Dr. M.P. Muthuraj has been working as the Head of Civil Engineering Department at Coimbatore Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu. He is a seasoned professional with 20 years of work experience in the teaching sector. And he has done PhD from Anna University as part of his education. His expertise spans across various domains and he has contributed significantly to the world of academic and research landscape.

Dr. Muthuraj has also played a pivotal role in shaping the educational journey of many students and his commitment to excellence is reflected in his extensive academic background, making him an invaluable asset to the institution and the field of education.

Coimbatore Institute of Technology

In your opinion, what sets a Civil Engineering student apart from students of other disciplines?

I strongly believe that Civil Engineering often ignites the spirit of Entrepreneurship in students and motivates individuals to establish their own ventures. And satisfaction which comes after creating tangible and impactful infrastructure resonates deeply. In other words, Civil Engineers take pride in constructing spaces where others work and they also find unique fulfillment in contributing to the physical environment.

Hence another reason why Civil Engineers are important in both business and societal development is because they have this distinctive ability to shape surroundings for communal benefit. And the profession uniquely intertwines innovation, practicality, and the joy of building, making civil engineering a source of exceptional gratification.

Why are people reluctant in choosing a Civil Engineering course in today's time and what benefits does this field offer?

The major reason why people hesitate in choosing Civil Engineering courses is because of their unawareness about available job opportunities. But I would like to tell one important thing and that is this field presents an unparalleled opportunity for students to initiate startups even before graduating. 

And there is no doubt that in today's time, the popularity of disciplines like Computer Science and Data Science is increasing because of high salaries and flexible jobs. But it's equally essential to know that over time, experienced Civil Engineers often surpass the earning potential of many other professions. Hence, I would say that shifting perceptions and highlighting the entrepreneurial prospects of the Civil Engineering domain can dispel reservations and attract individuals to appreciate the long-term rewards and impact of this dynamic field.

Why should students pursue a Civil Engineering program from your institution?

In today's modern, digital and highly connected world, Civil Engineering stands as an enduring field because of diverse job opportunities it offers and specialties flexibility it provides to students in accordance with their passions, interests and career goals. And there are several key factors of why joining the Civil Engineering program from our institution could be beneficial for students. First and foremost, we have a wonderful BE course of 4-years duration wherein we provide much needed academic excellence and substantial practical exposure to students.

And as we know that a positive mindset, effective time management, and adaptability to professional demands are pivotal factors contributing to a student's journey toward becoming a successful Civil Engineer. Hence, our program not only impart technical knowledge in them but also foster a holistic skill set that empowers students to navigate the challenges of their chosen profession effectively.

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What career opportunities would be available to students after pursuing a Civil Engineering course from your college?

In today's highly competitive world, the successful completion of a Civil Engineering course unlocks diverse advantages and promising career opportunities for young graduates. Also, there is no doubt in the fact that all across the world, Civil Engineers are consistently in high demand due to the perpetual need for infrastructure development and maintenance. And the skill set gained during the course is transferable internationally and facilitates globally relevant and resilient job opportunities across various countries, particularly in international projects. 

Apart from this, Civil Engineers often experience job security, even amidst economic downturns. Hence, in addition to regular private and government jobs, graduates can establish their own consulting or construction firm and become job givers.

Any valuable advice which you would like to offer to society regarding Civil Engineering?

I would like to tell our society that the field of Civil Engineering is unique as it breathes life into non-living entities such as buildings, bridges and dams etc. Also, Civil Engineers wield a profound influence wherever they engage and spanning throughout the entire infrastructure lifecycle, from conception and design to construction, they play an integral role in our daily lives, safety and economic advancement. 

And encouraging civil engineers to embrace lifelong learning and sustained professional development is crucial, given the perpetual evolution of the field with emerging technologies and methodologies. Hence I would say that there is a pressing need to inspire and guide young students to explore and pursue careers in civil engineering, ensuring a continuous influx of innovative minds into this transformative domain.

What best practices has your institution adopted for courses it is offering to students?

Our institution has implemented several best practices in courses we offer to students and each of our academic subjects collaborates with two distinct industries. One industry facilitates guest lectures, while the other organizes events such as field visits to enrich the overall learning experience of students. 

In addition to this, we host around 50 guest lectures anually on subjects directly tied to the curriculum. And the Faculty Members are actively engaged in Faculty Development Programs and industry-specific training programs to help them enhance their teaching pedagogies, keep their knowledge up-to-date and learn relevant software tools. Last but not the least, we have formed a dedicated team to address real-world industry challenges and inspire students through faculty mentorship. Additionally, we encourage faculty to undertake internships, fostering a culture of experiential learning and knowledge-sharing among our students.