So, in India (as per CBSE) we are only allowed to learn markup languages and basic web design (HTML and CSS). There area some basics covered about internet and their infrastructure.
I believe a utilitarian computational/graphing program proficiency is essential, and I would promote Mathematica as the best of the available options, though Maple works. This should happen in the course of normal beginning engineering and math classes, though. I would also put in a plug for high-power statistical analysis programs, JMP first and foremost. I never thought I would have to use them, and boy did the real world teach me. Anything with powerful database AND analysis/presentation tools will make you a far more valuable and flexible worker.
If graduate school is on the radar, having a firm grasp of Matlab is absolutely essential. Similarly, if the student believes they might be more inclined toward computational materials science and theoretical work, knowing a programming language by way of an introductory computer science course or two would be getting ahead of the game (or avoiding falling behind, take your pick).
If the student believes they are likely to go to work for a large company such as Boeing, Lockheed, GE, Intel, etc, as many materials engineers do, I would say taking at least one full class on CAD (and preferably two or three) is essential. You can tell yourself that you’ll learn CAD programs in your free time, and then spend four years trying to keep your head above water with the bare minimum of coursework. Take a class or two. For programs to learn, Solidworks is definitely my preference, and ProEngineer/Wildfire a decent second place.
If the student is more likely to join a startup or be doing hands-on bench/testing/microstructural analysis etc, I would recommend a course in Labview, if it is offered. Labview is what everyone with boots on the ground is using, and being an artful and capable program designer is a highly desired skill.
Finally, it may sound inane, but having a good grasp of how to use and how NOT to use Powerpoint is very important. I would advocate for “The Cognitive Style of PowerPoint: Pitching Out Corrupts Within” by Tufte being made required reading for any student intending to enter a technical field.
EDUCATION 