‘Problem-solving skills help engineering graduates enhance their employment prospects’

Prof. Gurvinder Singh Virk, Dean, UPES School of Engineering, is an international expert in control systems and robotic engineering. He has expertise in wide areas of control theory and its application to real-world scenarios and has specialist knowledge in classical and modern control theory, model-based control, self-tuning/adaptive control, multivariable control, intelligent embedded systems, neural-networks, fuzzy logic and evolutionary system. In an interview with Mansha Dhingra Prof. Virk delineates the learning pathways for UPES engineering students who are equipped to solve real-world problems

What are the key engineering trends for the coming decade? 

Engineering is evolving towards the development of efficient products which are smarter and have modern features such as autonomous systems. Some of the key technology trends that will define the next decade are augmented and wearable humans, blockchain and distributable ledgers, artificial intelligence and machine learning, big data, intelligent and smart spaces, voice interfaces and chatbots, robots, 5G technology, drones and unnamed aerial vehicles, cybersecurity, and resilience to name a few.  

What are the benefits students get from studying in a multidisciplinary environment? 

With the rapid advancement of technologies, the engineering field requires multi-disciplinary sectors encompassing technical and non-technical areas. Therefore, students need multi-disciplinary and holistic learning to excel in the future and make a mark. 

UPES School of Engineering prepares students to address the most compelling challenges of the world and encourages students to work in teams to discover, experience, and explore. Students also learn certain soft skills (interpersonal skills, time management, communication skills, etc) which are needed by the industry today and are likely to grow in the future. 

Whereas UPES School for Life (an intrinsic part of UPES) facilitates learning and education that is a balance between what students want, and what is needed of them as future global citizens and leaders of tomorrow. With courses designed to equip students with lifelong learning skills, focus on a wide range of contemporary issues, and mandatory social and professional internship experience, UPES believes in inspiring the best version within an individual to better the world. This inculcates strong and ethical behaviours amongst graduates which makes graduates employable as the society moves towards sustainability and ethical uses of innovations in holistic ways. 

What are some of the upcoming and new-age engineering programmes UPES offers?  

UPES School of Engineering offers specialisations in lucrative fields such as Internet of Things (IoT), Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Blockchain, Self-Driven vehicles, 5G Communication and Technology, Smart Grid and Computing, E-Mobility, Robotics and Automation, Digital Oilfield, Green Buildings, Disaster Management and much more. These new-age programmes keep students updated with the latest technologies making them industry-ready and a preferred choice for recruiters. 

What does it take for engineering graduates to be successful in today’s scenario? 

Problem-solving skills must be taught to graduates so that they can adapt to the new environments and modern technologies quickly. Problem-solving will help engineering graduates enhance their employment prospects. It is extremely important for a successful engineer as the problems that are likely to arise will be new and challenging. Simple solution templates to standard theoretical problems will not help graduates address real-world engineering problems. 

UPES aims to provide basic problem-solving skills to students to address detailed and complex challenges in effective ways. Even after they graduate, engineers must stay up to date with the developing technologies and focus on their specialisation to remain industry relevant.  

What gives UPES School of Engineering students an edge over other students? 

UPES School of Engineering, is at the forefront of delivering education that ensures students are job-ready as soon as they graduate. A multi-disciplinary institution, UPES focuses on developing a pool of young and talented professionals through sector-centric knowledge, along with practical and theoretical knowledge. Academic-industry alliances with giants such as the London School of Business, Singapore, Larsen and Turbo, and Microsoft give an edge to UPES students. Academic collaborations guide students with industry-specific knowledge along with theories pertinent to the future of core industries.  

At UPES, students are offered world-class academic infrastructure, multimedia-enabled classrooms, modern research labs, large expanse of sports fields all around the campus, food courts, hostels, and other facilities for curricular and extracurricular activities. A premier institution of learning with an emphasis on holistic development, the university develops and hones future leaders for diverse high-growth sectors, both in India and overseas.