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Core Engineering Jobs vs IT Jobs After Graduation: What’s Right for You?
If you’ve recently completed your engineering degree, you’re probably facing a tough question: Should you pursue a job in your core engineering field or switch to the IT industry? This is a dilemma thousands of graduates deal with every year — especially in India where IT companies hire in large numbers.
1. What is a Core Engineering Job?
Core engineering jobs are roles that directly involve the application of your stream-specific knowledge. If you’ve studied mechanical engineering, working in design, manufacturing, or production would count as a core job. Similarly, for civil engineers, roles in construction, site supervision, and structural design fall under core opportunities.
2. What is an IT Job?
IT jobs involve working in software development, coding, testing, data analysis, and system management. These roles may not require a computer science background. Many engineers from other branches such as ECE, mechanical, or civil end up in IT due to better salary packages and growth opportunities.
3. Comparison Table: Core Jobs vs IT Jobs
| Factor | Core Engineering Jobs | IT Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Relevance to Degree | High | Medium to Low |
| Job Availability | Limited | Abundant |
| Salary at Entry Level | ₹15,000 – ₹25,000/month | ₹25,000 – ₹40,000/month |
| Work Location | Mostly onsite, manufacturing units | Urban/corporate offices |
| Growth Prospects | Slower, traditional hierarchy | Faster, especially in startups |
| Skills Needed | Technical + hands-on experience | Coding, logical thinking, communication |
4. Why Do Engineers Move to IT?
- Higher initial salary
- More job openings
- Urban work settings and better work-life balance
- Global exposure and career advancement
- Opportunities to work remotely or freelance
5. Challenges in Core Engineering Jobs
Even though core jobs provide satisfaction to those passionate about their field, they often come with challenges such as:
- Remote work locations (plants, construction sites)
- Longer working hours
- Slower promotions
- Outdated technology in traditional sectors
6. IT Industry: Not Just for CSE Graduates
Contrary to common belief, you don’t need to be a Computer Science or IT student to enter the software field. Many tech companies train freshers from EEE, ECE, or even mechanical backgrounds. You just need to learn coding languages like Python, Java, or basics of data science to get started.
7. Long-Term Growth and Stability
Core sectors often offer long-term job security, especially in public sector units (PSUs) like BHEL, ONGC, or GAIL. On the other hand, IT firms provide faster promotions, salary hikes, and international exposure — but also come with the risk of layoffs, project benching, or automation-related obsolescence.
8. Learning Curve and Upskilling
In core jobs, upskilling typically involves certifications like AutoCAD, ANSYS, or industry-specific standards. In IT, upskilling is faster and more dynamic — platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning provide quick access to trending tech skills like AI, ML, cloud computing, and DevOps.
9. Which Path is Right for You?
Your choice depends on your career goals. If you are passionate about engineering design, field work, and manufacturing, core jobs will suit you. But if your priority is income, urban lifestyle, and a dynamic work environment, IT may be a better choice.
10. Final Thoughts
Both career paths come with their own advantages and challenges. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Many engineers even switch domains later in their careers. It’s important to stay flexible, curious, and ready to learn new skills — regardless of the path you choose.
Real-Life Case Study: Ramesh (Mechanical to IT)
Ramesh, a Mechanical Engineering graduate from Pune, couldn’t secure a core job during college placements due to limited openings. He upskilled himself in Java and Python and eventually landed a job in TCS as a software tester. While he started with a ₹3.6 LPA package, he gained better work-life balance and opportunities to work from home.
Real-Life Case Study: Neha (ECE in a Core Electronics Role)
Neha graduated from ECE in Hyderabad and pursued internships with ISRO and Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL). Though she had IT offers, she chose a ₹4.8 LPA job at a semiconductor firm because she wanted to work in VLSI design. Today, she works in an R&D role and is pursuing a part-time M.Tech funded by her employer.
Pros and Cons of Core Engineering Jobs
- Pros: Work aligned with your degree, higher long-term growth, exposure to R&D and innovation, more job stability in manufacturing/infra sectors.
- Cons: Fewer job openings for freshers, lower initial salary, limited companies hiring in Tier 2/3 cities, physical job locations (not remote).
Pros and Cons of IT Jobs
- Pros: Abundant openings, work-from-home options, higher initial salary, faster promotions, onsite opportunities.
- Cons: Frequent layoffs, disconnect from core subject, long working hours, high stress in service roles, dependency on global projects.
