15 Top Career Options After Engineering: Trending in 2024

Summary:

In this article, you will learn about 15 top career options after Engineering.

1. Higher Studies
2. Public Service Undertakings
3. Management
4. Entrepreneurship
5. Campus Placements
6. Become an Expert
7. Civil Services
8. Look for internships
9. Enter the private sector
10. Get a certification
11. Join the Indian Armed Forces
12. Web Development 
13. Big Data
14. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning 
15. Cloud Computing

Read more to know each in detail.

“What to do after Engineering?” “What to do after BTech?”

How many of you wonder which are all the best career options after Engineering?

Engineering (B.E., or B.Tech.,) is among the most popular graduation courses that students take after completing their school. Choosing the right career can be confusing for many students. The world is full of opportunities. And you might not be aware of most of them. One has to know the list of all career options after engineering to select the right one.

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Learners receive an average Salary hike of 58% with the highest being up to 400%.

To help you in this regard, here is our list of the best career options after engineering for students who are wondering what to do after engineering, read more.

Engineering – The ‘Only’ Career Option?

We live in a world engineered by, well, engineers. Generations of engineers have unveiled marvels and resolved problems revealing the true potential of humans. Adept at using scientific knowledge to complete the most simple to the most complex tasks, engineers have transformed how we live and think about the world. So, it is only natural that an engineering career commands respect.

Nowhere is this more visible than in India. Across the length and breadth of the country, every family aspires that their children look into engineering options. After all, India has some of the world’s most premium and well-recognised engineering institutes. 

How do we know this? The country produces an astounding 15 lakh (approximately) engineering graduates every year! India’s four-year engineering degree (B.E. or B.Tech) is much sought-after. 

What’s even more exciting is the vast array of specialisations available as the field has diversified. The options are endless- from civil and mechanical engineering to robotics and aerospace engineering. There are even several competitive exams after B.Tech that engineers can opt from across various fields and sectors. 

While some opt to appear for exams after engineering to pursue higher education, others go into an engineering career right after B.Tech courses. It doesn’t matter which sector you want to enter. There is space for the skills of an engineer. You can choose from as many available engineering options as there are specialisations. 

For most engineers and their families, an engineering career is a lifelong dream. But you must be wondering, what can you do after B. Tech courses? 

But before that, let’s look at India’s growing demand for engineers.

We live in a world engineered by, well, engineers. Generations of engineers have unveiled marvels and resolved problems revealing the true potential of humans. Adept at using scientific knowledge to complete the most simple to the most complex tasks, engineers have transformed how we live and think about the world. So, it is only natural that an engineering career commands respect.

Nowhere is this more visible than in India. Across the length and breadth of the country, every family aspires that their children look into engineering options. After all, India has some of the world’s most premium and well-recognised engineering institutes. 

How do we know this? The country produces an astounding 15 lakh (approximately) engineering graduates every year! India’s four-year engineering degree (B.E. or B.Tech) is much sought-after. 

What’s even more exciting is the vast array of specialisations available as the field has diversified. The options are endless- from civil and mechanical engineering to robotics and aerospace engineering. There are even several competitive exams after B.Tech that engineers can opt from across various fields and sectors. 

While some opt to appear for exams after engineering to pursue higher education, others go into an engineering career right after B.Tech courses. It doesn’t matter which sector you want to enter. There is space for the skills of an engineer. You can choose from as many available engineering options as there are specialisations. 

For most engineers and their families, an engineering career is a lifelong dream. But you must be wondering, what can you do after B. Tech courses? 

But before that, let’s look at India’s growing demand for engineers.

Growing Demand for Engineers in India

India has established itself as a top engineering destination. From top jobs in tech companies to innovative start-ups addressing global issues, Indian engineers have made a mark on the world stage, making it a lucrative profession. 

Digital transformation, growth of the manufacturing and infrastructure sector, and emerging new technologies have made engineering an in-demand profession. According to the India Skill Report 2022 (ISR, 2022), the demand for engineering graduates is steadily growing. Pharma, Core, Internet Business, IT, and Energy sectors will lead in hiring fresh engineering graduates. 

In fact, graduates after B.Tech courses are the most employable majority in India! Moreover, some engineering graduates choose to sit for exams after B.Tech across many sectors. A few competitive exams after engineering that you can apply for are- the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), Union Public Service Commission (Indian Engineering Services), Staff Selection Commission (SSC) exam, and ISRO Centralised Recruitment Board exam. 

The growing demand for engineering graduates should give you an indication of the rising prospects after B.Tech courses. 

So, what do engineering graduates do after completing their courses, you ask? Read on to learn more. 

