In the bustling world of electrical engineering, where innovation meets responsibility, a recent gathering at the Mini Auditorium became the epicentre of transformative insights and wisdom. On December 19th, 2024, students and professionals gathered for an informative session featuring the esteemed Engr. Nadeem Ahmed Siddiqui, COO of Paragon Constructors, who spoke about ‘The Scope and Practicality of Electrical Engineers.’ Engr. Siddiqui stepped onto the stage not just as a speaker, but as a bridge between academic goals and industry realities.
Drawing from decades of experience, he painted a vivid picture of an industry that demands both technical expertise and innovative thinking. He began by sharing his personal journey—from a fresh graduate experiencing the complexities of the field to a leader responsible for overseeing major engineering projects.
Diverse Pathways in Electrical Engineering
One of the most inspiring aspects of the session was Engr. Siddiqui’s breakdown of the vast array of opportunities within electrical engineering. He made it clear that the field offers multiple pathways: design, execution, manufacturing, and beyond. The message was clear – there’s a place for every engineer in this evolving landscape. For students preparing to enter the workforce, the key takeaway was to remain adaptable and explore these various domains to find their passion.
“Once you enter the field, commit to at least two years of hands-on training,” he advised, reminding students that nothing beats practical experience. The importance of rolling up one’s sleeves and diving into real-world problems cannot be overstated. Engineering, after all, is about solving problems—analyzing, calculating, and understanding the root causes of issues to prevent them from happening again.
The Real Work of an Engineer: Fault Finding and Prevention
Engr. Siddiqui spoke passionately about the critical role of engineers in maintaining and improving systems. It’s not enough to acknowledge that something is broken—the job of an engineer is to ask why. Why did the fault occur? How can we prevent it from happening again? This inquisitive approach, he noted, is at the core of what separates a good engineer from a great one.
The Economics of Innovation
Another major highlight was Siddiqui’s discussion about Engineering Economics and Professional Integrity. In an industry where financial considerations often compete with technical excellence, maintaining ethical standards becomes important.
“Before starting any project, you must consider the cost and the project’s viability. But never let financial incentives compromise your professional integrity. Your loyalty should always be to the profession first,” he advised.
Engr. Siddiqui also highlighted emerging domains like the Building Management System (BMS), which is rapidly becoming an essential part of modern engineering projects. He stressed the importance of staying updated with technological advancements, as continuous learning is the only way to remain competitive in this ever-evolving field.
Concluding Remarks
To conclude his session, Engr. Siddiqui offered one final piece of advice to the budding engineers in the room;
“Don’t confine yourself to one domain. Explore, visit buildings, study systems, and remain curious about how various mechanisms operate. Engineering is a broad and exciting field – one that demands exploration, curiosity, and a lifelong commitment to learning.”
The session ended with a token of appreciation presented by Prof. Dr. Engr. Muhammad Zubair, marking the close of a highly engaging and insightful afternoon.
