/BTech offered by other institutes/universities.

Career Prospects

Industrial and production engineers have job opportunities in manufacturing companies. They can work in hospitals, banks, finance, agriculture, wholesale and retail trade, public utilities, transportation, construction and government.

Industrial Engineers can also work as manufacturing engineers, plant engineers, quality engineers, process engineers and industrial managers in different industries, management and service sector in the middle management cadre. Most of the opportunities are in the private sector.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) holds Engineering Services Examinations every year to appoint engineers in its various Central services. There are large numbers of openings waiting for industrial engineering graduates in the Railways, Armed Forces and in other Government departments as well as in most PSUs.

Institutes/Universities

BE/BTech course in Industrial Engineering is offered by almost all engineering colleges/technological universities including the IITs and NITs. Most of the state universities and private Btech colleges offer civil engineering branch. 

Careers in Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering, is a laboratory technique used by scientists to change the DNA (Deoxy ribo Nucleic Acid) of living organisms. This wonderful branch of engineering enables the human minds to interfere in and modify the processes of life, birth death and even offers escape from certain congenital diseases. There is great opportunities in this area as the demand for genetic engineers is growing both in India and abroad.

Genetic engineers re-arrange the sequence of DNA in gene using artificial methods. The work of a genetic engineer involves extracting the DNA out of one organism, changing it using chemicals or radiation and subsequently putting it back into the same or a different organism. For e.g.: genes and segments of DNA from one species is taken and put into another species. They also study how traits and characteristics are transmitted through the generations, and how genetic disorders are caused. Their research involves researching the causes and discovering potential cures if any.

The specializations in genetic engineering are related to plants, animals and human beings. The plant genetic engineering involves improving certain natural characteristics of value, viz. increase resistance to disease or damage and to develop new characteristics etc. It is used to change the colour, size, texture etc of plants otherwise known as GM (Genetically Modified) foods. GE in humans can be to correct severe hereditary defects by introducing normal genes into cells in place of missing or defective ones.

Courses & Eligibility

An individual who wants to make a career in genetic engineering can start the BTech course after his/her Plus Two Science with Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Biology. Admission to B.Tech in Genetic Engineering/Biotechnology/ Biochemical Engineering is made generally through entrance tests.

There is another option of pursuing a three-year B.Sc degree course in Genetics / Biological Science / Life Science / Biotechnology subjects and then go for post-graduation (MSc) in genetics. Most of the India universities offer this degree course.

One who aspires for further study and research can pursue M.Tech and PhD in genetic engineering offered by few institutes in India including the IITs.

Career Prospects

Genetic engineers be absorbed in medical and pharmaceutical industries, agricultural sectors and the research and development departments of government, semi-government and private sectors. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies offer the best opportunities to genetic engineers and professionals with handsome salaries apart from other perks and benefits.

Institutes/Universities

   1.       SRM University

    SRM Nagar, Kattankulatthur - 603 203

    Kancheepuram Dt, Tamil Nadu, India

    Phone : +91 - 44 - 2745 5715 / 2745 3433

    Fax : + 91 - 44 - 2745 3622

    E-mail : dean@admissions.srmuniv.ac.in

   Website : http://www.srmuniv.ac.in

   Course (s) offered : B.Tech - (Genetic Engineering), Ph.D.

   2.       Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai

Course (s) offered : Post M.Sc. Certificate course in Plant Genetic Engineering

   3.       Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras

Course (s) Offered : four-year B.Tech. Biotechnology, M.Tech. five-year dual degree in biotechnology.

   4.       IIT, Kharagpur

   Course (s) Offered : four-year B.Tech. and five-year M.Tech. courses in Biotechnology and            

   Biochemical      Engineering.

   5.       IIT, Guwahati

Course (s) Offered : B.Tech Biotechnology.

   6.       IIT, Delhi

Course (s) Offered : M.Tech five-year dual degree in Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology

   7.       Other than this many state level universities and private institutions offer this course.

Careers in Gemology

Gemology is the study of gemstones. A gemstone or a gem, also called a precious or semi-precious stone, is a piece of mineral, which can be cut and polished so as to be used in jewelry or other adornments. The art of cutting and polishing gems to give them the perfect look to be used in jewelry and other embellishments is termed as gemology. Ranging from a mere Rs. 100 to several thousands or even lakhs, the actual value of a gem can be determined only by a gem specialist, on the basis of 4 Cs - cut, clarity, carat (weight), and color. With the increase in the demand for designing and manufacturing ornaments and jewelry, opportunities in gemology are endless.

