After successfully completing my Master’s degree in August 2013, I embarked on a fulfilling journey as an Assistant Professor in the esteemed Electrical Engineering Department of Sankalchand Patel College of Engineering, located in the vibrant city of Visnagar, Gujarat. With a deep commitment to education and a passion for fostering young minds, I embraced this role wholeheartedly, laying the foundation for a career that spanned a remarkable period of more than seven years.
During my tenure at the college, I had the privilege of witnessing the transformation of countless aspiring engineers. Guiding them through the intricacies of electrical engineering not only fueled my intellectual curiosity but also nurtured my dedication to shaping the future of the engineering landscape. As part of a dynamic and accomplished faculty, I played an instrumental role in disseminating knowledge, encouraging critical thinking, and instilling a strong work ethic within the students.
However, as the years progressed, the landscape of academia and education itself began to evolve. Our institution, like many others, encountered challenges related to student admissions. This adversity particularly affected the Electrical Engineering Department, making it increasingly arduous for the department and the institution as a whole to maintain its exceptional standards. In light of these circumstances, I made the difficult decision to resign from my esteemed position in November 2020, seeking new avenues to continue my professional journey while striving for personal and intellectual growth.
During my tenure as an Assistant Professor at Sankalchand Patel College of Engineering, my responsibilities encompassed a diverse range of tasks and roles that contributed to the academic environment and the growth of both students and the institution. Here are the key responsibilities I undertook:
Key Responsibilities as an Assistant Professor:
- Teaching: I designed and delivered lectures, workshops, and practical sessions on various subjects within the field of Electrical Engineering. This involved preparing course materials, developing a curriculum, and using effective teaching methodologies to engage and educate students.
- Mentoring: I provided guidance and mentorship to students, helping them navigate their academic journeys, select research topics, and make informed career choices.
- Curriculum Development: I participated in developing and revising the curriculum to align with industry trends and academic standards, ensuring that students received up-to-date and relevant education.
- Assessment and Grading: I created assessments, exams, and assignments to evaluate students’ understanding of the subject matter. This process included grading and providing constructive feedback to aid their learning process.
- Professional Development: I continuously engaged in self-improvement and professional development, staying updated with the latest advancements in my field to bring relevant and contemporary knowledge to the classroom.
- Community Engagement: I participated in academic and community initiatives, fostering connections between the institution, local industry, and professional organizations.
Pros and Cons of Academics Compared to Industry:
Pros of Academics:
- Intellectual Freedom: Academics enjoy the autonomy to explore and conduct in-depth research in their area of interest, contributing to the advancement of knowledge.
- Impactful Mentorship: Educators play a pivotal role in shaping the minds and careers of students, providing mentorship that can have a lasting impact.
- Contribution to Society: Academics contribute to society by producing research that addresses real-world problems and educates the next generation of professionals.
- Flexibility in Schedule: Academics often have more flexible schedules, allowing for a balance between research, teaching, and personal pursuits.
- Lifelong Learning: Academics are immersed in a culture of continuous learning, staying updated with new developments and trends in their field.
Cons of Academics:
- Limited Financial Growth: Academic salaries are often lower compared to industry counterparts, and advancement opportunities might be limited.
- Pressure to Publish: Research and publication demands can be stressful, especially in competitive fields, leading to work overload.
- Less Direct Industry Experience: Academics may have limited practical exposure to the fast-paced and dynamic changes in industry technologies and practices.
- Institutional Constraints: Bureaucracy and administrative burdens can hinder academics’ ability to focus solely on teaching and research.
- Challenging Funding: Securing research funding can be competitive and time-consuming, potentially diverting focus from other academic responsibilities.
In comparison to the academic sphere, the industry offers a different set of pros and cons. Industry professionals often experience more immediate and tangible outcomes of their work, receive competitive salaries, and have direct exposure to practical applications of their field. However, industry roles may come with more demanding schedules, the potential for frequent relocations, and the pressure to meet market demands and deliverables. Ultimately, the choice between academia and industry depends on personal interests, career goals, and work-life preferences.