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In every seminar that NIIT University has organized to meet students and their guardians, the one question that is invariably asked is: “Is this the right time to even consider Engineering as a career, given the downturn?”

Add to this, a recent report confirmed some of the worst fears of tens of thousands of bright engineering aspirants, in which the Director of IIT Kanpur mentioned that only 130 companies turned up for placements on campus whereas 1200 had been invited. Consequently, IIT Kanpur’s 99% placement record fell to 74%.

While this worrying, it must be viewed objectively and with a long-term perspective. The fact is that fewer companies are hiring, not because there is a dearth of opportunities in engineering but because there is an overwhelming sense of uncertainty in the short-term: after all, if a corporation like General Motors can file for bankruptcy, who isn’t affected? The fact also is that this is a volatile environment and we need to get used to – not get depressed by it.

In a shifting situation, only those who are quick to adapt will survive. Both, institutions and individuals. For the more-established engineering colleges with a rigid curriculum, it is difficult to change rapidly. And this is understandable. However, for NIIT University, which is starting out in a difficult environment, there is no baggage to either carry or shed: when you have only the future to look forward to, it is easier to learn from the problems being faced by others and create a differentiator that works not only for the University but also for its students. Two aspects of NIIT University’s philosophy were conceived long before the slowdown and now seem to be great examples of foresight: industry-connectedness and seamlessness. The former will ensure that our programs are always industry-relevant and not only theoretical in nature; it will also provide ample opportunity to students to work in the corporate world and learn on the job. This is designed to make them more job-ready when they graduate.

Seamlessness was arrived at bearing in mind that students need flexibility and all-round education without any compromise. This is why NIIT University will provide scope for switching subjects if needed and will combine classroom lectures with research labs and a holistic mental-physical combo.

Bear in mind, too, that we are worrying about placements right now whereas our first batch will graduate in 2013 – four years from now when this slowdown will be far behind us, opportunities will have multiplied and employers will be hungry for better-trained engineers.

Will you then be ahead of the pack or part of the hassled herd?