How to become a Plastics Engineer?
Back in 2004 (post my 10th grade), like every other Indian student, I had three career options–Science, Arts and Commerce. I took a chance on “Science” and thanks to my decent score, I made it to St.Xavier’s College, Mumbai.
Here I spent two years studying “Science”, while also observing how cool it would be if I was in “Arts”. Now it was time to make the life-changing decision- Undergraduate career choice? I had a couple of options in mind – BSc in chemistry, Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering, or Forensic science? (Medical and IT were definitely not on my list).
That’s when I came across Polymer Science and Technology at ICT (Formerly known as UDCT), and enrolled, without having any idea about this field.
In fact, I was contemplating the option of pursuing Mechanical Engineering. However, various never heard courses at ICT intrigued me, and I decided to continue with polymers. As the course progressed, I learned a lot more about the various domains of the plastics industry.
After completing my Bachelors, I opted for a Ph.D. in Plastics Engineering at Umass Lowell, USA. The Post-graduation course at this university was an eye-opener to far-reaching advancements in plastics technologies and the wide areas of research and development possibilities for every Plastic Professional.
Post this, I started my professional journey as a Plastics Engineer (Applications Engineer) with Newage Industries, a manufacturer and fabricator of flexible plastic tubing and hose and a supplier of fittings and clamps and single-use systems.
With this experience, I returned to India and started working as a Business Development Manager at Reliance industries in the Petrochemical department, which was an excellent opportunity to get a broader view of the Indian plastics industry.
Career choices are mainly dependent on the listed domains:
- Polymer Science or Materials (Synthesis)
- Product Design
- Processing,
- Product Development
- Application Development and
- Recycling
Industries that employ plastic professionals include but not limited to Electronics, Packaging, Petrochemicals, Medical, FMCG, Waste Management, Construction, Automotive, Textiles, Transportation and Logistics, Healthcare and Pharmaceutical, and industry unknown to many, composites (Manufacturing of rail coach, airplanes, etc). With the sectors listed above, you can understand the broad scope of plastics and its never-ending career opportunities.
After spending more than a decade in the plastics industry, I decided to work on Recycling (end of life). This is when I launched my own startup venture –5RCYCLE FOUNDATION, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating awareness and infrastructure on waste management and circular economy.
About Author: Smita Birkar is a Plastics Engineer and Founder of 5RCYCLE FOUNDATION (NGO).