Report on Expert Session: “The Future of Technology: Skills Every Engineer Needs” on 12 th August 2026 for F.E Orientation

An expert session on “The Future of Technology: Skills Every Engineer Needs” was conducted on 12th August 2026 by Mr. Siddesh Sangodkar, Tech Lead, Persistent Systems Ltd., Goa. The session focused on the rapidly evolving technology landscape and the essential technical and professional skills that engineering students need to develop to become industry-ready. Mr. Siddesh highlighted the importance of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, automation, cloud computing, distributed systems, cybersecurity, data privacy, and robotics. He emphasized the need for students to develop practical skills in Python, prompt engineering, and AI-based automation, along with gaining exposure to cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud. He also discussed the growing importance of cybersecurity and data privacy and introduced tools such as SonarQube and OWASP ZAP for software quality and security testing. In the area of robotics and automation, students were encouraged to explore platforms such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi to gain hands-on experience.

The speaker also emphasized that technical knowledge alone is not sufficient for a successful engineering career. Engineers must develop essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, and adaptability. He encouraged students to apply their technical knowledge by building projects that address real-world problems. Students were motivated to develop practical solutions such as mobile applications, websites, AI models, iOS applications, and automation systems. The importance of participating in hackathons and technical competitions was also highlighted as these activities provide opportunities to solve real-world problems, work collaboratively, and gain practical experience.

Mr. Siddesh further encouraged students to pursue industry-recognized certifications in areas such as Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, and cybersecurity. He stressed the importance of continuous learning and keeping pace with technological advancements. Students were also advised to maintain a strong online professional presence by creating and regularly updating a GitHub portfolio and personal website to showcase their projects, technical skills, certifications, and achievements. Overall, the session provided valuable guidance on the combination of technical expertise, practical project development, soft skills, certifications, and continuous learning required for a successful career in the technology industry. The session was highly informative and motivated students to proactively develop their skills and prepare themselves for the future of technology.