Man is an industrious species. Exploring and understanding science and its application has been a part of human nature since ages. Humans first understood that they needed shelter from the natural elements and hence invented the concept of clothing and roof. Subsequently, they started to live in communities and learned to work for a common benefit. They also made tools to make their work easier and more efficient. And thus such endeavors, which we can now call engineering skills, have gradually shaped the human civilization. Thus, we can say that as long as the human race exists, there will be engineering.
As the civilization gradually evolved into its present manifestation, a constantly increasing need for proper research and knowledge dissemination was felt by the society. And for addressing this need, various colleges and universities were set up. Knowledge was thus passed on through this system for ages, and a significant part of this knowledge has evolved itself recently in the form of the various engineering disciplines, some of which we refer to as core engineering branches.
What’s So ‘Core’ About Some Engineering Branches?
Every generation adds to the collective knowledge of humanity and this, in turn, advances the civilization forward. Despite the immense growth in almost all the existing domains of knowledge, certain branches of engineering and sciences remain relevant and grounded through time, such as Mechanical, Civil, Electrical and Architecture. These are considered as the core engineering branches.
These core engineering branches have been around since the dawn of human civilization in one form or another and are a thriving testament to their undying importance. They have survived not because of persistence, but because of the constant development and relevance within them.
Which Are the Core Engineering Branches?
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Mechanical Engineering
One of the broadest and oldest of all engineering disciplines, Mechanical Engineering involves the application of laws and principles of Physics to analyze, design, manufacture and maintain the mechanical systems. Graduates from this field are usually hired by manufacturing firms. Job opportunities are available in both private and public sector. Mechanical engineers play an important role in the agricultural division as they undertake maintenance of agricultural equipment. Candidates with a mechanical degree have good job opportunities outside India as well. 4 years B. Tech degree course in Mechanical Engineering is available in premier Indian engineering institutes. Find out all you need to know about this core engineering branch here.
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Electrical Engineering
This branch of engineering usually deals with the study of a diverse usage of electricity and equipment that yield and circulate power. In short, this field of engineering involves transmission and generation of electrical power.
Computer, telecommunications, and consumer electronics companies are the biggest employers in Electrical engineering. All electricity boards, power sector organizations like NTPC, PSUs, railways, defence forces, manufacturing sector, etc. require electrical engineers. They are also hired by IT sectors for ERP solutions and software development. If you don’t wish to work with a company, you can also get involved in research by joining research labs and institutes. Find out everything you need to know about electrical engineering here.
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Civil Engineering
Regarded as one of the oldest engineering branches, Civil engineers utilize scientific and engineering principles to design and build bridges, buildings, roads, dams and canals. There are several specialization options in this branch of engineering like environmental, construction, transportation and geo-technical engineering, etc. Civil engineers have ample and interesting job opportunities that have no tension of recession. These engineers are required to construct or repair structures. They can work for a real –estate (construction) company, work independently or can fit in any one of the government offices such as irrigation, Road and Building and CPWD. Environmental Engineering, Structural Engineering and Marine Engineering are all specialties of Civil Engineering. Check out our article here for a real picture of this core engineering branch.
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Architectural Engineering
Architectural engineers work in the construction, planning, and design phase of projects. In conjunction with other team members, the focus is on building structure and interior design. This includes Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Electrical, Fire protection, Lighting, Plumbing and other systems specific to the project. In some areas, natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes have special consideration.
Additionally, an architect with skills can help clients by his ideas in terms of balancing the requirements of appearance, financial budget, and time frame. Architecture Engineers have the dual qualification of architect and a civil engineer. Bestowed with the duty to provide the services of an architect and engineer, such professionals have attractive demand in the job market.
So, basically, these four branches can be said to be the base of the ‘Engineering world’! This is why they are called core branches of Engineering. It is from these very branches that many other new Engineering branches came from! One could also notice that no matter which industry we take into account, core branches are involved in it in one way or the other!
Looking from career prospects’ point of view, core engineering branches have lots to offer! The most prominent advantage has to be job availability. As I mentioned above, core branches are involved in almost all types of industries! So, it is safe to say that there are jobs available for core branch graduates in different types of industries! For graduates hailing from other branches of engineering, this kind of luxury may not be always present!
Another main advantage is that of job security. To an extent, these branches are not too easily affected by the recession. This is the reason why these branches are also called ‘Evergreen Branches’! When compared to other branches, job opportunities in case of core branches are always in a ‘healthy state’ and don’t fluctuate in the case of bad economic situations!
Picking the right engineering branch is indeed a challenge. Read our take on it here. All the very best!
