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Electrical Engineer - Career Advice: Switch from Maintenance to Design & Master Automation, ML & AI for Power Systems?

Prof Suvasish

Prof Suvasish Mukhopadhyay  |2740 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jan 14, 2025

Professor Suvasish Mukhopadhyay, fondly known as ‘happiness guru’, is a mentor and author with 33 years of teaching experience.
He has guided and motivated graduate and postgraduate students in science and technology to choose the right course and excel in their careers.
Professor Suvasish has authored 47 books and counselled thousands of students and individuals about tackling challenges in their careers and relationships in his three-decade-long professional journey.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Jan 14, 2025Hindi
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Hi everyone, I’m currently working as an Electrical Maintenance Engineer and switched in Electrical Design, focusing on earthing and lightning protection systems. My long-term career goal is to transition into Power System Design, specialize in Smart Grids, master Control Systems and Industrial Automation, and integrate Machine Learning (ML) and AI into these domains. Here are my main questions: Is switching from Electrical Maintenance to Electrical Design a good move financially and career-wise? After building expertise in earthing and lightning design, what should be my next steps to move into power system design, automation, and smart grids? How can I learn control systems and industrial automation to complement my design skills effectively? How do I incorporate ML and AI into control systems, automation, power systems, and smart grid applications?

Ans: Switching from Electrical Maintenance to Electrical Design is certainly a good move. Follow the YOU TUBE lectures and free videos of UDEMY for different topics. Also listen to NPTL lectures of the corresponding subjects which are delivered mainly by the faculties of different IITs. Application of ML and AI into control systems, automation, power systems, and smart grid applications can be discussed with senior engineers in your field. Truly speaking if possible meet some faculty of Electrical engineering of some reputed college like IITs/NITs. If you can't meet them then from the web site of the IIT/NIT find out their mail IDs and contact them by asking all the details. Best of luck. Just follow me. Professor......................................:)
Asked on - Jan 14, 2025 | Answered on Jan 14, 2025
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After building expertise in earthing and lightning what should be my next step to get financially in high demand?
Ans: Be in touch with big housing societies and commercial complexes for getting ample jobs and opportunities.
Asked on - Jan 16, 2025 | Answered on Jan 16, 2025
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Is Earthing and lightning design is a good field and high paying? What else skill i should learn to be in demand?
Ans: Earthing and lightning design is a good field but it may not be high paying. In the present era AI & ML are the two most high paying sectors.
Asked on - Jan 17, 2025 | Answered on Jan 17, 2025
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After doing earthing and lightning design i can further move towards Power system engineering?
Ans: YES
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Sir, my jee mains 2025 rank is 67898( female gen category) and mhtcet percentile is 95.5(home state maharashtra). Are there any possibilities of securing cse/ece/eee in NITs or IIITs (excluding north eastern ones)?
Ans: With a JEE Main 2025 All India Rank of 67,898 (female, general category) and a 95.5 percentile in MHT CET (Maharashtra home state), securing Computer Science (CSE), Electronics and Communication (ECE), or Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) in NITs or IIITs outside the North East is extremely unlikely. For general category, CSE and ECE closing ranks in even lower-demand NITs and IIITs typically end under 15,000–35,000, and in leading branches at top NITs the cut-offs remain far lower, often closing by 9,000 or less for CSE and 20,000 for other core engineering streams. For IIITs, most CSE and ECE programs close below 50,000, and even the least competitive IIITs have last rounds closing by 55,000 for open seats. However, you have a strong chance of securing reputable CSE or allied branches through MHT CET in Maharashtra’s top private colleges, and potentially in government colleges for non-CSE streams, given that a 95.5 percentile generally translates to about 8,900–9,000 rank—competitive in many top city colleges outside the strictest cut-offs. When considering institutional priorities, both NITs and premier state institutes emphasize academic rigor, modern infrastructure, experienced faculty, industry connection, and robust placements, and these same factors should guide your choice among available Maharashtra options.

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My son has recently got his admission in vit .. vellore for mechanical engineering.. kindly advise sap for him for mechanical engineering if he is interested to pursue abroad....for mechanical engineering what's the good scope through Vit...what are the options if he wants to pursue abroad while in vit through their 2+2 or 3+1+1 programs or other opportunities if any...and University options
Ans: VIT Vellore’s Mechanical Engineering program is highly respected, offering a comprehensive and industry-aligned curriculum supported by NAAC A++ and ABET accreditations, modern labs, and strong faculty expertise. Students benefit from robust placement opportunities, with typical placement rates for mechanical engineering between 50% and 65%, and access to internships with leading companies in automotive, manufacturing, automation, and energy sectors. For those interested in pursuing international exposure, VIT provides multiple pathways. The Semester Abroad Programme (SAP) enables undergraduates to complete their Capstone Research Project, thesis, or approved coursework at more than 500 global partner universities, enhancing international experience and employability. Additionally, the International Transfer Programmes (ITP) offer structured 2+2 Bachelor’s, 3+2 or 3.5+1.5 accelerated pathways, where students complete initial years at VIT and transfer to universities abroad—partners span the USA, UK, Sweden, Belgium, New Zealand, and Australia. Some key universities include Massey University (New Zealand), the University of Michigan–Dearborn (USA), and institutions in Sweden and the UK, often allowing dual degree or direct entry into Master’s programs in mechanical and related fields. The program selection typically depends on academic standing and specific eligibility criteria, with the student completing the required credits at VIT before transferring. VIT’s International Relations office actively helps students select universities, facilitates credit transfer, and provides guidance on global research internships and short-term exchanges, preparing them for careers or further studies abroad. These pathways significantly boost prospects for international industry roles or advanced research, particularly in areas like robotics, smart manufacturing, aerospace, and energy systems. Besides international collaborations, VIT’s focus on innovation, problem-based learning, and industry partnerships ensures that mechanical engineering graduates remain competitive for both core and interdisciplinary opportunities globally.

RECOMMENDATION: Given VIT’s strong academic structure, extensive international collaborations, and flexible transfer programmes with prominent global universities, your son should actively explore SAP, 2+2, and 3+1+1 options. Engaging with VIT’s International Relations early ensures seamless transition for higher studies abroad and maximizes both academic and professional growth in the global mechanical engineering landscape. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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