How Can My Brother with Arrears in Mechanical Engineering Find a Good Career Path?

Dear All,

I am posting this for my brother. He studied Mechanical Engineering from College of Engineering, Guindy (popularly known as Anna University) and has 7 arrears. Just to let you know about him, he is not a bad student at all. He was the topper in school in his higher secondary exams and had district ranks too. He is very good in his Logical & Analytical, and Managerial Skills.

He is working for a small company in Chennai that operates on Molding but does not seem to gain much experience there. Now my concerns are...

1. Is it mandatory for him to complete his arrears for placement?
2. If he does a certificate course in Pipeline Engineering/ Airconditioning Engineering or other related courses, can he get placed before completing his arrears?
3. If yes, what are all the courses that have good scope now?

Please suggest the career path for him.

Thank You,
Madhu

Hello Madhu,

You haven't mentioned why your brother got into this situation, being 'not a bad student'.

Also, since he studied in one of the prestigious Engineering colleges of the country, I don't understand his hesitation for completing the course [somehow your wording: Is it mandatory... belies a sense of hesitation].

Coming to your queries:

1. Is it mandatory for him to complete his arrears for placement?

ANS: If you are looking for placement as an Engineer, the answer is YES. But if you are looking for just any placement, the answer is NO.

2. If he does a certificate course in Pipeline Engineering/Air Conditioning Engineering or other related courses, can he get placed before completing his arrears?

ANS: He can get placed, but with the qualifications he has acquired COMPLETELY. But he may need to do some amount of explaining for the arrears.

3. If yes, what are all the courses that have good scope now?

ANS: I would suggest that he focuses on completing his Engineering, rather than looking for a job—unless of course, he has any financial compulsions to do a job. Even though many companies prefer candidates who complete their Engineering in the first attempt, there are quite a few who consider those who complete in a max of 2-3 attempts too.

At the end of the day, an Engineering Degree is always superior to any courses/diplomas.

Rgds,

TS

Madhu,

When he is ready to pursue certificate courses in engineering, what prevents him from attempting to clear the arrears? The BE qualification plays a more significant role than the certificate courses. In particular, the degree from Guindy Engineering College has more demand. Ask him to prepare for clearing the arrears.

pon

Thank you, Pon & Sathish.

To reply to Mr. Sathish, it is a wonder why he got into this situation. He has not developed any "bad habits" to distract him and all that. He says he is not able to focus on certain papers, which are theory-based. It is not that he cannot clear it but wanted to explore if there are other opportunities as well.

Thanks once again.

Hello Madhu,

Based on what you say, it looks like your brother could be in a state of mental turmoil—which is affecting his concentration and consequently his career/studies.

It could be family-related issues, very personal issues, or maybe a failed affair—suggest not ruling out anything at this stage.

Having handled kids (not just mine) from close quarters, I feel this could be the most likely reason.

I am not sure how ‘close’ you are to him—if you are close enough that he ‘confides’ in you without any hesitation and without the fear of rebuke/reproach/publicity, then suggest having a pep-talk to find the exact cause of his situation. Only then can any suggestion be implementable.

The key to such talks is to avoid asking: “What’s wrong with you?” or anything even remotely close to that meaning. Just focus on the angles where you want to touch upon and then make your own conclusions. Such sessions very rarely bring results in just one sitting.

Though it may be very premature to suggest now, if the situation so demands, please don’t rule out professional help too at a later stage.

Regards,

TS

Hi Madhu,

I also endorse the same point of view as suggested by TS here. If, at this point, he will take up other courses, his mind will surely be diverted, and studying two different courses will actually hamper his growth.

Rest, you can actually look into factors causing the mental turmoil or deviation at this stage, as suggested by TS. Nothing can be ruled out here.

And please don't put pressure on him to start working. Let him concentrate on clearing his arrears as of now and then think about the rest later.

Regards,

Hi, I'm studying mechanical engineering in the 6th semester. My question is, I have 4 backlogs. Will I be able to get a job in the mechanical stream?