THE DIGITAL SCIENCE
If the virtual world has always fascinated you, learn more for a career in the same
It all started with Alan Turing, a British scientist and the man considered to be the father of computer science. During the Second World War, he devised a number of techniques for breaking German ciphers. But that was just the beginning computer science has evolved many folds since. Today, softwares such as Facebook and Twitter have taken an important position in our lives resulting in connection and information on the go. It is perhaps the reason for immense popularity of computer science engineering.
A career in the field is considered one of the most high- paying and is full of opportunities; particularly when India’s prowess in information technology industry is recognised across the globe. The field is primarily related to design, development and maintenance of software. A computer engineers can work as a software or hardware engineer, which are the two main sectors in the industry. “Such engineers are also in demand in management consultancy organisations. They can also work as programmers, data- based administrators, web developers and E- commerce specialists with industries that build or use computerbased systems, such as telecommunications, automotive, aerospace, petroleum, chemical and power plants,” says Harpreet Singh, president, JRE Group of Institutions.
He adds that a bachelor in technology ( B. Tech.) or computer applications ( BCA) or even a master in computer application ( MCA) can become an IT engineer. Applicants interested in B. Tech. or BCA must preferably have studied higher level mathematics, However, there is a stringent selection procedure for computer engineers and admission to the BE or B. Tech. course is extremely competitive. An intern- ship program at various IT companies would garner practical knowledge and employability and it is a must and can be either after or during the course. Additionally, candidates can also opt for add- on certification courses offered by Microsoft, Oracle and Redhat, to name a few. So that they have higher chances of getting hired.
Some of the best computer science colleges include Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, Kahragpur, Bombay, Madras, Roorkee, Delhi and Guwahati, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, National Institute of Technology Trichy and Warangal, Delhi Technical University, Delhi, BITS Pilani, IIT Roorkee, College of Engineering, Anna University, Guindy, Jadavpur University, Calcutta and Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi.
A person hired as a computer scientist or engineer will typically start at the software engineer level. In course of time, the person will move up the ladder and would be leading teams in a project leader role. They could then become project managers. Since the industry is growing fast and their is demand for specialised engineers, they can start with 3 lakh up to 6 lakh per annum.