“Entrepreneurship: A Viable Career Choice for Civil Engineering Students”

On 21st February 2025, the Entrepreneurship Development Cell and Institution’s Innovation Council, in association with the Department of Civil Engineering, organised an expert talk on the topic "Entrepreneurship: A Viable Career Choice for Civil Engineering Students" at Francis Xavier Engineering College. The resource person for the session was Mrs. P. Raja Priya, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering at Francis Xavier Engineering College, Tirunelveli. 42 students and 1 faculty participated in the program. The event was coordinated by Dr. G. Ginni, Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, FXEC, Tirunelveli.

The expert talk provided an in-depth understanding of how civil engineering graduates can leverage entrepreneurship to build a successful career. The resource person highlighted the growing demand for infrastructure development and how civil engineers can capitalise on emerging opportunities in construction, urban planning, smart cities, and sustainable infrastructure. She also discussed various entrepreneurial avenues, such as construction and maintenance services, advisory and consulting firms, and innovative solutions for infrastructure projects. The significance of government initiatives such as Startup India, Make in India, and Smart Cities Mission was emphasized, showcasing how these policies support aspiring entrepreneurs in the civil engineering domain.

She emphasised that the major focus of the session was on financial planning and funding opportunities for engineering startups. The resource person elaborated on different sources of funding, including angel investors, venture capitalists, and government grants, which provide crucial support for startups in their initial stages. Additionally, she demonstrated the role of technology in modern business operations was highlighted, emphasising the integration of automation, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation in construction and infrastructure businesses.

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment, where students engaged in discussions regarding startup registration, eligibility for government schemes, and overcoming entrepreneurial challenges. The expert talk was highly informative and inspiring, encouraging students to consider entrepreneurship a viable career path.