5 answers
Allwyn
Student
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
1
Question
Updated
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Currently iam at the end semester of aeronautical engineering, iam totally fed up with the degree but i had interest to do masters in renewable energy, is that good idea!! For career shifting confused, pls help me
Currently iam at the end semester of aeronautical engineering, iam totally fed up with the degree but i had interest to do masters in renewable energy, is that good idea!! For career shifting confused, pls help me
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5 answers
Joseph Neilson
Radiation Detection Physicist
193
Answers
England, England
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
I'm guessing the renewables Masters is still going to draw on core engineering topics, so it's likely not as big a change as it sounds. My pathway was similar - I did an Astrophysics focused undergraduate degree, but by the end I was struggling with some of the more abstract topics, and switched to a Nuclear Technology masters, which worked out fine as the core physics knowledge we learnt while studying astro is similar to the physics that underpins nuclear. That course led nicely into the career I have today.
I'd bet the engineering applied for a wind turbine is pretty similar to what you've learnt about for jet turbines and wings, and the fluid dynamics applied for hydro and wave power is probably not too different from what you've learnt about aerodynamics. There's probably some policy and financial topics that will be new, and likely a bigger focus on electrical topics, but there's still a lot of common ground. As long as you can demonstrate your passion for the subject to the admissions tutor, I don't see any issue with making the switch, and it sounds a great idea if that's what you're interested in now.
As a fellow clean-energy professional, I wish you the best of luck with your new direction, and hopefully between your sector and mine, we'll make net-zero carbon a reality.
I'd bet the engineering applied for a wind turbine is pretty similar to what you've learnt about for jet turbines and wings, and the fluid dynamics applied for hydro and wave power is probably not too different from what you've learnt about aerodynamics. There's probably some policy and financial topics that will be new, and likely a bigger focus on electrical topics, but there's still a lot of common ground. As long as you can demonstrate your passion for the subject to the admissions tutor, I don't see any issue with making the switch, and it sounds a great idea if that's what you're interested in now.
As a fellow clean-energy professional, I wish you the best of luck with your new direction, and hopefully between your sector and mine, we'll make net-zero carbon a reality.
Gautham Krishnan C G
Logistician
2
Answers
India
Updated
Gautham’s Answer
Hey Aravind, firstly kudos to think out of the box. It's not uncommon in the west to pursue another discipline from another branch, which you would have thought of as your initial interest POV. In India, it's most common to switch to management from engineering, through education and onto another branch while being in the workforce, say from Mechanical to Industrial Engineering, Electronics & Communication to IT, etc. Yes, Aeronautical to Renewable is possible, if you want to pursue a masters in that area. We have limited options here in India, for instance we have IIEST, Shibpur and BIT, Mesra offering Masters in this area, but I would any day vouch for foreign universities like NTNU, Norway or Delft, Netherlands as a destination for Masters, if renewable energy is going to be your sector.
Now, it isn't easy to get the ball rolling, if you are from aeronautics. You will have to prove to the admissions committee your passion, intellect and past works in the subject. Remember, that this isn't about the UG degree. Have you written any technical articles in any forum, with any journal or have you done any passion projects in this field? If not, you should start building a portfolio towards renewable energy. You should also be able to convince the admissions committee about why you wanted this switch, and the answer should definitely not be a hate towards aeronautics, rather it should be a love towards Renewable Energy Engineering. Also, try to attend some courses in this areas to get a flavor of the subject. While not a determiner or a chief deciding factor, some courses in this area from EdX, coursera etc. would definitely fetch you brownie points.
Again, once that you have decided renewables as your sector, to be, have you decided which field you would want to specialize in? If it's Solar/ Wind Energy, then like I said you have the likes of Delft, Netherlands and NTNU, Norway. For Ocean based renewable energy, there is MARIN, Netherlands, and for Geothermal studies, colleges/universities in New Zealand are a welcome option. Do flip through these universities, their websites, areas of research, what would motivate you, in terms of career and possibly giving back to the society and of course, the admission requirements, which would include IELTS, TOEFL, GRE etc. Also if you are to take your Masters in a Non-English speaking country, do try to learn the local language which is a must if you are looking to start your career there.
