Tips to STAND OUT in the job market

In an online chat with Get Ahead reader Shekhar Sanyal, Country Head, Institution of Engineering and Technology for India discussed career opportunities for fresh engineers. He also gave them advice on how they could make an impression in the job market.

Here's the unedited transcript:

Arjun asked, Hi, I will be graduating this year and there are lacs of engineering students graduating every year in India. How can I stand out in the job market ?
Shekhar Sanyal answers, Hi Arjun, To stand out in today's job market it is important to gain additional qualification beyond just the educational degree. Various certifications are available in the market which you could look at. One of the professional qualifications which the IET offers is Chartered Engineers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chartered_Engineer_(UK)) Similar equivalent professional qualifications are there which would make stand out as an engineering professional in an overcrowded market.

dfdd asked, WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO DO POST GRADUATION AFTER B.TECH.
Shekhar Sanyal answers, Hi dfdd, I think I would be able to answer your question better if I had a little more idea of what kind of post graduation you are talking about. Are you planning your PG in Engineering or management?

nilesh asked, Hello Mr Shekhar I have completed my Four years diploma in electrical engineering.I have worked with Tata power and reliance Power and currently working with Godrej group.I have completed my Btech in correspondance from Karnataka State university.I am planning for MBA.With this profile what is the scope for me in European countries or Gulf..
Shekhar Sanyal answers, Hi Nilesh, Looks like you want to make a switch to management domain. with a strong engineering background and experience, if you are looking to do an MBA, specialise in Operations. Project Management will probably be what suits your profile the best. There are a lot of opportunities in this domain.

sagarbharathraj asked, While doing your doctorate in some field, is the the university or the guide under whom you work, the most important factor?? both compliment each other but still, which is more important at the end??
Shekhar Sanyal answers, Hi sagarbharthraj, To me both are equally important, but most important is the depth and originality of your thesis as well as your hard work

raju asked, What are the scope for Computer Science Engineers in the next 7 - 8 years
Shekhar Sanyal answers, Hi Raju, Computer science engineers will be in great demand in years to come, however it is important to know that domain knowledge in core engineering areas like power, infrastructure, manufacturing design etc will add to your career prospects.

umesh asked, Hi Shekhar, I had around 10 yrs exp in IT. I want to change coding profile to manger profile. What needs to be done?
Shekhar Sanyal answers, Hi Umesh, build on your people management skills as well as do a MBA

Niraj asked, Computer Science Engineers Jobs will it hold on as it used to be . On average Salary hike are low compared to previous years and Job uncertainty is on peak . Any update on future of it
Shekhar Sanyal answers, Hi Niraj, Computer science engineers will be in great demand in years to come, however it is important to know that domain knowledge in core engineering areas like power, infrastructure, manufacturing design etc will add to your career prospects.

Parul asked, Hi Shekhar, I am in my final year of engineering in Electronics and Communications and have got placed in one of the reputed IT firm. However, we can find Navy, etc visiting our campus for recruitment. Can you brief me on scope of engineering in Navy?
Shekhar Sanyal answers, Hi Parul, Electronics and Communications are backbone of the Navy and very interesting cutting edge work is done there. I am sure you will enjoy working in the Navy.

vijay asked, hii Shekhar ,i am working as 2010 passout and working as performance tester.so what should i do further nourish my career.
Shekhar Sanyal answers, Vijay, you should work on getting more certifications as well as improve your people and managerial skills. I would also advice you to join an organisation like The IET to take advantage of the learning and networking opportunities it might offer

Satish_BLR asked, Hi Shekhar, This is Satish I am a final year engineering in CS from PES bangalore, If i enrole how would IET help achieve a better stance in my career
Shekhar Sanyal answers, Hi Satish, IET is global engineering body and membership to it helps you to connect with professional engineers across the world as well access to cutting edge technical knowledge. Having a membership to such a global professional body would help you advance your career through the various opportunities that the IET is committed to create for you

veenajoshi asked, Dear Shekharji One my friend's daughter has passed B.E. in Computers of Mumbai University with distinction las year but has not got job at the moment. What will be your advise for her as same is frustating her at the moment.
Shekhar Sanyal answers, Dear Veenaji, It is important today to make sure children get more than just educational degrees to get them to be successful. Brilliant children as your friend's daughter needs to get involved in organisations like to IET which allow her to interact with various senior professionals from academics and the corporate world and thereby increase her visibility learning and career growth

111 asked, Hi, I am Manoj Kumar and I am appearing in AIEE Entrance this year.....Can you pls. tel me what branch i should take for Engg....
Shekhar Sanyal answers, Manoj, Core Engineering careers are on the upswing now. It might be useful to look at such qualifications.

