Factors Influencing Students’ Choice of Engineering Profession After 12th Class_ A Proposed Study

Factors Influencing Students’ Choice of Engineering Profession After 12th Class_ A Proposed Study.

Aziz Hamid Farooqi

Independent Professional SME, Dammam, Eastern province, Saudi Arabia

Reg.PE | PMP® | M. ASCE | M.SEI | M.ICE | ACI-SAC.

 

ABSTRACT

This study aims to investigate the key factors influencing students’ decision to pursue engineering as a profession after completing 12th grade. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines surveys and interviews, the research will explore individual, social, economic, and institutional factors that shape students’ engineering major choices. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding the appeal of emerging subcategories in engineering, especially within civil engineering, such as structural resilience design, sustainable construction practices, smart city infrastructure, and advanced construction materials. By identifying the drivers behind these preferences, the study seeks to provide actionable insights for educational institutions, policymakers, and career counsellors. These findings will aid in guiding students toward informed decisions about engineering careers, aligning their interests with industry demands and technological advancements in the modern era.

Index Terms :-  Career decision-making, Emerging fields, STEM careers, educational institutions, Career counselling, Technological advancements, Engineering trends, Student preferences

INTRODUCTION

Engineering has long been recognized as a cornerstone of technological innovation and economic development, contributing significantly to the advancement of societies worldwide. As the profession continues to evolve in response to rapid technological progress and emerging global challenges, it becomes increasingly important to understand the factors that influence students’ decisions to pursue engineering after completing their 12th-grade education. These decisions not only shape the future of the engineering workforce but also determine the alignment of talent with the demands of emerging fields and cutting-edge advancements.

Previous research has highlighted a range of factors influencing students’ choice of engineering majors, such as personal interests, academic achievements, career aspirations, and social influences. However, much of this research has focused on undergraduate students or specific engineering disciplines, leaving a significant gap in understanding the decision-making process of students immediately after completing secondary education. This transitional phase is critical, as students face intense pressure to make career choices that will have long-term implications for their professional and personal lives.

In addition to traditional engineering disciplines, the field of engineering has expanded to include new and dynamic subcategories, particularly within civil engineering. These include sustainable construction practices, smart city infrastructure, structural resilience design, and advanced construction materials—areas that are increasingly attracting interest due to their relevance to global challenges such as urbanization, climate change, and resource management. However, little is known about how awareness of these emerging fields influences students’ preferences and decisions at this early stage.

To bridge this gap, the present study aims to investigate the key factors influencing students’ decision to pursue engineering after 12th grade. Specifically, it seeks to answer the following research questions:

• What are the primary factors influencing students’ decision to pursue engineering after 12th grade?
• How do individual, social, economic, and institutional factors interact in shaping students’ engineering major choices?
• What role do emerging fields and the latest advancements play in students’ decision-making process?
• How can educational institutions and policymakers better support students in making informed decisions about engineering careers?

By addressing these questions, this study will provide a comprehensive understanding of the decision-making process among students considering engineering careers. The findings will be instrumental in guiding educational institutions, policymakers, and career counsellors in developing targeted strategies to attract and retain talent in engineering. Furthermore, this research will shed light on the growing interest in emerging subcategories of civil engineering, ensuring that students are better informed about the opportunities and challenges associated with these fields. Ultimately, this study aims to contribute to a more robust and future-ready engineering workforce that can meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.

METHODOLOGY

To address the research questions, this study will adopt a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative and qualitative techniques to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing students’ decisions to pursue engineering after 12th grade. The methodology will include the following steps:

Participants: The study will focus on students who are in the final year of their 12th-grade education or have recently completed it. Participants will be selected from diverse educational backgrounds, including science, commerce, and arts streams, to explore the breadth of factors influencing their decisions.

• Sample Size: Approximately 500 students from various schools and pre-university colleges, ensuring diversity in socioeconomic, geographical, and cultural contexts.
• Inclusion Criteria: Students considering or actively pursuing engineering as a career option.