Renewable Energy Engineering and Management will surely find takers and be a part of the curricula in India as well, in the coming decade, because of the growing importance towards Climate Change, Sustainability and the number of upcoming projects in India in this decade. So, yes, a good time to be in and fingers crossed, all the best.
Gautham Krishnan.
Now, it isn't easy to get the ball rolling, if you are from aeronautics. You will have to prove to the admissions committee your passion, intellect and past works in the subject. Remember, that this isn't about the UG degree. Have you written any technical articles in any forum, with any journal or have you done any passion projects in this field? If not, you should start building a portfolio towards renewable energy. You should also be able to convince the admissions committee about why you wanted this switch, and the answer should definitely not be a hate towards aeronautics, rather it should be a love towards Renewable Energy Engineering. Also, try to attend some courses in this areas to get a flavor of the subject. While not a determiner or a chief deciding factor, some courses in this area from EdX, coursera etc. would definitely fetch you brownie points.
Again, once that you have decided renewables as your sector, to be, have you decided which field you would want to specialize in? If it's Solar/ Wind Energy, then like I said you have the likes of Delft, Netherlands and NTNU, Norway. For Ocean based renewable energy, there is MARIN, Netherlands, and for Geothermal studies, colleges/universities in New Zealand are a welcome option. Do flip through these universities, their websites, areas of research, what would motivate you, in terms of career and possibly giving back to the society and of course, the admission requirements, which would include IELTS, TOEFL, GRE etc. Also if you are to take your Masters in a Non-English speaking country, do try to learn the local language which is a must if you are looking to start your career there.
Renewable Energy Engineering and Management will surely find takers and be a part of the curricula in India as well, in the coming decade, because of the growing importance towards Climate Change, Sustainability and the number of upcoming projects in India in this decade. So, yes, a good time to be in and fingers crossed, all the best.
Gautham Krishnan.
Arvind Pandey
Engineering and Sports
6
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Arvind’s Answer
Was doing Aeronautical stream your decision or you got influenced by some one?
Recall what have you been doing at your best since your first childhood memories.
Self retrospect and find out what is your core strength and go for it. Forget about what others are doing, do what you have been doing wholehearted.
Know yourself
Acknowledge your strengths
Align your strengths with your dream
Don't be confused
Recall what have you been doing at your best since your first childhood memories.
Self retrospect and find out what is your core strength and go for it. Forget about what others are doing, do what you have been doing wholehearted.
Arvind recommends the following next steps:
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Allwyn
Shalini Sharma
Technical Assistant in R&D
2
Answers
Chandigarh, India
Updated
Shalini’s Answer
Hi Allwyn
I wanted to tell you that Its ok to not go with flow. I had experienced the same things in my career not because I was forced to choose but because I had variable interest and as you grow you tend to have more clear idea as to which career you want to pursue. It is hard I know but It is possible. I also started this career change at some point in my career and steps that I can advise you that might help are:-
Find your PASSION:- Why you are not satisfied with the current choice and what makes you more passionate
Find OVERLAPPING areas :- You need to find overlapping area between your current stream and stream that you want to pursue. This step will really help you in a long way in justifying your professional journey
PLANNING:- You need to make a proper plan as to how you are going to switch your career
EXECUTION: It is an important step where you execute what you have learnt and planned
I wanted to tell you that Its ok to not go with flow. I had experienced the same things in my career not because I was forced to choose but because I had variable interest and as you grow you tend to have more clear idea as to which career you want to pursue. It is hard I know but It is possible. I also started this career change at some point in my career and steps that I can advise you that might help are:-
Shalini recommends the following next steps:
Cam H
Consultant
9
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Cam’s Answer
Now is a great time to enter the renewable energy field. Decarbonizing the our energy system presents a massive engineering challenge. As a result, the renewable energy industry is booming.