Here's how you can find the best companies to work for in Automotive Engineering.

In my opinion following industry are where once can work based on the interest: 1. Tech services - TCS, AVL, FEV, KPIT etc. - Provide specialized engineering and technical services to automotive companies. 2. Homologation Company - ARAI etc. - Ensure vehicles and components meet regulatory and compliance 3. Original Equipment supplier - FORD, BMW, TATA, MARUTI, Mahindra etc. - Design, develop, and manufacture complete vehicles. 4. Tier1: Bosch, Continental, Magna etc. - Supply major components and systems directly to OEMs. 5. Tier 2: Delphi, Aptiv, Faurecia etc. -Provide parts, materials, and sub-components to Tier 1 suppliers.

A great way to get a glimpse in company's culture is during an interview process. Rather than asking "what's the culture like here?", try phrasing it as something like "what do you think someone starting at your company will be most surprised by?" The will get the interviewer thinking and will likely to result in an example of what the company actually feels like.

The major classification in the career path comes when a decision is made whether to work for a start-up, an MSME or an OEM. The work cultures, procedures, learnings and difficulties all vary in all these three and the start that you make may or may not define the path but it shall surely define your first impression of the industrial career path that has been chosen. With the right choice it can be determined whether the industry will accept you or not. Do remember if you're waking up everyday on your own excited to go to work no matter what time you sleep or you don't look at the watch 100 times a day then you're on the right path for sure. If otherwise, then either grind or get grinded in the mortar and pestle of the industry clogs.

Figure out what’s important to you and have a career strategy in place for the next five years or so. Think about the verticals within the automotive industry that will align with your career ambitions. Break down each vertical into supply chains and map out each segment (OEM, Tier 1 / 2 /3 etc) into the key companies. Evaluate how each company fits within your plan. Don’t forget to factor in risk into the equation and how much volatility can you accept working through your career strategy. It does sound like a lengthy process but once you complete this exercise, you will be way ahead of competition in terms of clarity on steps that need to be taken.