There are several career options if you want to get into the computer science field. It is a common misconception that only B.Tech or MCA can land you a job in the IT firms. There are several good courses which are in equal demand. One of those is doing B.Sc. IT i.e Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. You may ask the evident question, how is it different from B.Tech or MCA?
Actually B.Sc.IT is the same course with a different approach. In this, you get a detailed knowledge of computer science and allied fields. When you look at the syllabus of B.Tech or BCA/MCA, you will find that they have some subsidiary modules too like management or foreign language. While that may add to their interpersonal skills but on the core subject front, it is a waste of time. But in B.Sc. IT, you will not get such modules. All your modules are concentrated on the computer science. Also, you get to complete this in three years only against four years of engineering. This makes you eligible to undergo internships, training as well as jobs before them. Also, the b.sc. it students are well known to have an equal grasp over the software as well as research departments of the computer science. That makes you high in demand in both R&D institutes and software companies. You definitely get an edge over them. You are equally eligible to work in the same department as theirs. So, what are the opportunities that are available to you once you complete your B.Sc Information Technology?
Career Opportunities and Job Prospects after B.Sc. IT
- Data Scientist: If you have a strong foundation in programming and sharp analytical skills, you can begin your work as a data scientist. You need to learn big data tools like Python, Azure, Pig, Hive QL etc. to excel in this area. Currently, this is a hot shot field with a wide demand-supply gap. If you have got skills, you will get handsomely paid. You can even get some onsite opportunities allowing you to have a global experience and expertise. You can learn all these software from some training institutes or even through MOOCs. As a matter of fact, most of the websites like Edx, Coursera, and open MOOC sites offer certifications in it. Even Google offers its certificate courses through the online mode. You can get these while working which will not only help in applying your skills to your work but will also work for your promotions. A data scientist currently gets paid around 6.2 Lakh per annum on an average.
- Data Analyst: A data analyst’s job is completely different from that of a data scientist. While the data scientists are involved in predictions based on data trends, data analysts are involved with a longer area of work. They are responsible for collecting, categorizing, analyzing, predicting and also presenting data in a more meaningful way. Apart from knowing all the big data tools, they also need to have a solid base of Hadoop based analytics and ETL tools. If you wish to excel in this field, do work on your analytical decision making. This field is also currently reeling under talent shortage. With a good set of skills, you can excel pretty fast in this field. Currently, a data analyst earns on an average 3.5 Lakh per annum. your salary will increase depending upon your area and level of expertise. This is actually a very volatile field. You need to update your knowledge and skills very fast to stay in demand.
- Cloud Computing Expert: These days, all companies manage their data through the virtual storage platform called cloud computing. After B.Sc., you can do a short-term course in cloud computing. After that, you can begin your work as a cloud computing specialist. You will be endowed with the responsibility of moving the company’s data into secure cloud storage, managing it and also analyzing the weaknesses of the system. You will also be required to critically gauge the vulnerability of the company’s data in the cloud storage. The cloud computing experts are very much in demand these days. If you prove your worth, you can begin to work at an annual salary package ranging from 12-19 Lakh per annum.
- Cybersecurity Expert: With so much of potentially sensitive data stored in the cloud storage, hackers are all the more active now. As a Cybersecurity Expert, you will be required to work towards making a company’s cyber data more safe and impenetrable. From stealing someone’s money from online banking platform to hack into a government agency’s website, all come under cyber crimes. You will be put into the role of preventing such attacks. You can even go into the field of ethical hacking after gaining experience. After B.Sc., you have to attain certain certifications to get into this field. Even these certifications are graded as a beginner, mid-level and advanced. Here is a comprehensive list of certifications.
- Microsoft Virtual Academy: It offers around 35 certifications in cybersecurity, not to mention the weightage given to it being from Microsoft.
- Apple Training and Certification: Mac OS and iOS are considered hack-proof. You can gauge the importance of having a cybersecurity certification in such a field. If you succeed, you will be handsomely paid.
- International Information System Security Certification Consortium: It is a worldwide recognized certification with members spread all over the world.
- CISM by ISACA
- CISA by ISACA
- GSEC
- CEH
- GPEN-GIAC penetration tester
- Comp TIA security+5.
- IT Engineer: As the name of the degree suggests, you get an honours degree in IT which makes you eligible to work as an IT Engineer. You will start your career as the associate IT engineer. All the prominent IT firms like Infosys, Wipro, TCS and cognizant hire B.Sc.IT graduates for the fresher's position. However, your salary and pay scale depends on your qualifications. If you have graduated from a top-notch college and have lots of programming skills, you will get around 3LPA. This salary can vary depending upon your joining terms. During your course of study, you should try to learn as many skills as possible. Make one of the programming languages as your strongest point. The more the better. However, we would suggest you go for masters. That will increase the chances of getting hired.
