What ever the construction may be, engineers apply scientific and technical knowledge to address requirements of a construction project. They address the problems and tasks faced by businesses and governments. A fundamental part of engineering is the practical application of specialised scientific knowledge. Engineers need to consider safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. However, in recent times, particularly in the last ten years, Civil Engineering course was neglected, as many opted for Computer Science, going by the boom. After effects of this negligence had resulted in to shortage of Civil Engineers in huge numbers globally.

An Overview:

Civil Engineers primary responsibility is to design all construction work as per the given specifications. They are involved in the planning, research, survey and construction of all kinds of buildings as also roads, airports, dams, traffic and transportation systems, irrigation and power plants, water supply and sewage disposal plants, ports and harbours, oil rigs, etc. Basically, they are responsible for planning and designing a project and having it constructed to the required scale.

Structural engineering, water management engineering, highway engineering and environmental engineering are some of the areas civil engineers specialise in. The civil engineer has to plan, research, survey and design the project and then get it constructed to the required scale.

Engineers are often the crucial link between the goal and reality. Once a company or government agency decides that it needs a certain product or process, the next step is for an engineer or team of engineers to create it as efficiently as possible within a budget. Engineers have a hand in all the phases of development, from idea conception, design and development, implementation and testing to customer support.

The engineers have to ensure that the structural framework of the building is strong enough to withstand the load for which it is being constructed and also should be able to withstand heat, cold and tremors. Engineers test and inspect products and structures to increase cost-effectiveness and safety.

Requirements

Organising ability, practicality, spatial reasoning, excellent analytical and logical reasoning skills are some of the qualities needed to make it as a civil engineer. It is also necessary that you like working with tools, drawing sketches, and conceptualising forms and structures. The ability to express your ideas precisely to others is a must here. You must be mechanically inclined and ready to work with your hands.

Good logical and mental ability, problem solving skills and an ability to grasp concepts quickly are essential. An ability to express oneself using figures and words, perseverance and judgement are some of the other skills required.

Engineers need to be able to work with a team. Breaking problems down in a systematic way helps to divide the work among team members. You will usually serve as supervisor, ensuring that all team members co-ordinate their parts and communicate effectively to keep the project running smoothly.

The most successful engineers have a balance of creative and scientific skills and can master both established techniques and innovate new ones. Discipline, patience, and perseverance are also important qualities in an engineer-the ability to communicate with others is also a key skill, as engineers need to communicate effectively within their teams and with others.

How to get in:

After your SSC (10th Class) you can opt for a diploma course after which, you can go for a degree. Alternatively, after 10+2 one can study engineering by any one of the following options:

Through Joint Entrance Exam JEE- IIT (Indian institute of Technology)  or EAMCET or AIEEE, one can join National level or state engineering colleges.

Eligibility for B.Tech Civil: Your marks scored in 12th exam, particularly in the subjects of Physics, Chemistry and Maths are also taken into consideration along with entrance test score.

The BE/B.Tech degree course in civil engineering covers structures, construction and surveying, foundation, fluid mechanics, hydraulics, environmental engineering, irrigation engineering, soil analysis, strength of materials, cost and works management and pollution control.

After graduating students can go in for postgraduate studies in India or abroad that will culminate in a master’s degree. Further study up to Ph.D. level is also an option.

Specialisations:

Master of Planning in Urban & Regional Planning/Housing/Transport planning
Master in Computer Application
P.G. Diploma in Cement Technology/Construction/Quality control.
M.Tech in Earthquake Engineering, Remote Sensing

Job Opportunities

You can start private practice as a consultant or work with municipalities, government construction, regulatory agencies, transportation authorities, architects or urban planners. Others can seek employment in construction or manufacturing companies. You can also work for organisations like ONGC, Railways and various departments of state and central governments.

Employment opportunities are exist in the government sector, including the railways, departments of irrigation, public works, roads, airports, harbours municipal corporations, telecommunications departments, etc. You can also work as a commissioned officer in the defence services, Research organisations and laboratories.

Career Prospects

The entry of multinational companies has increased the demand for good engineers. Mainly due to the opening up of the economy and privatisation of infrastructure developments there is expected to be a good demand for civil engineers.  Though students still doubtful on Civil Engineering course, It is all the attitude that pays a lot this kind of speciality courses. If you are passionate about creating wonders in construction, designing and planning, you can select this course. The growth momentum is high in this segment as shortage of civil engineers is huge.

