Speakers urge engineering students to explore diverse career paths at The Hindu FIC, SRM-A.P. seminar

Engineering should not be viewed as a limitation to one’s career prospects, but as a strong foundation for pursuing diverse paths such as management, civil services, entrepreneurship and liberal arts, said Duvvuri Satyanarayana, professor at Paari School of Business. He was addressing students at a career guidance session organised by The Hindu Future India Club (FIC) and SRM-A.P. University in collaboration with Dhanekula Institute of Engineering and Technology (DIET) at Ganguru in Vijayawada.

Mr. Satyanarayana said that there was no single route to success and shared three career journeys to illustrate how individuals could shape their professional lives based on their interests and aspirations. He cited the example of an engineering graduate who pursued an MBA and built a successful career, a science graduate who shifted to history and economics before entering the civil services and an engineer who remained in the technical domain and eventually became a successful entrepreneur.

Hindu FIC & SRM AP seminar at Dhanekula Institute of Engineering & Technology, Ganguru, Vijayawada.
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He urged students not to allow their present degree or academic discipline to restrict their ambitions. Strong ambition, determination, continuous learning and a sense of personal ownership are the qualities that ultimately shape a successful career, he said. Drawing an analogy with a potter who transforms ordinary mud into a valuable product, he said individuals also have the ability to shape their own future through choices and efforts.

The session was aimed at encouraging students to think beyond conventional career options and develop a broader perspective on their future aspirations. The speakers also stressed the importance of understanding the meaning of success and achieving goals that would make their parents proud.

SRM University-A.P. assistant director V.V.S. Pradeep urged students to follow the principle of ASK — Attitude, Skill and Knowledge — and work consistently to develop these qualities for professional growth.

DIET dean of training and placements C.V.V.D. Sreekanth emphasised the need for career clarity and informed decision-making, particularly among final-year engineering students preparing to graduate. He advised students to carefully assess the options before them, including higher education, employment and entrepreneurship, and prepare a clear roadmap for their careers.

Mr. Sreekanth also highlighted the increasing importance of combining technical expertise with management skills to enhance career opportunities and prepare students for leadership positions. He encouraged students to interact with industry professionals, seek expert guidance, clarify doubts and learn from their experiences.

The speakers called upon students, who are now at an important stage of their lives, to take personal responsibility for their career decisions rather than relying entirely on the choices or opinions of others. They urged them to make effective use of career guidance forums to explore opportunities and make informed decisions about their future.