- Web Designer: A Web Designer is responsible for making a blueprint of a website, coding for it, making it public and also its maintenance. If you have an interest in coding and have a creative bend of mind, you can work as a Web Designer in different firms. You can also begin your work as a freelancer. There are many websites that offer regular jobs to the freelancer web designers. But you do need to comply to the needs of the client and deliver it on time. This line of work may pay you comparatively less in the beginning. With good experience and client base, you can earn around 50k per month or even more.
- Mobile Application Developer: You must have noticed that most e-commerce websites have their personalized apps. Also, banks, supermarkets, and even schools have an app of their own. Not to mention photography apps, food delivery apps, musical apps and so on. If you want to become a Mobile App. Developer, hone your skills in app development. You can begin by developing apps on your own and marketing for them in the online world. You can also begin to work as a freelance app developer. Much of your earnings will depend upon the usability of the app and your expertise. You can further your skills through online learning platforms like edX, Udemy, Coursera and so on. They are really of good quality and even offer certificates.
- Civil Services: You become eligible to appear in the UPSC and State Public Services Commision exams after graduation. If you have the will to serve your country, you can prepare for these exams. Upon clearing the two-stage written exams, you will be called for an interview. On being successful, you will be placed with different cadres.
- Banker: All the public sector banks take candidates who are graduates. Stream and percentage don’t matter much. But you do need to clear the Banking Services Exams like IBPS PO or MT exams and then its interview. You can apply for both clerical and managerial posts. As a banker, your work will be completely different from what you have studied. But you will also get to apply your knowledge in managing the bank’s computer system.
- Teacher: After B.Sc.IT, you can do B.Ed. this will make you eligible to be a teacher in schools. You will be responsible for teaching kids about the basics of computer science. You can accelerate your career by doing M.Sc. and then qualify NET. After that, you will be eligible to teach even the students of M.Sc.IT. actually, after doing M.Sc., you will also be desirable for various positions in the MNC.
- Technical Writer: You can use your knowledge to be a technical writer. You can write course books or technical articles. To go further in this field, we would suggest you do either a course in journalism or book publishing. You can also be a freelance writer. Many companies can’t afford to hire a full-time writer. So they prefer a freelance one. With time, you will be able to create a client base and get regular work.
- Technical Expert in BPO: If you love the BPO job culture, you can get into this field as a technical expert. You will be required to interact with the clients and their customers as well. Your role will be to provide technical support to them. You will get an initial salary of about 25K/month which will definitely increase over time.
- Social Service: If 9 to 5 job is not your cup of tea and you wish to serve the society, you can go for social services. There are several NGOs that need your expertise. You can work as their technical expertise in creating online crowdfunding programs or making their website and so on. You can also teach underprivileged kids about computer science. You can do a masters in social science and allied fields from institutes like TISS. This field will give you the opportunity to address the needs of the underprivileged. You can work for their upliftment. Simply teaching some kids about computer and making them proficient will make them employable. This will definitely work to eliminate poverty, inequality and gender gap.
Courses that can be Pursued after B.Sc. IT is:
- Master of Business Administration: We would suggest that you go for an MBA in IT if you like the management field. There is a dearth of trained personnel in this field. Most IT firms need someone who is well-known for their work culture and knows about computer systems. This field will give you an opportunity to stay in sync with your background education. Also, a management degree will make you eligible for better salary and perks. For doing MBA, you are required to clear CAT/MAT/XAT/GMAT or the institute entrance test. Getting a good percentile should be your aim. It will give you a wide choice in terms of colleges.
- LLB: If you like the legal procedures, you can go for LLB after your graduation. You can further your career in the cyber laws. This field is gaining much recognition after increased cyber attacks. Your background in IT will be an advantage here. In addition to knowing the legal procedures, you will also be able to pinpoint to the working of a particular system. You can begin your work as a Cyber Lawyer for MNCs or work under some legal firm.
These are the major career options after completing B.SC.IT. We seriously suggest you go for a masters in either IT or management. That will give you more opportunities. Also, you should constantly try to upgrade your skills. Do some online course time to time. Remember to keep your resume updated with new skills. IT is a field that is constantly evolving. Learn to evolve yourself with the technology. Always remember. ‘where there is a will, there is a way’. No one can stop you from conquering this field.