Many youngsters in the country dreams to fly high. Whenever they see a flight, a republic day parade, at least once, they wish to join in armed forces. Out three services of army, Indian Airforce has its own fancy. Here is a list of various options available in Indian Airforce to choose as a career option. 10+2 to graduates and engineers, there are several avenues to face the challenge.

“Watch your speed… follow the glide slope… wings level…. reduce power… overshoot… hold your altitude.” This is the kind of verbal shorthand you are likely to hear on an Indian Airforce plane.

If you think living and earning on earth is for lesser mortals consider a job in the sky.

Career Overview
The Indian Air force is the fourth largest air force in the world. Now that India is one of the Nuclear Weapon States, your thumb might just be on that nuclear trigger, you never know.

The airforce can be divided into:

* Flying Branch
* Technical Branch
* Ground duty branch

Now let’s see what’s in store for you in each of these branches:

Flying Branch - You’ll be flying fighter/bomber aircraft designed to destroy the enemy in the air and on the ground. As a transport pilot you will be ferrying troops and equipments under enemy fire often making rough landings at makeshift runways. You could even be assigned to V.I.P. transport.

As a chopper pilot you will closely co-ordinate with the army in its operations. You could spy on enemy positions or drop commandos with pinpoint accuracy or ambush enemy tanks with guns and rockets.

Technical Branch - For those of you with a technical bent of mind, the Indian Air Force offers an opportunity for hands-on experience on sophisticated aircraft and weapon systems. You will ensure the war preparedness of the fleet and the airworthiness of the aircraft.

Ground duty - You will look after administration, logistics, accounts, education and meteorology. You could also be the eyes in the sky as the air traffic controller and fighter combat controller.

Requirements

Flying Branch
Before being inducted as a trainee pilot at the Air Force Academy you have to finish a three-year course from National Defence Academy.
Age Limit: 16 ½-19 years

Educational Qualifications: Minimum 10 + 2 with Physics and Mathematics.
Entrance: Written examination conducted by UPSC followed by a Services Selection Board interview for those who pass the written examination.

Advertisement: In the month of April/ November by UPSC. The format of application will be available in the Employment News.

Air Force Academy (CDSE)
Age Limit: 19 to 23 years

Educational Qualifications: B.Sc. (Physics and/ or Mathematics) or B.E.

Entrance: Written examination conducted by UPSC followed by a Services Selection Board interview for those who pass the written examination.

Advertisement: In the month of April/ November by UPSC. Successful candidates join the Air Force Academy directly for Pilot Training.

National Cadet Corps
Age Limit: 19 to 23 years

Educational Qualifications: B.Sc. Physics and/or Mathematics or B.E.

Entrance: Direct Services Selection Board interview.

Eligibility criteria for Women
Status: Unmarried or widows of service personnel killed on duty but without any child.

Age Limit: 19-23 years, relaxable up to 25 years for those holding Commercial Pilot License.

Educational Qualification: B.Sc. Physics and/or Mathematics or B.E.

Advertisement: Published in the month of January and July each year in the Employment News and leading Newspapers.

Entrance: Directly qualify for interview by Service Selection Board.
Successful candidates join the Air Force Academy directly for Pilot Training.

Engineering
Entry into the engineering branch can be achieved through the University Entry Scheme. Here, you are selected to join the Aeronautical Engineering Branches for Permanent or Short Service Commission while in the Pre-Final/ Final Year of your study in the Engineering Colleges.

Alternatively, you can opt for the Direct Entry Scheme after graduation.
Age Limit: 18 to 28 years

Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics)
(Permanent Commission or Short Service Commission)

• Engineering Degree in Electronics/Telecommunications/ Electrical
• Communication/Electronics and Communication/Computer Science & Engineering or a combination of these subjects OR
• B.Tech. in Radio Physics and Electronics of Calcutta University OR
• B.Sc. Physics with Electronics of Bombay University OR
• M.Sc. Electronics of Delhi, Bangalore, Madras, Gujarat, Lucknow or Calcutta University OR
• B.Sc. with Physics, Maths and Chemistry.

Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical)
(Permanent Commission or Short Service Commission)

• Engineering Degree in Aeronautical/ Mechanical/Production/ Industrial
  Production OR
• B.Sc. with Physics, Maths and Chemistry

Advertisement: Applications are called for twice a year in the month of January and July through advertisement published in the leading newspapers/Employment News.
Entrance: Written examination conducted by UPSC followed by a Services Selection Board interview for those who pass the written examination.