Best Career Options After Engineering

1) Higher Studies

One of the most popular career options after engineering is to pursue further studies. If you’re a B.Tech student, then you can prepare for the GATE exam. 

GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is an exam that tests the comprehensive understanding of undergraduate engineering subjects. With an excellent GATE score, you can enter prestigious engineering colleges (IITs and NITs) for M.Tech. M.Tech is one of the preferred courses after engineering.

Additionally, some of the leading Companies, PSUs and MNCs consider GATE as one of the important factors while evaluating a candidate for a job. Hence, GATE is actually more important than you think!

You can also consider doing our Python Bootcamp course from upGrad to upskill your career.

You’d get to expand your knowledge and become a more-qualified engineer. If you aren’t interested in the GATE exam, you can also prepare for JAM. You can enter academics and research in your field of engineering. It is one of the best career options after engineering. 

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If higher studies are not your thing, wondering what to do after btech, and curious about digital marketing, check out MICA’s Digital marketing course which offers live projects, dedicated student mentor, case studies and more.

2) M.Tech

If you have completed your B.Tech and wondering, ‘What can I do after B.Tech?’, pursuing an M.Tech could be a great career choice. 

M.Tech is a master’s program that delves deeper into the subjects you studied during your undergrad years. It can help you specialize in your chosen field and land a well-paying job. 

To get into an M.Tech program, you usually need to clear the GATE examination and select a specialization that aligns with your B.Tech discipline. 

The good news is that you can pursue an M.Tech degree even while working. Here are some popular specializations you can consider for your M.Tech:

• Electrical and Electronics Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Power Systems Engineering
• Software Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering

3) Master of Science (M.Sc. or M.S.)

Many students wondering after BE which course is best tend to opt for a Master of Science degree in their preferred field. This program is particularly popular among those interested in technical subjects. 

One advantage of pursuing an M.S. degree is that it does not typically require prior work experience, unlike some other courses. Additionally, studying abroad for your M.S. degree may increase your chances of finding employment outside your home country. To gain admission to your desired college, it is important to achieve a good score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and submit strong letters of recommendation (LOR) and a statement of purpose (SOP). 

Here are some of the main specializations available for M.S. degrees:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Science
• Applied Mathematics and Computing
• Electronic Science
• Game Design and Development
• Green Technology

2) Public Service Undertakings

When we’ve already mentioned the GATE exam, it would be wrong to ignore PSUs. After engineering, you can also choose to enter government-run PSUs and get a good-paying job.

The competition level for government jobs after engineering is quite high. But it’s worth it in the end.  PSUs check your GATE score for recruitment. There are multiple PSUs, and each of them announces the required GATE score for application every year.

They only consider the GATE score of that specific year. If you work hard, then you can even get a job in a Maharatna PSU (BHEL, SAIL, IOCL, and others). These jobs offer great pay, security, and give you a respectable position in society. If you are wondering what to do after btech, PSUs are good options. 

However, you can also join a PSU without GATE. Some PSUs that do not require a GATE score for recruitment include:

• Airport Authority of India
• Shipping Corporation of India Limited (SCIL)
• OPTCL
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
• Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
• National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC)
• Bureau of Indian Standards
• Border Security Force (BSF)
• Hindustan Newsprint Limited
• PEC Limited
• Indian Coast Guard
• CRPF Inspector Recruitment
• Housing & Urban Development Corporation Limited
• UPPCL

3) Management

If you are wondering what to do after btech, a popular career choice among engineering graduates after engineering is studying management. Studying management can help you get a high-paying job with more responsibility.

To enter this field, you’ll have to get an MBA. MBA is one of the preferred courses after engineering. And for that, you’ll have to give the CAT exam (Common Aptitude Test). Your score in the CAT exam will determine which institute admits you.  

After studying management, you can get managerial roles in different companies. Management is one of the best career options after engineering in India. For those who wish to climb up the corporate ladder fast, this is the best option. Managers are also among the highest-paid professionals in India. You certainly would enjoy pursuing this field. 

Also visit upGrad’s Degree Counselling page for all undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

4) Entrepreneurship

There was a time when engineers shied away from entrepreneurship. But the successes of many engineer entrepreneurs in recent years have inspired the youth. You can choose to start your entrepreneurial journey after graduating.

To start on this path, you should first identify a prevalent problem and come up with a solution for it.  The problem can be in any sector. For example, Flipkart removed the hassle of shopping offline and PayTM solved the problem of cash scarcity. 

Find a problem and solve it. 

For budding entrepreneurs, there are many resources. You can join a startup incubator, and get a head-start for your company. There are many startup incubators in India, including AngelPrime and CIIE IIMA.