Sundar asked, Hi Shekhar, I am doing my engineering in Electrical. we have IEEE chapter in our college, can we also start a IET student chapter? and how will it be different?
Shekhar Sanyal answers, Sundar, This might too small a place to talk about student chapters of the IET. In short yes you could start a IET student chapter in your college. Please call us on our office number of 080 40892222 to discuss further

Satish_IN asked, I have always aspired to be a entrepreneur does IET provide incubation & guidance for entrepreneurship
Shekhar Sanyal answers, Hi Satish, IET does provide incubation and guidance if your work is around engineering and technology

krishnakanth asked, Is there enough scope for selecting aerospace engineering?
Shekhar Sanyal answers, Hi Krishnakanth, Aerospace engineering is an exciting space to be in with great opportunities

Kamal asked, I read a report recently that engineers lack skill sets. Do you know about this and what is the solution to improve ?
Shekhar Sanyal answers, Hi Kamal, Not having skill sets beyond their core area of work is problem which has plagued engineers for long. It is important to get more non technical, communication and ethical skill sets for higher employablity of engineers.please go through one of the options IET offers. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chartered_Engineer_(UK)

Romi asked, Hi Mr Shekar. What according to you are the skills required apart from regular academics to secure and sustain a job?
Shekhar Sanyal answers, Not having skill sets beyond their core area of work is problem which has plagued engineers for long. It is important to get more non technical, communication and ethical skill sets for higher employablity of engineers.please go through one of the options IET offers. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chartered_Engineer_(UK)

Johnny asked, Helloe Sir, recently there was a story in The Hindu which says that there is an alarming number of engineering candidates who are left jobless? any thoughts on this?
Shekhar Sanyal answers, Not having skill sets beyond their core area of work is problem which has plagued engineers for long. It is important to get more non technical, communication and ethical skill sets for higher employablity of engineers.please go through one of the options IET offers. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chartered_Engineer_(UK)

Subramanyam asked, Hello, I am a retired engineer with lot of interest and research in Solar energy as a alternative source, will IET help in showcasing my research for wider audience to enhance the use of solar energy in our day to day life.
Shekhar Sanyal answers, Hi Subramanyam, The IET is a professional support body for engineers and one of its mandates is to provide platform to its members to allow them pursue their area of interest. Please visit the IET website to know more

Tom asked, do you think that the mushrooming nummber of engineering colleges in India has reached a saturation point? Will it add any value? are there enough jobs available for people passing out from tier 2 tier 3 colleges?
Shekhar Sanyal answers, Hi Tom, As I have answered to one of the previous questions, today just having an engineering degree is not enough. It is important to constantly upgrade yourself through continuous professional development programs as well being part of relevant technical networks and working groups. Employers are looking for employees who show a desire to continuously upgrade themselves professionally. An engineering degree is just the start

Hari asked, Mr Shekhar, only one question IS IET RECOGNIZED BY AICTE OR ANY GOVT BODY?
Shekhar Sanyal answers, Hi Hari, Since IET not an educational institution it does not require recognition from AICTE or such bodies, however we are recognised by all professional bodies worldwide to represent essential engineering intelligence.

rameshwar asked, my son has passed b tech (ECE) in 2009 . he has done with CCNA and telecommunication training from an institute but still he is looking for a appropriate job. Please suggest what should he do now
Shekhar Sanyal answers, Rameshwar, with BTech & CCNA, your son should be able to find excellent opportunities with IT companies focusing on Network & Infrastructure design and deployment, Network integration, Infrastructure Management and Remote Network Infrastructure Management.

vivek asked, Hi Shekhar, I did my Engineering in Computers and am a 2010 pass out. I intend to pursue higher studies in technical space. How will a membership IET help my cause and provide me with greater exposure?
Shekhar Sanyal answers, The IET is a professional support body for engineers and one of its mandates is to provide platform to its members to allow them pursue their area of interest. Please visit the IET website to know more

Scott asked, Rs 1.34 cr package to Allahabad engineering student. ANy feed back on this
Shekhar Sanyal answers, Hi Scott, Good engineering talent is always valued

Karthik asked, Hi Mr. Sanyal, I am a class topper. I have been placed from Campus. I am looking for something that would add to my profile...not just studies and cultural fests. But something that gives it weight. What do you suggest.
Shekhar Sanyal answers, Hi Karthik, I would suggest volunteering for professional engineering bodies which will give you global exposure as well as an opportunity to learn a host of new skill sets while networking with engineering professionals from across the spectrum

Shekhar Sanyal says, Thank You all for your questions! It was fascinating to answer them. I hope I have been able to clear some of the doubts that you might have had! Thank you and Good Evening!