About a decade ago, things were much simpler for engineering graduates. In order to get the ideal job opportunity in a multinational company, all they have to do is get a computer science degree from a reputable college. Today, however, the situation is very different. While the tech job market is difficult, it’s not easy to enter, and it’s because technology is evolving rapidly. Upskilling is critical to staying relevant in the current work environment. Production methods and business models are changing. There is automation, leading to the decentralization of production and operations.
Let’s take a closer look at the different reasons why engineers inevitably upskill for growth:
rapid technological progress
First, technology is constantly evolving and trends are outdated before they go live. Every day there are new technologies and upgrades that replace redundant existing technologies. Technology-based careers don’t change, they evolve, and IT professionals must keep up with trends by continually learning and tracking these changes. The demands on technology change every year, and you need to make sure they are always ready.
Engineering graduates lack relevant skills
Second, engineering graduates in India do not have the relevant skills required today. It is both a technology-based skill and a soft skill. According to industry experts, almost half of India’s workforce needs to be trained to stay abreast of the latest technology trends. Of the 800,000 engineers produced in India each year, only one in eight is absorbed by IT companies. Absorption levels are further reduced if no relevant skills are found. About 12 million engineers graduate each year and need to be retrained to be job-ready.
The benefits of experiential learning
A third reason for upskilling is that experiential learning facilitates faster and easier learning. It follows a learn-by-doing approach rather than relying on theories of university professors, most of which are not even relevant to current requirements. When talent performs a task, they have the opportunity to engage in some critical thinking, develop problem-solving skills, and have decision-making skills. It brings flexibility to work across technologies to enhance one’s employability.
get ready for work
Another valid purpose is that when engineers re-skill and upskill, they make themselves employable and find it easier than others to get a job. Also, it helps in promotion at work as they improve their skills. As they learn new skills, they gain an extra edge over others. The confidence that comes with the knowledge of different technologies and skills ensures the talent’s employment quotient, so a well-paying job is automatically guaranteed. Not only students, but even laterals must use their time to learn new things that will add weight to their resumes and make them more employable.
Connect with the right people
Finally, gaining knowledge from a mentor or expert in the field during upskilling can provide timely guidance and help identify areas for improvement. It is also a great opportunity to network with relevant people in the industry who can help you and lead you to a large number of job openings in the future. Building a repo and convincing industry experts that your skills are essential. Recommendation letters from the right people go a long way in the IT industry.
in conclusion
Technological advancements are permeating almost every sector in the world, from finance and education to healthcare, logistics and more. It translates into a growing demand in the market for engineers with the latest technical skills such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, machine learning, augmented reality, data science, automation, etc. To prepare to seize opportunities in these technologies and industries, it is necessary for technologists to upskill and re-skill.
Disclaimer
The views expressed above are the author’s own.
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