Is Studying Engineering and Becoming an Engineer Worth It? A Comprehensive Guide

The Value of an Engineering Degree in Today's World

Absolutely, engineering is worth it. But there's one critical catch: it depends heavily on how you approach becoming an engineer. 

If your educational journey focused primarily on exams rather than building practical skills and understanding fundamental concepts, you might find yourself either frustrated with the field or outpaced by peers who invested time mastering the fundamentals while you concentrated on grades.

The Problem with Traditional Engineering Education

This is particularly evident in countries where educational systems often emphasize theoretical knowledge and exam performance over practical application. Many educational platforms have identified this as one of the key problems that need addressing in engineering education.

The most effective approach tackles this issue by providing students with standard projects designed by fundamentally skilled engineers. This hands-on method helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Measuring Success Beyond Grades

While it's challenging to measure long-term success with this approach, educational experts are beginning to observe encouraging results. Students who initially had poor undergraduate or postgraduate marks are developing their technical careers with greater ease compared to peers who were more exam-focused.

The key difference? These students are building real-world skills rather than just collecting good grades.

Essential Resources for Engineering Students

To help aspiring engineers develop practical skills, here are some valuable YouTube playlists covering various engineering disciplines:

Mechanical Engineering

1. Introduction to GD&T Full Course - Free Certified - Click here to watch 

2. Fundamentals of CFD Full Course - Free Certified - Click here to watch

3. Introduction to Finite Element Analysis Full Course - Free Certified - Click here to watch

4. Introduction to Product Design and Development Full Course - Free Certified - Click here to watch

5. Path to Placement - Mechanical Engineering - Click here to watch

6. Introduction to Advanced CFD Analysis Full Course - Free Certified - Click here to watch

7. Mold Design using SolidWorks Full Course - Certified - Click here to watch

8. Multibody Dynamics for Automotive Applications Full Course - Free Certified  - Click here to watch

9. Advanced Turbomachinery Simulations using CONVERGE Full Course - Free Certified  - Click here to watch

10. Strength of Materials - Engineering Basics Full Course - Free Certified - Click here to watch

11. "Engineered Daily" - Skill-Lync - Click here to watch

12. CAE Simulation using SolidWorks Full Course - Free Certified - Click here to watch

13. Introduction to Physical Modeling using Simscape Full Course - Free Certified - Click here to watch

14. Additive Manufacturing & 3D Printing using Ansys SpaceClaim Full Course - Free Certified - Click here to watch

15. Physics Basics Full Course - Free Certified - Click here to watch

16. AutoCAD Essentials for Mechanical Engineers Full Course - Free Certified - Click here to watch

17. CFD Simulation using SolidWorks Full Course - Free Certified - Click here to watch

18. Multibody Dynamics using Solidworks - Free Certified Course - Click here to watch

19. FEA Using SOLIDWORKS Full Course - Free Certified - Click here to watch

20. CATIA V5 Full Course - Free Certified - Click here to watch 

21. Engineer'd - Shorts - Click here to watch

22. Engineer'd: The Future of Engineering | A Skill-Lync Podcast - Click here to watch

Electrical Engineering

1. Introduction to Electronics in Automotive Systems Full Course - Free Certified - Click here to watch

2. Introduction to Sensing Techniques in Embedded Systems Free Certified - Full Course - Click here to watch

3. Li-Ion Battery Pack Design Consideration Full Course - Free Certified - Click here to watch 

4. Basics of Electric Vehicle Simulations using Ansys Full Course - Free Certified - Click here to watch

5. Basics of Digital Electronics - Full Course - Free Certified - Click here to watch

Civil Engineering

1. Introduction to Structural Engineering - Full Course - Free Certified - Click here to watch

2. AutoCAD Essentials for Civil Engineers Full Course - Free Certified - Click here to watch

Computer Science

1. Machine Learning Fundamentals In Depth - Full Course - Certified - Click here to watch

Career Opportunities for Engineers in 2025

Looking at the job market in 2025, there continues to be strong demand for mechanical design engineers across India. Companies like Secure Meters, Advanced Structures India, and Schneider Electric are actively recruiting in cities including Chennai, Bengaluru, Udaipur, and Mumbai.

The salary ranges for mechanical design engineers vary based on experience:

• Entry-level (0-2 years): ₹1.5-3 Lakhs per annum
• Mid-level (2-5 years): ₹2.5-5 Lakhs per annum
• Senior-level (5+ years): ₹4-7.5 Lakhs per annum

Required skills for mechanical design engineers typically include:

• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA, Creo)
• Experience with 3D modeling and 2D drafting
• Knowledge of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing)
• Sheet metal design capabilities
• Understanding of material selection and manufacturing processes
• Familiarity with FEA (Finite Element Analysis)

The Engineering Path Forward

So, is pursuing engineering worth it? The answer is a resounding yes—with the right approach. Focus on building practical skills, understanding fundamentals, and applying knowledge through hands-on projects. The playlists provided above are excellent resources to supplement traditional education and develop the practical expertise that employers value.

Engineering remains one of the most versatile and valuable degrees you can pursue. By focusing on skill development rather than just academic performance, you'll position yourself for a rewarding and sustainable career in this ever-evolving field.

Conclusion

Industry experts consistently note that those who invest time in mastering the fundamentals and practical applications of engineering concepts tend to thrive in their careers, regardless of their academic grades. The key to success lies in your approach to learning—focus on understanding "how things work" rather than memorizing for exams.

The extensive list of resources provided above can help you supplement your formal education with practical, hands-on knowledge that will serve you well throughout your engineering career.

All the best on your engineering journey!