Metallurgy opening newer avenues: Metallurgical Engineer

A senior teacher talks about the opportunities and challenges for engineers

What is the scope of work for metallurgical engineers in India and abroad?
It is excellent in India and abroad. Metallurgical engineers can work in the metal producing industry, automobile and consumer goods industries to research labs working on the development of materials for aerospace and nuclear applications.

What have been the landmark developments in metallurgical engineering that have changed the world for good?
The field of materials science and engineering has evolved out of metallurgical engineering. A metallurgical engineer nowadays ventures out to other fields such as ceramics, composites, electronic materials and sometime polymers.  One needs to reorient himself/ herself according to the opportunity ahead.

What are the challenges before the profession today?
The major challenges for metallurgical engineers today are control of industrial pollution and minimising power consumption and other costs in the industry.

Who are the leading employers — in India and globally?
Steel plants in India along with many other metal (nonferrous) industries employ metallurgical engineers. Many Indian students opt for a career in atomic energy, space research and defence research. Others go for higher studies, both in India and abroad, which prepare them for a career in research laboratories and academia.

What are the top five institutes in India, according to you, imparting training in metallurgical engineering?
IITs like Kharagpur, Bombay, Madras, Kanpur, and Roorkee, Banaras Hindu University, and Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (only PG degree).