3 Reasons an Engineering Student Should Study Abroad

Posted by Rajesh on October 4th, 2016

Engineering has always been viewed as the serious field, and rightly so – it is one of the most challenging courses at both the graduation as well as the post-graduation level, and contributes extensively to sharpening one’s analytical ability. But looking at how cut-throat the competition is now, it has become rather imperative to have a value add with your engineering degree, and one of the best ways to do that is to study engineering abroad. Not only is it a culturally enriching experience, it is also very fruitful from a career point of view, as there is a high level of emphasis on practical application and developing interpersonal skills.

To bring better semblance to it, here is what you stand to miss out on: -

1. You’ll have to live with the stereotype tag of being a ‘Shy Engineer’

Have you ever heard any jokes on engineers? One of the very popular one goes like this:

“A: How can you tell if an engineer is outgoing?

B: If he looks at your shoes when he’s talking, instead of his own!”

Engineers have a reputation of being antisocial and shy. It may be because of the rigorous engineering curriculum or might even be down to individual attributes, but the fact of the matter is that several engineers lack good communication skills. By choosing to study engineering abroad, a student gets exposure to different cultures and education, where he gets to experience new languages, gestures and conversations. By travelling to a foreign destination, a student gets the perfect opportunity to break out of his outer shell, explore his inner abilities while learning with others amidst cultural etiquette obstacles and language barriers.

Why are good communication skills crucial for a successful engineering career?

Employers across the world look forward to having employees who are not just proficient in their field of work, but can also contribute to their professional network. By studying engineering abroad, you get a strong point to add in your resume and highlight the same during interviews to set yourself apart from fellow engineering applicants.

2. Not every type of engineering takes you places

Engineering is said to be one of the hardest jobs on earth as it involves a whole lot of hard work. Unless you get into a field or an IT job, you will hardly be able to take time out from your super busy schedule to travel. Travelling abroad and exploring new cultures, people and places is a beautiful experience one can have in life. Once you get into your career, it would be hard for you to take time out for travelling, as most engineers complain.

So before you enter into your professional lives, choosing to study engineering abroad would serve a dual purpose of exploring a foreign destination and getting world class engineering education.

How is travelling important for your career?

If you have an explorer within you, then the right time to travel is before you settle down in your career. Welcome this chance to travel with open arms, for you’ll also have the advantage of studying engineering abroad. Meet new people, embrace new cultures, and experience new lifestyles. Most importantly, doing so can lend a broader perspective to the way you perceive life, and can have a strong positive influence in your career as well.   

3. You will have to struggle in differentiating yourself from equally talented engineering applicants

The job market is truly competitive, and securing a position in the dream company is a real challenge that engineers face. To beat this challenge, applicants often need one differentiating point that makes them stand out of the crowd. By pursuing your engineering education from a foreign university, you get a significant amount of practical exposure owing to the rigorous yet diverse and interesting curriculum. Needless to say, that’s a rather strong value add for many employers, giving you a definite edge over your peers.

What employers expect from their employees while hiring them?

The competition is not just tough for employees; it is the same for the companies as well. To be a popular brand, companies look forward to hiring employees who can represent their brand in a positive manner, add value to their offerings, and can exceptionally communicate what they develop. By studying abroad, a student develops exceptional interpersonal as well as professional skills. So, if you have studied engineering abroad, you are giving multiple reasons to your future employers to hire you – a well-knitted network, exceptional communication skills, and a broader know-how.