Engineering Education in Uncertain Times: A Comparative Study of Student and Employee Perspectives

Authors

  • G. Vanaja Reddy Hyderabad Institute of Technology and Management
  • Bivash Mandal Dept. of English, Hyderabad Institute of Technology and Management (HITAM)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.16920/jeet/2026/v39is2/26054

Keywords:

Engineering Education, Employability Readiness, Curriculum Relevance, Student Perception, Employee Perceptions

Abstract

Technology thrives in the arms of industry; industry, in turn, is nurtured by education. Therefore, education must evolve to meet the demands of the sector. While industry and technology continue to evolve together, a significant gap persists between education and industry. This disconnect is largely due to the continued influence of veteran Generation-Y educating Generation-Z students. Bridging this generational and technological divide is crucial to better align education with the dynamic needs of modern industry. In an era marked by the turbulence of VUCA and BANI, industries are grappling with rapid shifts, disruptions and nonlinear challenges. Against this backdrop, the role of engineering educators becomes pivotal—not merely to impart knowledge but to cultivate adaptive and employable graduates. The researchers aim to delve into the psyche of two critical stakeholder groups: promising senior engineering graduates on the brink of employment and young professionals recently transitioned into the workforce. To support this inquiry with authentic, evidence-based insights, two distinct questionnaires were designed and disseminated via Google Forms. Each instrument was tailored to the respective group for collecting data on employability readiness, adaptability, and the relevance of engineering education in the face of VUCA and BANI disruptions, particularly in an AI-augmented world. By capturing their perceptions and experiences, the study seeks to uncover the alignment or dissonance between educational preparation and industry realities.

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Published

2026-02-17

How to Cite

Vanaja Reddy, G., & Mandal, B. (2026). Engineering Education in Uncertain Times: A Comparative Study of Student and Employee Perspectives. Journal of Engineering Education Transformations, 39(Special Issue 2), 451–458. https://doi.org/10.16920/jeet/2026/v39is2/26054

Issue

Volume 39, Special Issue 2, January 2026

Section

Articles
Crossref
Scopus
Google Scholar
Europe PMC

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