Course Details
Gemology is offered at degree, diploma, and certificate levels. Students who have passed their 10+2 examination, or any equivalent recognized examination, in any stream are eligible for admission into various gemology courses. 3-year Bachelor’s program in Fine Arts (BFA) and Diploma in accessory and jewelry design are offered at graduate level. After completing a graduate course one can pursue gemology courses at post graduation level. Generally, diploma, post graduate diploma, and certificate courses are available to such candidates, ranging from 6 days to 3 months to 1 year. One can choose from different specializations offered - gem grinding, jewelry designing, gem polishing,  gem engraving, gem assortment, jewelry setter, and gem research.

Career Prospects
 

A gemology graduate can find jobs in designing, manufacturing, management, research, academic training, and professional value analysis of gems. Other then this a gemologists, can work as gemstone appraiser,  jewelry business owner, sales associate at a jewelry store, diamond or colored stone grader, jewelry historian, and auction house cataloguer. One can also enter the mining or gem exporting industry. Good number of opportunities can be explored in gem and precious metal evaluating and testing laboratories and gem certifying bodies, units producing gemological tools and instruments, and industrial units specializing in gem cutting and polishing and treatment of rough gems. 

Institutes Offering 

Some of reputed institutes in India include: Gemological Institute of India (GII), Mumbai; National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Indian Gemological Institute (IGI), New Delhi; New Delhi; Indian Institute of Gemology, New Delhi;  Indian Diamond Institute, Surat; Gemstones Artisans Training School, Jaipur; Jewelry Design & Technology Institute (JDTI), Arch Gemology & Jewelry Institute, Jaipur; Noida; Indian Institute of Gems & Jewelry (IIGJ), Mumbai; Gem and Jewelry Export Promotion Council, Jaipur; National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad; St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai; Small Industries Service Institute, Chennai; Dr. Dharmambal Govt. Polytechnic College for Women, Chennai; and Jasani Department of Jewelry Design and Manufacture, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai.

Remuneration
The pay scale in gem industry generally depends upon the qualification and skills of the candidate and the status of the employer. On completing a basic course in gemology, a fresher can be hired at a salary ranging from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000 per month. A higher qualification can easily bring an attractive package between Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 35,000 per month. With experience and time one can establish his own independent unit which can produce good amount of profit, on annual basis, depending upon the scale of the business.

Careers in Electronics Engineering

Electronics is a branch of Physics which deals with the study involving emission, behaviour, and effects of electrons and with electronic devices. Electronics uses various devices such as semiconductors, resistors, inductors, capacitors, nano-structures, and vacuum tubes etc. All applications of electronics involve the transmission of either information or power.

Electronics Science and Electronics Engineering are different. The former only study the theoretical concept while the later apply it practically by designing and constructing electronic circuits etc. Electronics have wide application in our day to day life.

Eligibility

The basic eligibility criteria is 10+2 (with Physics, Chemistry and Maths). There are many BE/BTech program in electronics engineering of four years duration. The selection is generally made on the basis of entrance tests (e.g. IITJEE, AIEEE, BITSAT etc.) conducted at both national and state level.  

Career Prospects

Students after completing graduation or post-graduation  in Electronics Science can enter either into the electronic industries such as electronic design, control engineering, computer-hardware and computer network or into the business world where the knowledge of fundamental physics and electronics are needed. Some can also take the option to study further and carry out research in the field.

Successful graduates can join executive position in electronic chip making industry, computer hardware industry, and consumer electronics industry or become entrepreneurs.

One can also choose academic and research as a rewarding career. Various colleges/universities/ research labs in India and across the globe provide enormous opportunities.

Institutes/Universities

   1.       Bharathidasan University

   Courses Offered: BSc Electronics, MSc in Electronics

   2.       Bangalore University

  Courses Offered: M.Sc. in Electronic Science, M.Phil in Electronic Science and Ph.D. in Elecronic Science

   3.       Cochin University of Science and Technology

   Courses Offered: M.Sc. and M.Tech.) and Ph.D. Programs in Frontier Areas of Electronics.

   4.       Calcutta University, Kolkata

   Courses Offered: B.Tech. Course in Radio Physics and Electronics, 2 year M.Tech in Radio Physics
   and Electronics

   5.       Jamia Milia Islamia University

   Courses Offered: Diploma Electronics, M.Sc. (Electronics)

   6.       Garden City College

   No 628/C, 11th Cross, Indiranagar Ist Stage, Bangalore-38.

   Tel - (91-80) - 25288831, 25271385, 22972753/4

   Fax - (91-80) - 25291414

   E - Mail: gcetrust@vsnl.com

   Website: http://www.gardencitycollege.edu/

   Courses Offered: M.Sc (Electronic Science)

   7.       University of Delhi

   Courses Offered:  B.Sc. (Hons) Electronics, B.Sc. Applied Physical Sciences (Electronics), M.Sc.     

   (Electronics)

   8.       University of Pune

   Courses Offered: M.Sc. (Electronic Science)