Dindigul: Engineering studies continue to hold significant promise for the future, provided students equip themselves with technology-relevant skills, education consultant Jayaprakash Gandhi said here on Friday.

Speaking at Dinamalar's 'Vazhikatti' in Dindigul that was jointly organised by Dinamalar and Sri Krishna Educational Institutions, Coimbatore, Gandhi underscored the importance of aligning education with the rapid pace of technological advancements.

“We are on the cusp of a major tech revolution. While artificial intelligence (AI) and data science are already gaining global traction, their adoption remains limited in India. Organised Intelligence (OI) and synthetic data science are now emerging trends. By 2030, nearly 72 per cent of technical skills could become obsolete,” he said.

He further noted that coding practices are expected to undergo an 80 per cent transformation and that 70 per cent of future job opportunities will be digital in nature. Gandhi highlighted the rising relevance of robotics, virtual healthcare, touch-based financial transactions, and the growing demand in cyber security and computer science.

Courses in electronics and communication, electrical and electronics, and biomedical engineering are poised for growth, he added, urging students to choose institutions with strong National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings.

Aspiring scientists encouraged to dream big
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) scientist Dilli Babu, speaking at the event, said students from diverse disciplines including medicine, engineering, arts, and agriculture can aspire to become scientists by cultivating innovative thinking.

Recalling how former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam inspired his own scientific journey, he said DRDO's 50 laboratories are engaged in developing defence and life-saving technologies. “Students from mechanical, civil, aerospace, IT, and chemical engineering backgrounds have ample opportunities at DRDO,” he said.

Creativity drives animation careers
Keshar Kumar, professor at Subbalakshmi Lakshmipathy Science College, Madurai said the media and animation industries offer abundant opportunities for students with imagination, artistic skills, and tech knowledge. He pointed to the growing demand in e-learning, gaming, and 3D animation sectors.

“There are roles both behind and in front of the screen, in areas such as design, development, editing, and costume,” he said.

Industrial safety emerging as a key profession
Speaking on industrial safety, Professor Vivek Ramkumar from the same college said demand for safety officers is increasing, especially in the construction and manufacturing sectors.

Courses such as B.Sc. Fire and Industrial Safety, M.E. Industrial Safety, and related diploma programmes can lead to lucrative opportunities in India and Gulf nations, with some professionals earning up to ₹8 lakh annually, he said.

Maritime sector offers promising careers
Gabriel Bhupalarayan, professor at Madurai's R.L. Institute of Nautical Science, highlighted the employment potential in maritime fields, including navigation, marine engineering, and catering.

“Students from science backgrounds can pursue B.Tech in Marine Engineering, B.Sc. Nautical Science, and diploma programmes. With the implementation of National Maritime Vision 2030, job opportunities in the sector are expected to rise,” he added.