Latest Update: TCS Plans to Lay Off 12,000 Employees in 2025
In July 2025, TCS reportedly initiated plans to lay off over 12,000 employees due to global slowdown and automation-driven restructuring. Most affected roles were in manual testing and non-billable support staff, sparking fear among freshers. This highlights the volatile nature of IT service jobs and the growing importance of domain-specific expertise.
What This Means for Fresh Graduates
If you’re a recent engineering graduate, especially from branches like Mechanical, Civil, or Electrical, you may want to consider skill development in your core area (e.g., CAD, embedded systems, PLC, or EV technology). However, if you’re flexible and can adapt to coding and tech stacks, IT still offers broad opportunities — with the caution to continuously upskill to avoid obsolescence.
In conclusion: Don’t choose based on what others are doing — focus on what excites you and aligns with your long-term aspirations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Core Jobs vs IT Jobs for Engineers
FAQ 1: Which offers better job security—Core Engineering or IT?
Core jobs typically offer higher job security due to the long-term nature of manufacturing, infrastructure, and energy sectors. In contrast, the IT sector is more volatile and often impacted by global trends and layoffs, as seen in TCS’s recent layoff of 12,000 employees in 2025.
FAQ 2: Are IT jobs better for freshers than Core jobs?
Yes, IT jobs often have more openings for freshers and provide structured training. However, those who have specialized skills in core domains (like design, manufacturing, or civil engineering) can find rewarding roles in their field too, especially in PSU or government sectors.
FAQ 3: What are the starting salaries in Core vs IT sectors?
IT freshers typically earn between ₹3–5 LPA, whereas core sector salaries range from ₹2.5–6 LPA depending on the domain and company. However, PSUs and top MNCs in core engineering can offer up to ₹10 LPA for premium talent.
FAQ 4: Which career path allows for faster promotions?
IT sector usually offers quicker promotions based on performance and certifications. In contrast, Core jobs may take longer for career progression but offer more stable growth, especially in government or large manufacturing companies.
FAQ 5: Is it easier to switch from IT to Core later?
Switching from IT to Core after 2-3 years is challenging unless you’ve kept your technical knowledge up-to-date. However, moving from Core to IT (especially to fields like data analytics or software) is more common with reskilling.
FAQ 6: Do government jobs fall under Core sector?
Yes, many government jobs such as in railways, electricity boards, defense manufacturing, and PSUs like ONGC, BHEL, etc., fall under the core sector. These roles often have excellent job security and perks.
FAQ 7: Can a mechanical engineer join an IT company?
Absolutely. Many IT firms hire non-CS students and provide training in programming, testing, or support. With proper upskilling, mechanical engineers can also move into software roles like DevOps, QA, or data analysis.
FAQ 8: What are the cons of working in IT sector?
Some drawbacks include longer work hours, high performance pressure, frequent layoffs, and need for continuous learning. Additionally, job roles can become monotonous if not upgraded regularly.
FAQ 9: Which sector is better during economic slowdown?
Core sectors like energy, infrastructure, and utilities are often more resilient during downturns. IT sector, especially services, tends to face budget cuts and hiring freezes during global recessions.
FAQ 10: Should I take a low-paying core job or a decent IT offer?
It depends on your long-term goal. If you’re passionate about your core domain and can survive a low-paying phase, it may be worth it. Otherwise, an IT job can help you build financial stability while exploring future options.
Conclusion: Build the Future That Fits You – Core or IT?
As an engineering graduate, the dilemma between choosing a core job or an IT job is very real. But the good news is—both paths offer immense potential if walked with purpose, preparation, and persistence.
💡 “Your career is not defined by your first job, but by your willingness to grow, adapt, and keep moving forward.”
Core jobs may demand patience but offer depth, technical mastery, and long-term stability. IT jobs, on the other hand, open doors to faster growth, global exposure, and diverse industries—but they may also come with unpredictability, as seen in the recent TCS layoffs affecting 12,000 positions.
💡 “Success doesn’t come to those who choose the easy path, but to those who choose the path they believe in.”
Make your choice not out of fear or peer pressure—but based on what excites you, where your strengths lie, and what kind of work makes you feel fulfilled.
Whether you choose a wrench or a keyboard, let your skills speak louder than your title. The key is to continuously upgrade, stay relevant, and be fearless about change.
💡 “Engineers don’t just build machines—they build the future. So why not build yours with confidence?”
Believe in your journey. Learn. Unlearn. Relearn. And remember—you are the engineer of your own destiny.