Data Collection: We will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques:

Quantitative Data (Surveys):

• Objective: Identify trends and statistical patterns in factors influencing engineering career choices.
• Tool: A structured questionnaire focusing on the following areas:
  • Personal interests and aptitudes.
  • Influence of social factors (family, peers, mentors).
  • Economic considerations (cost of education, expected earnings).
  • Awareness of emerging fields and advancements in engineering.
• Distribution: Online and offline modes to ensure broad reach.

Qualitative Data (Interviews and Focus Groups):

• Objective: Gain deeper insights into the decision-making processes and motivations of students.
• Participants: A subset of 50 students from the survey group.
• Approach: Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions to explore nuanced factors such as personal experiences, aspirations, and exposure to new engineering disciplines.

Data Analysis: Quantitative data from the surveys will be analysed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis to identify significant factors influencing engineering major choice. Qualitative data from interviews will be thematically analysed to provide rich, contextual information complementing the quantitative findings.

Expected Results: The anticipate that the study will reveal a complex interplay of factors influencing students’ choice of engineering as a profession after 12th grade. Key findings may include:

• Primary Factors: Key drivers such as personal interests, career prospects, and social influences shaping engineering career choices.
• Emerging Fields: The level of awareness and interest in subcategories like sustainable construction, smart city infrastructure, and advanced construction materials.
• Interconnected Factors: Insights into how individual, social, economic, and institutional factors interact in students’ decision-making processes.
• Gender differences in factors influencing engineering major choice.

Future Proposed Stages: Based on the findings, the study proposes the following future steps:

• Intervention Programs: Development of workshops and seminars to raise awareness about emerging engineering fields and career opportunities.
• Policy Recommendations: Suggestions for educational policymakers to design curricula and support systems aligned with industry advancements.
• Longitudinal Studies: Follow-up research to track the impact of students’ choices on their academic and professional trajectories.
• Collaboration Initiatives: Partnership between schools, universities, and industry stakeholders to offer internships and mentoring in emerging engineering disciplines.

By systematically addressing these methodological steps, this study aims to provide actionable insights to enhance support for students considering engineering careers, ensuring alignment with the demands of the modern engineering profession.

FLOW CHART

The flowchart you see above visually represents the decision-making process for students choosing an engineering profession after completing 12th grade. It highlights the following key stages:

Fig-1 Flow Chart – Influencing steps

• Student Completes 12th Grade: The starting point for career exploration.
• Personal Interests & Aptitudes: Students assess their natural talents and preferences.
• Parental Influence & Socioeconomic Factors: Family guidance and financial considerations play a role.
• Exposure to Engineering Fields: Students explore various engineering disciplines through workshops, internships, or career fairs.
• Awareness of Latest Advancements: Knowledge of cutting-edge technologies and trends in engineering influences their choices.
• Decision to Pursue Engineering: The final step where all factors converge into a career decision.

This flowchart is designed to help educators, counsellors, and policymakers better understand the interconnected factors influencing students’ choices and guide them effectively.

ENGINEERING CATEGORIES: PROS AND CONS FOR STUDENTS

Engineering is a diverse and dynamic field that offers students numerous career paths, each with unique opportunities and challenges. From traditional disciplines like mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering to cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and robotics, students have a wide range of options to explore. Understanding the pros and cons of each category is crucial for making informed decisions that align with individual interests, aptitudes, and career aspirations. This guide highlights the advantages and drawbacks of core engineering fields and emerging technologies to help students navigate their choices effectively.

To help students make informed decisions, we will provide an overview of the pros and cons of various engineering categories, including emerging fields.

Mechanical Engineering

Pros:

• Versatility: Broad applications in industries such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and energy.
• Strong Foundation: Develops skills in mechanics, thermodynamics, and material science.
• Career Opportunities: High demand in traditional industries and emerging fields like robotics and renewable energy.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Emphasis on practical solutions to real-world problems.