Ground Duties
You would be inducted in one of these departments – Administrative, Logistics or Air Traffic Controller/Fight Controller (Short Service Commission) branches.

Age Limit: 20-23 years for graduates and 20-25 years for post graduates

Educational Qualifications: Graduates with 60 per cent and above marks and post graduates with 50 per cent and above.

Candidates with an MBA or post graduate diploma in Business Administration (Two years full time or three years part time course from institutes recognised by All Indian Council for Technical Education (AICTE) with 50 per cent and above marks and between the age group of

20-25 years can also apply.

For Law graduates (three-year course) with 50 per cent and above marks the age is relaxable to 26 years. LLB (five-year course) with 50 per cent marks and above can also apply provided they are in the age group of 20-25 years.

Advertisement: It is released in leading newspapers or Employment News in January and July for the administrative branch.

In January for Logistics Branch and in March for the Air Traffic Controller and Fighter Controller Branches.

Accounts Branch
Age Limit: 20 to 23 years for Graduates and 20 to 25 years for post graduates.

Educational Qualifications: B.Com/B.Com. (Hons) with 60 per cent and above marks and M.Com. with 50 per cent and above marks.

For candidates with AICWA/Chartered/Registered/Incorporated Accountant together with B.Com or M.Com degree the age is relaxable upto 27 years.

Advertisement: Released in leading newspapers/Employment News in the month of July each year.
Entrance: Through SSB interview

Education Branch
Age Limit: 21 to 25 years.

Educational Qualifications: M.A/M.Sc. with 50 per cent and above marks in English/Psychology/Defence Studies/Mathematics/Physics/Statistics/Computer Science or an MBA with 50 per cent and above marks with a combination of minimum two subjects out of Physics, Maths, Statistics, English, Psychology or Defence Studies at B A/ B.Sc. level.

Candidate with Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (Two year full time or three years part time course) from Institutes recognised by All Indian Council for Technical Education (AICTE) with 50 per cent and above marks can also apply. For those who have done their M.Ed/ PhD, the age limit is relaxable up to 27 years.

Advertisement: Advertisement is released in leading newspapers/ Employment News in the month of July each year.

Entrance: Written examination conducted b y UPSC followed by a Services Selection Board interview for those who pass the written examination.

Meteorological Branch
Age Limit: 20 to 25 years.

Educational Qualifications: MSc in Physics/ Applied Physics/ Meteorology/
Geophysics with Meteorology and Oceanography/ Oceanography with specialisation in Meteorology/

M.A/M.Sc. in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics/M.tech in Atmospheric Science from IIT Delhi with 50 per cent and above marks.

Advertisement: Advertisement is released in the leading Newspapers/ Employment News in the month of July each year.

Entrance: Written examination conducted by UPSC followed by a Services Selection Board interview for those who pass the written examination.

Candidates must be in accordance with the prescribed physical standards i.e. they should be physically fit and free from any disease or disability and excess fat. The minimum acceptable height for the Air Force is 162 cm.

(For Gurkhas and residents of north-eastern India, Garhwal and Kumaon, the minimum acceptable height is 5 cm lower than the standard and from candidates from Lakshadweep, the minimum height is lowered by 2 cm.)Candidates must have perfect eyesight (known as 6/6 vision).

Besides these general conditions, each training institute and examination have their own standards and requirements.

Job Opportunities
Flying branch officers have to opt for a permanent commission of 20 years. Short Service commission of seven years is offered for all other branches.

Your career growth usually takes this route:

• Commissioning rank- Flying Officer
• 5 years-Flight Lieutenant
• 11 years -Squadron Leader
• 16-21 years – Wing Commander
• 22 years – Group Captain
• 24 year – Air Commodore
• 26 years – Air Vice Marshal
• 28 years – Air Chief Marshal

Money & Other Benefits
Flying Officer Rs 8,500 – 10,050

Flight Lt. Rs 9,600 – 11,400

Sq. Leader Rs 11,600 – 14,850

Wing Commander Rs 13,500 – 17,100

Group Captain Rs 15,100 – 17,350

Air Commander Rs 16,700 – 18,050

Air Vice Marshal Rs 18,400 – 22,400

Air marshal Rs 22,400 – 24,500

Air Chief Marshal Rs 30,000

In addition to the above fighter pilots get flying pay of Rs 9,000 per month. For helicopter and transport pilots, it is Rs 7,000.

