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Current fad?

Many students select the electronics and communication stream in engineering due to various factors such as placement prospects, current trend, parental pressure, etc. The mad rush for this stream is not based on any logic or vision for the future.

Though some parents are prepared to pay hefty fees for these courses, it cannot be said whether the choice is good, as the employment prospects keep changing.

Moreover, some IT companies recruit graduates from arts stream by giving them training to bring down the wage cost. They can employ two or more graduates for the salary of one engineer.

Moreover, we must motivate youngsters to choose courses based on their aptitude and interest rather than the current trends.

Dr K. K. Ammannaya, Udupi

Students choose subjects such as electronics and communications, computer science and information technology due to placement prospects and not because of their liking for the subject. Demand and supply are the main criterion when it comes to choosing the subjects.

The favourite subject of toppers changes with time. Years ago, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering were the most sought after subjects. Trends keep changing and students now prefer aeronautical engineering because of the recent boom in the aviation sector.

V. Ramjee, e-mail

Electronics and telecommunications engineering is a basic technology. While the applied technologies, developed from the basic, may become obsolete, the basic technology will continue to remain strong in the relevant field. The industries or sectors making use of the applied technology may be attractive at a given point of time, but it may soon become obsolete when a new technology is introduced.

T. R. Anandan, e-mail

The herd mentality in children should be blamed. The job opportunities abroad or in India for other engineering streams are low and the unemployed youth change their course midway to become ‘employable’ in other sectors.

Most often, bright students opt for maths and science courses and the not-so-bright students settle down for other branches. This trend can be seen in colleges also where they charge high fees for certain courses which are in demand.

P. P. Ajith, Palakkad

There is more scope for students who opt for electronics and communication engineering due to rapid expansion in the sector. Job opportunities have increased in these sectors because of the presence of multinationals. Hence it finds favour with students also.

Sathish Kumar, e-mail

When it comes to choosing a career, we cannot force a student to go for a particular stream. Electronics and communication engineering has good scope, especially in an emerging economy like India. There is enough scope for further advancement for those who opt for this stream.

Ashok Jayaram, Bangalore

The younger generation has access to a wide array of information to decide on their carrier choices. Students make up their mind while they are in school and opt for the subject when they come to the college.

These youngsters expect hefty salaries even during the early part of their carrier. Most of the students believe electronics and communication is going to rule the world.

K. Nagarajan, Bangalore

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