Entrepreneurship requires a lot of patience. But the experience of starting and running a new company is priceless. Moreover, the returns of succeeding as an entrepreneur are fantastic. 

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5) Campus Placements

It is one of the most favourite career options after engineering for most of the engineering students. You can choose to get an engineering job through campus placements. Campus placements can help you get a high-paying job even before you get your degree.

Campus placements can be very lucrative. The number of job offers worth more than one crore has increased considerably in the past few years.

Keep these points in mind when preparing for such jobs:

• Work hard to maintain a good CGPA score
• Prepare for job interviews
• Take part in extracurricular activities
• Study the companies you’re applying for 

If you are wondering what to do after btech, It’s a great way to start your career. Getting a campus placement gives you security and a guaranteed job when you complete your degree. Taking part in extracurricular activities will help you in showcasing your soft skills (such as leadership, communication, creativity, etc.). That’s why we’ve recommended you focus on them as well. 

6) Become an Expert

Want to get a high-paying job at the start of your career?

Then you should take a course or certification in an in-demand skill. Many companies are looking for engineers who are familiar with the latest technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain.

Jobs in these sectors are better-paying. Moreover, you wouldn’t have to worry about getting a job because high-quality courses also provide placement assistance. And the demand for these skills is tremendously high. Companies are in dire need of professionals adept in AI, data science, blockchain, and similar fields. 

There are many varieties in this field too. Every skill has different applications. So you have the option of choosing the one which you want to master.

The following are the most popular skills in the current market:

• Blockchain
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Digital Marketing
• Data Science

You can take a course in any one of them and kick-start your career. 

7) Civil Services

If you are wondering what to do after engineering, if you aspire to serve the nation and make a dent in the system, you can opt for the civil services as well. It is probably one of the favourite career options after your B.Tech of your parents.  

Civil services are among the hottest career options. To enter the civil services, you’ll need to crack the UPSC civil services exam, which is one of the toughest examinations in the world. Experts recommend preparing for at least a year before applying.

The UPSC CSE exam is divided into two stages:

• Preliminary Examination
• Mains (written exam + interview)

Around 1 million students give this exam every year, and only a few thousand get selected.  If you can get a high rank, you can get the prestigious post of IAS, IPS, or IFS, as well. It’s a popular option among engineers as 19 of the top 20 CSE toppers in 2016 were engineers. A career after engineering as a civil servant comes with many perks and benefits. 

8) Look for internships

Often it becomes incredibly challenging to land a full-time job in a reputed company immediately after completing graduation. However, this is the best time to take on internships or apprenticeships. Internships or apprenticeships are excellent means to expose yourself to the real-world working environment. Although they last for only a few months (3-6 months), they can help build your professional outlook and attain a deeper understanding of work ethics. 

Internships are like a short-term training process where you learn the job’s ropes, understand how to conduct yourself in the workplace, and become aware of your key strengths and weaknesses. They present the perfect opportunity for you to learn and grow as a professional. Not for nothing do employers value internships/apprenticeships so much!  

If you are wondering what to do after engineering and if you are good at what you do and you have won over your employer, you may end up bagging a full-time job position in the same company. Sounds enticing, right? It is not an uncommon thing for companies to hire their best interns for full-time roles.

9) Enter the private sector

Still, looking for options before deciding what to do after engineering? While campus placements are an excellent source for getting leads for the private sector, it does no harm to indulge in some research of your own. The best way to start is by registering in reputed job portals like LinkedIn and Indeed to look for jobs relevant to your expertise area and that match your job profile interests. It is one of the high-paying careers after engineering.

Since India is a major tech hub in the world today, every year MNCs from all around the globe set up their bases in India. Also, home-grown companies are emerging steadily throughout the major tech and industrial hubs in the country, including NCR, Pune, Gujarat, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Naturally, new job profiles are also emerging, and job vacancies are skyrocketing. This is why the private sector holds tremendous promise for fresh B.Tech graduates. 

However, landing a job in the private sector comes with its unique challenges. The biggest problem is that the supply of engineering graduates is way more than the demand created by private sector companies. This leads to cut-throat competition in the job market. So, what can you do then?

You can create a solid resume that highlights your core strengths, skills, and expertise areas. Another vital thing to remember while designing a resume is that different job profiles have different requirements. Hence, it is crucial to tweak your resume according to a particular job profile.

For instance, if you’re applying for the profile of a Software Engineer, make sure to highlight your mathematical skills, programming skills, and command over various programming languages. If you have any relevant certifications or internships under your sleeve, include them as well. Basically, you need to understand the demands of a job profile and then create your resume around it.  

