NationBuilding Case Study Competition 2025
Engineers and entrepreneurs: The strand of connection
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Engineers play a vital role in bringing about crucial transformations. A technical aptitude for visualizing things from different perspectives is what adds an extra spice to their decision-making abilities. When we talk about start-ups, a similar scenario comes into the picture. Taking leaps of faith and coming up with fresh entrepreneurial ventures is what today’s engineers are up to. This goes in line with the fact that their graduate degree has little to do with the choices they make. The strand of connection between engineers and entrepreneurs lies here, on the edge of the two fields, subtly linking both.
Why not, will be a better question if asked. We live in an era where engineers-turned-entrepreneurs Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk are revolutionizing technology in its entirety. Why will young engineers then, not get inspired to walk in their shoes?
What sounds contrasting, in reality, is entwined together. Where engineering and entrepreneurship might be considered species from different planets, they actually have similar traits. These, on close observation, are surprisingly similar, with multiple intersection points. If you’re still wondering what we’re talking about, we’ll give you a quick insight into the skills imprinted within both engineers and entrepreneurs.
Engineers love solving problems at hand with crisp and to the point solutions. They don’t like using fancy, manipulative languages. This is a tool which helps them turn into successful entrepreneurs. Startups usually involve working with complexities and challenges. An entrepreneur needs to navigate through tough situations every day and pivot as and when required. Being an engineer and entrepreneur at the same time will give you the benefit of visualizing problems, making you come up with realistic solutions. Zomato was started by Deepinder Goyal, an IIT Delhi graduate. A one of its kind initiative, the company faced issues in the start. But Deepinder’s persistence and his ability to adapt to changes was what paved the company’s way out.
Risk-taking abilities are the foundation stones of a good engineer. So is the case with entrepreneurs. Taking risks in the most unlikely places is the code which connects the two. Precisely, what’s essentially required by a good entrepreneur is dedication and commitment to his work. This is in addition to the ability to take risks when the situation demands. You cannot cut yourself some slack in tough situations. In this regard, an engineer knows when to act! Sachin and Binny Bansal, IIT Delhi graduates, founded Flipkart. This was when the e-commerce industry was in its nascent stage. The risk was huge. Indians, then, weren’t quite comfortable with online shopping. But they worked hard and rest is history.
As an entrepreneur, you’ll have to acknowledge your weaknesses and branch out to get more people on board. Teamwork is instilled in the system of engineers since their first day of college. They have practicals, assignments and projects which wouldn’t bear fruits if not worked on in teams. So, as an engineer and entrepreneur, you need to work in teams which have a common goal. This is necessary for the company as a whole to function well.
Engineers bring unique skill sets to the table. If used wisely, they can turn into great entrepreneurs! But the catch lies here. It is essential to evaluate your ideas and analyze solutions for feasibility. You need to look for changes and implement them where required. Engineers are trained to do this with the multiple projects they get to work on. Essential for both engineers and entrepreneurs, self-consciousness and reflection are the keys to building successful startups. Vijay Shekhar Sharma, a graduate from Delhi College of Engineering, hails from a modest background. Having been betrayed by his friends in a startup already did not deter him. His resilience made him start One97, the company behind Paytm.
Pulling all strings together and tying the knot to summarize, engineers can make successful entrepreneurs. The skills possessed by each of them isn’t exclusive. Curators and perfectionists, engineers are known to turn people’s dreams into reality. Why not envision your dream, for once, instead? Take the leap and build the company you’ve long for, this entire while!
But why really are engineers considering Startup as a feasible option?
Why not, will be a better question if asked. We live in an era where engineers-turned-entrepreneurs Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk are revolutionizing technology in its entirety. Why will young engineers then, not get inspired to walk in their shoes?
What sounds contrasting, in reality, is entwined together. Where engineering and entrepreneurship might be considered species from different planets, they actually have similar traits. These, on close observation, are surprisingly similar, with multiple intersection points. If you’re still wondering what we’re talking about, we’ll give you a quick insight into the skills imprinted within both engineers and entrepreneurs.
Where’s the problem?
Engineers love solving problems at hand with crisp and to the point solutions. They don’t like using fancy, manipulative languages. This is a tool which helps them turn into successful entrepreneurs. Startups usually involve working with complexities and challenges. An entrepreneur needs to navigate through tough situations every day and pivot as and when required. Being an engineer and entrepreneur at the same time will give you the benefit of visualizing problems, making you come up with realistic solutions. Zomato was started by Deepinder Goyal, an IIT Delhi graduate. A one of its kind initiative, the company faced issues in the start. But Deepinder’s persistence and his ability to adapt to changes was what paved the company’s way out.
The R.I.S.K
Risk-taking abilities are the foundation stones of a good engineer. So is the case with entrepreneurs. Taking risks in the most unlikely places is the code which connects the two. Precisely, what’s essentially required by a good entrepreneur is dedication and commitment to his work. This is in addition to the ability to take risks when the situation demands. You cannot cut yourself some slack in tough situations. In this regard, an engineer knows when to act! Sachin and Binny Bansal, IIT Delhi graduates, founded Flipkart. This was when the e-commerce industry was in its nascent stage. The risk was huge. Indians, then, weren’t quite comfortable with online shopping. But they worked hard and rest is history.
One plus one: We’re a team!
As an entrepreneur, you’ll have to acknowledge your weaknesses and branch out to get more people on board. Teamwork is instilled in the system of engineers since their first day of college. They have practicals, assignments and projects which wouldn’t bear fruits if not worked on in teams. So, as an engineer and entrepreneur, you need to work in teams which have a common goal. This is necessary for the company as a whole to function well.
Stop. Reflect. Observe
Engineers bring unique skill sets to the table. If used wisely, they can turn into great entrepreneurs! But the catch lies here. It is essential to evaluate your ideas and analyze solutions for feasibility. You need to look for changes and implement them where required. Engineers are trained to do this with the multiple projects they get to work on. Essential for both engineers and entrepreneurs, self-consciousness and reflection are the keys to building successful startups. Vijay Shekhar Sharma, a graduate from Delhi College of Engineering, hails from a modest background. Having been betrayed by his friends in a startup already did not deter him. His resilience made him start One97, the company behind Paytm.
Pulling all strings together and tying the knot to summarize, engineers can make successful entrepreneurs. The skills possessed by each of them isn’t exclusive. Curators and perfectionists, engineers are known to turn people’s dreams into reality. Why not envision your dream, for once, instead? Take the leap and build the company you’ve long for, this entire while!
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