Every June, parents of prospective IIT students contact me with a variety of questions. But the most prevalent is, “Sir, what branch should we choose?”
This is a difficult question to answer — but it is also the simplest.
Let me start with the easy answer. The IITs’ ever-changing Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) academic ecology ensures that academic programs are continually in sync with the changing industry landscape. So, regardless of which field a student chooses, if they are truthful throughout college, they will have a good entry into the professional world.
But this is where the solution becomes complicated. Parents and students frequently consider branches — and even IITs — as a method of obtaining high-paying jobs. The truth is that they are capable of much more than just a wage.
I’m not implying that prospective students aren’t enthusiastic about their areas. However, parents and students alike must be reminded that the few IIT graduates who earn salaries in excess of one crore are unusual outliers.
As a result, it is critical to consider newer frameworks for introducing someone to the IIT system and its success. And here’s my proposal: students who join the institutes will have the opportunity to contribute to nation-building.
And this is not an emotional debate. I would say that it is a wise decision that results in a win-win outcome. There is no doubting that every student contributes to nation-building, whether directly or indirectly, and in varying degrees.
However, the IIT ecosystem, in particular, is a major enabler in connecting students to the frontier areas of current and future national interests and objectives. National priorities are also global priorities in several fields. Naturally, the demands and circumstances of national and global concerns vary throughout time.
Climate change and sustainable energy, for example, are major challenges that affect the entire world. A significant amount of focus resources will be directed here into research, innovation, technological development, and policy.
Faculty members at IITs do research and consult on initiatives that are closely related to industry demands. These projects provide UG and PG students with exposure to real-world issues.
Those exposed to power engineering, for example, would have the opportunity to participate in the design and planning of the country’s electric transmission grid. Those involved in chemical technology would have the opportunity to develop a disruptive solution for future energy storage. Those interested in communication engineering can help build a solid communication backbone for future smart networks. Add to it the numerous success stories of start-ups born from these efforts.
What could be more rewarding than working in an area of passion and contributing to national and global causes while also being well compensated?