10) Get a certification

There’s no end to learning, especially if you are a curious soul forever willing to acquire knowledge and gain new skills. If you are someone who wishes to upskill before taking on a professional role, certifications are the right way to go. After completing your graduation, you can enrol in certification courses that are relevant to the field of engineering. If you are looking for courses after engineering, please read carefully. If you are interested in learning more and figuring out after engineering which course is best, then enrol yourself in certification courses to get a good grasp of the disciplines engineering has to offer.

Some of the most valued certification programs for fresher B.Tech graduates include Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (Core Infrastructure), CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), CSM (Certified ScrumMaster), and PMP (Project Management Professional) to name a few. If you are wondering what to do after btech, check out the courses we mention in this article. 

If you are wondering what to do after btech, there are many other certifications offered by renowned platforms like CompTIA, Google, AWS, and of course, upGrad. upGrad has a wide range of short-term and long-term certifications across various domains, including Software Development, Blockchain, Management, MBA, Data Science, Machine Learning, and Digital Marketing. 

Obtaining professional certifications will help:

• To fortify your professional credibility.
• To expand your knowledge base and skillset.
• To improve career prospects and boost the pay scale.
• To encourage lifelong learning and professional development.

11)  Join the Indian Armed Forces

The Indian Armed Force has three wings – the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force, and the Indian Navy. The Indian Army is land-based, whereas the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy are in charge of the air and water bodies, respectively. As a B.Tech (Engineering) graduate, you can find employment opportunities in all three wings of the Indian Armed Force, only the criterion for joining each is different. For students who are wondering what to do after engineering, joining forces is a good option.

The Indian Army is always on the lookout for technically sound professionals who can support the troops on the field. Usually, Engineers who join the Indian Army are allotted to any of the three branches – Corps of Engineers, Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers, and Corps of Signals. You can join the Army through TGC (Technical Graduate Course) and SSC Tech entry schemes. 

Similarly, after completing your B.Tech (Engineering), you can join the technical squad or the ground squad of the Indian Air Force, depending on your qualifications and skillset. Usually, B.Tech graduates can get in through the AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) Entry scheme. 

As for the Indian Navy, the government has now started recruiting Engineers via the SNAES (Special Naval Architects Entry Scheme) Entry scheme. 

12) Web Development

It is one of the in-demand fields which allows organisations to create a solid digital presence. It constitutes designing, programming,  and building robust applications and websites for the internet.

Web development can be broken down into three distinct phases;

1. Front-end development
2. Back-end development
3. Full-stack development

Full-stack developers can do both the work of front-end and back-end development. It is one of the sought-after career options after BTech. Once the individuals pursue web development and build their niche and portfolio, the option of jobs after BTech becomes many. 

13) Big Data

Data is the new oil, and data drives organisations today. From big to small, every business is dependent on data. Organisations can reduce operations costs, increase their productivity, and develop a robust strategy to improve their business and overcome competition. This is one of the high-paying career options after engineering. 

14) Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning

AI and ML are two of the most essential and in-demand disciplines today. AI and ML surround us, redefining how organisations function and operate. From Netflix movie recommendations to Smart Watch, AI and ML also affect how humans interact. They are one of the best career options after engineering.

Some of the in-demand roles are

1. ML Engineer
2. Data Analyst
3. Data Architect 
4. BI Developer

15) Cloud Computing

Students who are confused about ‘What to do after engineering?’ or ‘After engineering what next?’ must consider cloud computing if they are at the exploratory stage. Organisations are moving towards cloud data for increased storage and privacy. The students can opt for higher studies after engineering and get a better understanding of cloud computing. The demand is high and ever-increasing.

18) Digital Marketing

Choosing a career in digital marketing after completing a B.Tech engineering degree can be rewarding. The digital world is constantly expanding, and businesses of all sizes now understand the importance of having a strong online presence. This has led to a high demand for digital marketing professionals.

Additionally, having a background in engineering can give you an advantage in this field. Engineers often excel in understanding and utilizing the data-driven aspects of digital marketing due to their analytical and problem-solving skills.

To start your journey, you can learn about important areas such as Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising, social media marketing, and content marketing. Many online platforms like upGrad offer specialized digital marketing courses to help you learn these skills.

Connecting with professionals in the industry, attending industry events, and staying updated on the latest marketing trends can also contribute to building a successful career in digital marketing after engineering.

19) Cybersecurity

With the rising digitization, the need for skilled professionals safeguarding our computer systems and networks from cyber threats has grown exponentially. If you are an engineer considering your career options after engineering, exploring the field of cybersecurity can offer a unique and unconventional choice.

