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)

Careers in Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineering deals with the science and technology involving electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism, to design, construct, and maintain products, services, and information systems. Electrical engineering is the historical name for what is now called electrical, electronics, and computer engineering.

This area of engineering covers traditional areas like generation, distribution and transmission of electricity as well as new age applications in electronics ranging from telecommunications to computers and micro-processors. Because of this most courses combine electrical and electronic systems. This course is closely linked with computation and applied physics, neural systems, computer science and applied dynamic systems.

Students of electrical engineering are offered both practical and theoretical knowledge in a wide variety of subjects, quantum electronics, including wireless systems, modern optics, power electronics, solid state materials and devices, control theory; signal processing, data compression and communications etc.

Eligibility

The basic eligibility criteria is 10+2 (with Physics, Chemistry and Maths). There are many BE/BTech program in electrical 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 after completion of his class 10th. Here he will be recognized with the status of a junior engineer.

One, who still wants to study further after completing BE/BTech, can pursue MTech program offered by Indian Institutes of Technology and few other engineering colleges in the country.

Career Prospects

Electrical Engineering is a good field as far as employment in this field is concerned. Electrical engineers are required to develop, design, manufacture, test, evaluate, market, sell and manage electrical and electronic systems.

Fresh graduates can find jobs both in public and private sector. However the private sector pays good salary as compared to the government. Among the largest employers of electrical engineers are computer, telecommunications and consumer electronics companies.

Institutes/Universities

BE/BTech course in Computer 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 Environmental Engineering

Environmental Engineering is a new branch of engineering that applies the knowledge of science and engineering principles to improve the environment (air, water, and land resources) from pollution and to provide healthy water, air and land for human habitation and for other organisms.

Environmental engineers work in many aspects of environmental protection. The major areas include industrial hygiene, air pollution control, radiation protection, toxic materials control, hazardous waste management, water supply, waste water management, storm water management, solid waste disposal, public health, and land management. And, within each of these major categories are many sub-specialties.

Eligibility

The basic eligibility criteria is 10+2 (with Physics, Chemistry and Maths). There are many BE/BTech program in Environmental 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

A graduate of Environmental Engineering program can find jobs in many areas. One can be a designer, a researcher, a planner, a professor, an operator of pollution control facilities, a government regulatory agency official, a manager of programs, or be involved in professional society work. 

However, the possibility of finding jobs is more in chemical manufacturing units, mines etc.

A graduate of Environmental Engineering can also find opportunities in the Central Pollution Control Board, openings in the private sector would essentially lie with companies engaged in infrastructure projects with environmental consulting firms.

Institutes/Universities

BE/BTech course in Environmental Engineering is offered by many engineering colleges/technological universities including the IITs. Many state universities and private Btech colleges offer cenvironmental engineering branch.  Birla institute of Technology, National Institutes of Technology, Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), College of Engineering and Technology (Anna University) also offer this course.

Careers in Computer Engineering

Computer Engineering is the branch of engineering which studies elements both from computer science and electrical engineering and applies it to the making and development of computers and computer-based systems.

Computer engineers build and repairs computers such as PCs, workstations, and supercomputers. They also build computer-based systems such as those found in cars, planes, appliances, electronics, phones, communication networks, and many other products. Computer engineers not only design the hardware, but also much of the software in computer-based systems.

The main tasks of computer engineers involve developing software and firmware for embedded microcontrollers, designing sensors, designing VLSI chips, designing mixed signal circuit boards, and designing operating systems. Computer engineers also work on many other products related with computers like  robotics, which relies heavily on using digital systems to control and monitor electrical systems like motors, communications, and sensors.

At present this branch is one of the hottest branch among the engineering graduates. The reason behind it is availability of good paying jobs in most of the private IT companies.

Eligibility

The basic eligibility criteria is 10+2 (with Physics, Chemistry and Maths). There are many BE/BTech program in Computer 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 continue his study further by joining ME/MTech programs offered by various engineering colleges/universities including the IITs and NITs. A GATE qualification can further make one’s admission process easier.

Career Prospects

A computer engineer can find job opportunities in a variety of environments in academia, research, government, industry, private, business organizations and so on. The software and IT companies are the major employers of computer engineering graduates. They offer the best salary packages to the young graduates which are unmatched with other branches of engineering profession.

Institutes/Universities

BE/BTech course in Computer 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 computer engineering branch.  

Brian Tracy

Remember that you are a living magnet: What you attract in your circle of life ...people and situations is in harmony with your dominant thoughts, beliefs and attitude !!!

Quoting Brian Tracy:

After dropping out of high school before graduation, Tracy got a job on a tramp steamer and traveled around the world for eight years, eventually visiting more than eighty countries on five continents.

When he could no longer find a job as a laborer, he went into sales. Struggling at first, he decided to ask other successful salesmen for advice, and then to emulate them.

By the end of his first year, he attained the status of top salesman. After his second year, he was made a Vice President in charge of 95 people.

At the time he was only 25 years old.