Cons:

• Saturation: Competitive job market in some regions.
• Physical Demand: Involves hands-on work in challenging environments, especially in manufacturing or field jobs.
• Continuous Learning: Requires updating skills to stay relevant in evolving industries like automation and AI.

Civil Engineering

Pros:

• Societal Impact: Opportunities to work on infrastructure projects like bridges, highways, and urban development.
• Emerging Specializations: Growing demand in areas like sustainable construction, smart cities, and structural resilience.
• Stability: Consistent demand due to the need for infrastructure maintenance and development.
• Creativity: Blend of technical and design skills.

Cons:

• Fieldwork: Often requires working in challenging outdoor environments.
• Slow Technological Adoption: Compared to other engineering fields, civil engineering can be slower in adopting cutting-edge technology.
• Long Project Timelines: Projects can take years to complete, requiring patience and persistence.

Computer Engineering

Pros:

• High Demand: Rapid growth in software development, cybersecurity, and AI.
• Flexibility: Opportunities in various industries, including IT, finance, healthcare, and entertainment.
• Remote Work: Many roles offer remote or hybrid working models.
• High Pay: Competitive salaries and growth potential.

Cons:

• Intense Competition: Fast-paced industry with a high learning curve.
• Constant Upgrading: Rapidly changing technologies require continuous skill enhancement.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: Prolonged screen time and desk work can impact health.

Electrical Engineering

Pros:

• Wide Applications: Opportunities in power generation, telecommunications, electronics, and automation.
• Emerging Fields: Growth in renewable energy, smart grids, and IoT (Internet of Things).
• Problem-Solving: Involves innovative work on improving technology and systems.

Cons:

• Complexity: Requires a deep understanding of both hardware and software aspects.
• Stressful Work: High-pressure environments in sectors like power plants and telecommunications.
• Rapid Technological Changes: Needs continuous learning to keep up with advancements.

Emerging Technologies (Challenging Fields)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML)

• Pros:

• High Demand: Critical in automation, robotics, and predictive analytics.
• Innovation: Opportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies.
• High Pay: Premium salaries for skilled professionals.

Cons:

• Limited Expertise: Requires advanced skills in mathematics and programming.
• Ethical Concerns: Involves challenges related to privacy and bias.

Data Science and Big Data

Pros:

• Valuable Skills: High demand across industries for data-driven decision-making.
• Flexibility: Can be applied in healthcare, finance, retail, and more.
• Growth Potential: Rapidly expanding field.

Cons:

• Complexity: Requires expertise in statistics, programming, and domain knowledge.
• High Competition: Many professionals entering the field.

Renewable Energy Engineering

Pros:

• Sustainability Focus: Opportunities to contribute to combating climate change.
• Growth Industry: Increasing investment in solar, wind, and other renewables.
• Societal Impact: Work on projects that directly benefit the environment.

Cons:

• Limited Resources: New field with fewer established resources and networks.
• Uncertainty: Policies and market trends can impact demand.

Robotics and Automation

Pros:

• Future-Oriented: Central to Industry 4.0 and manufacturing innovations.
• Creativity: Opportunities to design and build intelligent systems.
• High Demand: Growth in healthcare, logistics, and defense sectors.

Cons:

• Specialized Knowledge: Requires multidisciplinary expertise in electronics, mechanics, and programming.
• Initial Investment: High cost of education and training in robotics.

Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering

Pros:

• Interdisciplinary: Combines biology with engineering to create medical devices and treatments.
• High Impact: Contributes directly to improving healthcare outcomes.
• Growth Potential: Expanding field with applications in genetics and personalized medicine.

Cons:

• Ethical Issues: Controversies in areas like genetic engineering.
• Lengthy Education: May require additional certifications or postgraduate studies.

Students should consider their interests, aptitude, and career goals while selecting an engineering field. Traditional fields like mechanical, civil, and electrical offer stability and foundational skills, while emerging technologies such as AI, renewable energy, and robotics present exciting opportunities but demand a commitment to continuous learning. A balance between passion and market demand can help students make an informed and fulfilling career choice.