Various roles in this field, such as ethical hacking and security analysis, can provide an exciting and rewarding career path if you are considering life after engineering courses. And the best part? Cybersecurity offers attractive remuneration and ample opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth.

20) Game Designing

Game design is an exciting field for those fascinated by video games. If you’ve ever been amazed by the detailed artwork that brings virtual worlds to life, consider exploring this career path after engineering.

You can pursue game design courses, like a master’s degree in game development. This will allow you to be a part of the entire game creation process, from coming up with the initial idea to designing and ultimately introducing the game to players.

A game design career can be financially rewarding and creatively satisfying, with the online gaming industry thriving. The demand for skilled game designers and developers is increasing, so now is a great time to explore this innovative field.

21) Become an Industry Expert

Want to get a high-paying job at the start of your career after engineering?

If so, consider taking a course or certification in an in-demand skill. Many companies are actively searching for engineers skilled in the latest technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain.

Jobs in these sectors tend to offer higher salaries. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about finding employment because reputable courses also provide placement assistance. The demand for skills in AI, data science, blockchain, and similar fields is extremely high. Companies are in desperate need of professionals who are skilled in these areas.

Furthermore, there are various specializations within these fields, each with its own unique applications. You have the freedom to choose the specialization you wish to master. Not only are these unique, they open up a world of multiple possibilities for your career advancement in the future.

22) Business Development

If you have a B.Tech degree and are interested in business development, it can be a great career choice. This field allows you to combine your technical knowledge with business skills. In business development, you will be responsible for finding growth opportunities, building client relationships, and proposing solutions.

Having a B.Tech degree gives you an advantage in understanding technology-driven industries, products, and services that are in high demand. You can work in various sectors, such as IT, healthcare, finance, or telecommunications, as they require professionals with both technical and business expertise.

A B.Tech program not only teaches technical skills but also enhances critical thinking, communication, and teamwork abilities. These qualities are important in business development, as they involve working with clients, collaborating with different teams, and making strategic decisions.

Moreover, during your B.Tech program, you will have opportunities to gain practical experience through internships or projects. This hands-on experience will help you understand real-world business situations and develop the practical skills needed for a successful career in business development.

23) Embedded Technology

Embedded technology is everywhere in our everyday lives, from our smartphones to our cars. Hence, the demand for professionals in this field is constantly growing, making it a highly sought-after career option after B.Tech.

As technology advances, embedded systems become more complex, offering endless specialization opportunities like real-time systems and the Internet of Things (IoT).

In addition to technical skills, problem-solving, analytical thinking, and attention to detail are crucial for designing efficient embedded systems. These skills are often acquired while pursuing a B.Tech and are highly valued by recruiters. It’s a universal career choice with limitless possibilities.

24) Cloud Computing

Having a technical background can greatly help in grasping the intricacies of cloud technologies. With the rapid pace of digital transformation, the need for cloud services and skilled professionals to manage them is on the rise.

To specialize in this field, you can easily pursue certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Google Professional Cloud Architect, or Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert. These certifications, along with hands-on experience, can unlock various job opportunities for you, such as cloud architect, cloud engineer, or cloud consultant.

25) Full Stack Development

Full-stack development is an excellent career option after engineering, especially for those with strong knowledge and understanding of programming languages. Full-stack developers manage and coordinate front-end and back-end web development, making them highly valuable in today’s digital-driven business landscape.

As businesses increasingly shift their operations online, the demand for full-stack developers, known for their comprehensive expertise in website and application development, continues to rise.

Unlike many careers in the tech industry which face fierce competition, the field of full-stack development poses a relatively open market. So, if you are looking for a career after B.Tech courses, establishing yourself as a full-stack developer has a good chance of securing employment post-graduation.

Students who excel in coding will find this prospect encouraging as they can directly apply their skills as full-stack developers. Even B.Tech graduates without prior coding experience can pursue a career in full-stack development. Training programs and resources available equip aspiring developers with the necessary technical skills.

High Paying Engineering Careers For Freshers

Here are 10 job roles for engineering graduates with an entry-level salary insight in India:

Create Your Path

As you can see, engineers have tons of career options after they graduate. Whether you want to climb the corporate ladder or conduct research, there are ample opportunities everywhere.

The above is a list of some great career options after engineering. We hope it will answer your question “What to do after engineering?”, “what to do after btech?”. You can determine your interest based on your career choice that you would like to opt for after your graduation. For all young minds, wondering what to do after engineering, you need to check the amount of time, the difficulty level, before deciding which path to opt after your graduation.

By clarifying your goal, you can ensure career success. 

If you are keen on upgrading your career with an MBA course, upGrad is offering the MBA from Liverpool Business School.