Most Indians prefer engineering as a career option: Report

Mumbai: Even as there are multiple career options, about 80 per cent of Indian students are interested in engineering as they believe that the profession offers high-earning potential and the opportunity to contribute to innovations, according to a report.

In countries with growing economies, engineering holds huge attraction for the next generation, a global report commissioned by Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering said.

"For example, in both India and Turkey, around 80 per cent of 16-17 year olds say they are interested in engineering," it added.

In India, the interest in engineering was basically matched by the belief that the profession offers high-earning potential and the opportunity to contribute to innovations, as well as the belief that engineering is an interesting and stimulating career, it said.

"I am reassured the 'Create the Future' report confirms engineering outputs are valued around the world and considered genuinely life-changing. I take heart in the number of people who see engineering as a great way to contribute to society," Dr Robert Langer, winner of the 2015 Queen Elizabeth Prize, said.

The inaugural 'Create the Future' report of the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering is an international survey of attitudes towards engineering, surveying respondents in global centres for engineering including USA, Germany, Japan, Turkey, India and Brazil.

Narayana Murthy, Founder, Infosys, India said, "Globalisation is changing things. While much of the developed world continues to experience moderate interest in engineering careers, emerging economies are providing a new breeding ground for engineers."

People in India, USA and Germany have rated engineering as a top career opportunity.

Other favoured professions include business leader,lawyer, doctor and teacher, the report revealed.

It stated that the interest in engineering remains higher amongst men (66 per cent) compared to women (43 per cent).

"Whilst more men than women in all countries show an interest in engineering, the gap in interest is smallest in emerging economies such as India, Turkey, China and Brazil. UK, Japan and South Africa show the greatest difference," it said.

The report revealed that 57 per cent believe engineering is critical in solving the world's problems, particularly in USA, UK and Germany.

But in Japan, engineering is seen as a driver of innovation.

The report further said that most people think engineers' contribution to society is undervalued, they deserve much more recognition.

"About 71 per cent claim that their country's engineers do not receive the recognition they deserve for their contribution to society," it added.

PTI