Other facilities include leave benefits, travel concessions, dearness allowance, furnished accommodations, soft loans, group insurance scheme and free ration and medical treatment.

Career Prospects

Airforce pilots after retirement can move on to commercial airlines. This is true for all other branches as the civilian airline industry mirrors the defence one. With flying clubs and adventure sports gaining popularity there is a need for qualified personnel in these areas too.

Career in Aerospace Engineering

Ever wonder what makes a paper plane fly? Love birds and other flying creatures? Are you fascinated by electronics and computers? Like the smell of gasoline? Are you a hands-on kind of person? Well then, Aerospace Engineering is the career for you.

Career Overview

Aerospace Engineers work in one of the most technologically advanced branches of engineering. They design, construct and test aircraft, missiles, satellites, rockets, spacecrafts and anything that flies. Besides this, they are also involved in researching new materials, engines, body shapes and structures. This job is not just about science, it’s also about creativity. You will not only give wings to your imagination but also make it fly.

You will conceptualise a project, say an Indian lunar mission. You will be involved in all steps from the drawing board to the planning committee to the implementation team. You will think of various designs most suitable for a spacecraft for this kind of mission. You will then iron out your differences with other engineers and come to a consensus. Then comes testing a smaller model of this spacecraft in a wind tunnel and authorising its airworthiness. The final stage involves building the aircraft, testing it all over again and finally handing it over.

But your job will not end at that. You will act as a consultant to the mission and trouble-shoot any problems that may arise. Pretty cool stuff for an engineer!

Requirements

You need to have good mathematical and logical skills. You also need to be good at organising. You will be working in teams of cross-sectional skills and as such you must be able to get on well with people at all levels. You should be able to keep calm under pressure and be a problem solver. You should also like working with tools, drawing complex sketches and thinking up forms and structures.

This is a field where you are required to constantly update yourself with the latest innovations and technologies. So be prepared to read a lot. The ability to express one’s ideas clearly to others comes in handy too. You should also be creative and analytical with an eye for detail.

Academic Qualifications:

You need to be a BE/B.Tech. in aerospace engineering. There are also diploma courses, which
you can pursue after 10+2 but you will need to complete your degree before you get a good job. After graduation, you could pursue an M.Tech. or Ph.D. in aeronautics. Then there are exams conducted by the AeSI (Aeronautical Society Of India). This exam is considered equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering.

You will study subjects like Principles of Flight, Aerodynamics, Aircraft structure, Propulsion, Avionics, Electronics, Metrology, as well as Airworthiness Regulations and Air Traffic Control.
You will then have to choose an area of specialisation namely, aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, navigation and control, instrumentation and communication, etc. You could also specialise in aerospace products viz., commercial transport, military fighter jets, helicopters, spacecrafts, missiles or rockets.

Job Opportunities

The Indian aerospace industry is growing rapidly but as compared to the Europe or the United States it is small in size. In India you will most likely be employed in government owned enterprises such as ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation), HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.), NAL (National Aeronautics Labs), etc. The new area of opportunities are emerging as many global airlines operators and aircraft companies planning to open their MRO- Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facilities in India.   A lot of prestige is associated with working in these organisations and they attract the top brains in the country.

You could also work for airlines like Air India, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, KingFisher etc. Openings also exist in civil aviation departments as well as the Indian Air Force.

There is no dearth of opportunities for those who wish to work abroad. In fact, a large percentage of engineers at NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration, United States) are Indians. The same is the case with aerospace giants like Boeing, McDonnell Douglas, etc.

Money & Other Benefits

As a trainee Aerospace Engineer you will earn about Rs 25,000 or more per month, if you get into an airlines. Research organisations, aircraft developing and manufacturing organisations and others pay around Rs 12,000 per month.

After a couple of year’s experience, you could be easily making around Rs 80,000 a month. Plus you get all the added benefits reserved for government servants.

Career Prospects

The airline industry is always looking for new aeroplanes that are bigger, better, more economical and off late more environment friendly. That is how the Boeing 707 developed into the 747 and now into the 747-400. But now airlines want new generation planes able to take thrice as many passengers at many times the speed of sound. The race is on to develop this next generation airline. Which means that aerospace engineers are a lot in demand.