LATEST ADVANCEMENTS IN CIVIL AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

To help students explore cutting-edge developments in civil and structural engineering, this section outlines key advancements that are reshaping the field and offering innovative solutions to modern challenges:

Building Information Modelling (BIM):

BIM technology is transforming project management by enabling the creation of detailed digital models of construction projects. These models improve communication, reduce errors, and enhance project efficiency by providing an integrated platform for design, analysis, and execution. 3D Modelling with Radar Scanning: Discuss precise 3D modelling methods for structural analysis and retrofitting of aging infrastructure using advanced scanning technologies.

Innovative Materials:

The industry is embracing advanced materials that enhance structural performance and sustainability. Examples include self-healing concrete for extended durability, carbon Fiber composites for lightweight yet strong applications, and 3D-printed materials for customizable and cost-effective construction.

Digital Twin Technology:

Digital twins create virtual replicas of physical assets, enriched with real-time data from sensors. This enables engineers to monitor asset performance, predict maintenance needs, and optimize designs with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency.

Sustainable Infrastructure:

There is a growing emphasis on incorporating green technologies and sustainable design principles to reduce carbon footprints and improve energy efficiency. Examples include eco-friendly materials, renewable energy integration, and smart systems for resource optimization in infrastructure projects.

Robotics and Automation in Construction:

Robotics and automation are revolutionizing construction processes, with technologies such as 3D printing of structures, autonomous machinery, and robotic assistants enhancing precision, reducing labour demands, and accelerating project timelines.

These advancements not only reflect the evolution of civil and structural engineering but also highlight the increasing importance of technology, sustainability, and innovation in shaping the future of the field.

DISCUSSION

The findings of this study will provide valuable insights for educational institutions, policymakers, and career counselors, enabling them to take informed steps to support students in their career decision-making processes. By identifying the factors influencing students’ choice of engineering majors, this research aims to guide stakeholders in implementing the following strategies:

• Strengthening Career Guidance Services:
  Tailored career counseling programs can be designed to assist 12th-grade students in making informed choices about engineering fields based on their interests, skills, and career aspirations.
• Expanding Outreach Initiatives:
  Comprehensive outreach programs can be developed to enhance students’ awareness of engineering disciplines, particularly emerging fields like sustainable construction, digital twin technology, and robotics, showcasing their relevance and opportunities.
• Overcoming Barriers and Misconceptions:
  Efforts can be directed toward identifying and addressing potential obstacles, such as financial constraints, gender stereotypes, or a lack of awareness, that may discourage students from pursuing engineering careers.
• Promoting Diversity and Inclusion:
  Policies and programs should be implemented to foster diversity within engineering education by encouraging underrepresented groups, such as women and students from marginalized communities, to explore engineering as a career option.
• Aligning Education with Industry Trends:
  Engineering curricula should be updated to reflect the latest advancements and industry demands, ensuring that students are well-prepared for future challenges and equipped with the skills required in cutting-edge fields.

By addressing these aspects, the study aims to bridge the gap between students’ aspirations and the evolving needs of the engineering profession, ultimately contributing to the development of a skilled and diverse engineering workforce.

CONCLUSION

This study aims to bridge a critical gap in the understanding of students’ decision-making processes when choosing engineering as a career path immediately after completing 12th grade. By exploring the interplay of individual, social, economic, and institutional factors, alongside the influence of emerging fields and technological advancements, this research will offer a fresh perspective on attracting and retaining talent in the engineering profession.

The findings will serve as a valuable resource for educators, policymakers, and career counselors, enabling them to craft evidence-based strategies that inspire and empower students to pursue engineering careers. Furthermore, by emphasizing the opportunities in cutting-edge disciplines, this study will contribute to aligning students’ aspirations with the evolving demands of a rapidly advancing world. Ultimately, this research seeks to nurture a future-ready engineering workforce equipped to drive innovation and address the challenges of tomorrow.

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