Space is another booming business with the need to launch communication and weather satellites into various orbits. Space vacations may become a reality sooner than we think, thanks to the landmark space flight taken by US millionaire Dennis Tito. Defence as usual is an industry which constantly requires new and better technologies and the Indian private sector is all set to set shop now that the government has thrown open this sector to private participation.

If reading between the lines of balance sheets is your game then this is your calling.

Career Overview
The process of money flow is a complicated one. You will master it and show others how to do it. As a CA you will offer financial advice and audit accounts for private individuals, companies, industries, educational institutions, etc. This in short is the summation of your job profile.

You will audit-analyse and verify your clients’ accounts and give a fair financial picture. You could also work as a financial guide or consultant and push an organisation’s profitability. You will also advice clients on investments, general taxation and act as executors and trustees.

Auditing means analysing and verifying a client’s accounts to make sure that they give a fair financial picture. It also involves interviewing staff and management. Most companies hire CAs as financial guides or consultants.

Budgeting, fund raising and other financial activities related to corporate finance will be your domain. CAs are experts in corporate law.

Procuring finance for projects needs high level of skills and expertise in finance. CAs are trained to advice on financial sources and prepare project reports.

You will analyse the profitability on business expansion as well as its long term returns. Your advice will also be sought in matters such as mergers and acquisition, diversification etc.

This profession calls for a lot of travelling. So if you hate to pick your bag and leave the comforts of your office, think twice. Auditing will see you move from one office to another, unless you have your own practice.

Requirements
•    Logical and analytical skills
•    Critical outlook
•    Good inter personal skills
•    Good organising abilities
•    Meticulousness
•    Excellent numerical abilities
•    Ability to take initiatives
•    Loads of patience
You have to complete the course conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).

According to the new system in place you are first required to do your Professional Education (PE) course I and II. For PE-I you need to have completed your 10+2 level in any stream. The course is administered via correspondence for a period of 10 months after which you give a written exam. The subjects include accounting, mathematics and statistics, accounting, as well as business communication and management.

After this you are eligible for PE – II. You can directly join PE -II if you have completed your B.Com with Accountancy, Auditing and Mercantile or Commercial Law with a minimum of 50 per cent marks. For non-commerce students with mathematics the cut off percentage is 60 per cent and for other non-commerce students it is 55 per cent. If you fall below these academic requirements, you need to do the PE-I course first.

Candidates who have cleared the final exams conducted by the Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India (ICWAI) or the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) can also join the PE – II course directly. Subjects in PE-II include Cost Accounting and Financial Management, Business and Corporate Laws and Information Technology.

In both PE-I and II you need to score at least 40 per cent in each individual paper and 50 per cent overall in order to pass the examination. The duration of each of these courses is 10 months.

After this you are required to register yourself as articled clerks and work as a trainee under a chartered accountant for a period of three years. During the last six months of this internship you can appear for the CA Final examination. On clearing the final examination and completion of your three-year internship programme, you are required to complete a course on general management and communication skills. After all this has been done will you be admitted as an associate member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. Only then can you call yourself a Chartered accountant.

These days more and more CA firms are IT enabled and as such you need to be knowledgeable about things like:

1. Working knowledge of Tally and Spreadsheets
2. E-commerce
3. Internet Applications
4. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
5. Software Solutions
6. DBMS and RDBMS Concepts

Job Opportunities

You will work with:
•    Registered Audit firms
•    Chartered accountancy firms
•    Management consultancy firm
•    Banks
•    Law firms
•    Corporate organisations
•    Government organisations
You could also freelance or start your own consultancy service.

Money & Other Benefits

Registered firms: Rs 5,000-20,000 or more per month
Chartered accountancy firms: Rs 6,000-20,000 or more per month
Management consultancy firm: Rs 15,000-40,000 or more per month
Banks: Rs 12,000-Rs 30,000 or more per month
Other organisations: Rs 10,000-30,000 per month

Career Prospects

In recent times, accountancy has grown in popularity as a profession. The services of a CA are required even in the smallest of enterprises.

Moreover, under the Companies Act, only CAs in professional practice are entitled for appointment as auditors of companies in India.

With growing globalisation and formation of new policies, the corporate sector requires the services of more specialised professionals.

There is also a demand for consultancy service on specific issues to a business enterprises.