INTRODUCTION
Master of Computer applications (MCA) is a three-year post graduate course. The course curriculum is extensive and emphasizes on the technical and practical aspects of computer applications and programming languages. It is an interdisciplinary subject involving Computer Science, Electronics, Mathematics, Probability, Java Programming and Statistics.
A strong foundation is provided in the concepts of programming languages such as C, C++, Java, .Net, and ASP.NET; languages like PHP, CSS, HTML and JavaScript; database- specific languages including skilled in SQL and LINUX and cloud technology services such as AWS and Microsoft Azure. Theoretical topics like Information Technology (IT), Computer Organisation and Architecture, Programming and Data Structure, Info Systems Analysis Design and Implementations, Operating Systems, Probability and Combinatorics, Database Management Systems, Computer Communication Networks, Statistical Computing, Network Programming and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Applications are included in the course curriculum. This is balanced with practical lessons and laboratory sessions covering topics such as IT, Business Programmes, UNIX and Windows, Database Management System (DBMS), Statistical Computing, Optimisation Techniques and Networking. Multiple electives are also included in the course curriculum like Numerical and Scientific Computing, Software Project Management, Mobile Computing, Microprocessors, Distributed Systems, Advanced Computer Architecture and Digital Signal Processing.
The curriculum is enhanced through additional programs like guest lectures, webinars, on-site training, internships, seminars, dissertations, workshops, industrial visits and live projects. Personal skills like leadership, planning and execution, communication, confidence, general awareness and team building and professional skills like project management, database knowledge, fluency in programming languages, analytical reasoning, decision-making, and entrepreneurship are enhanced through this course.
FUTURE CAREER
Multiple career opportunities are available in the government and private sectors. Careers are always present in e-commerce websites, game design institutions, IT firms, online media, academic institutions, start-ups, banking companies, networking companies, publishing firms, consultancy firms, digital marketing companies, multinational companies (MNCs). There is a high demand of qualified candidates in top IT companies, MNCs and Consultancy Firms.
Better opportunities and salaries are provided based on:
- Reputation of the University from which MCA degree was obtained
- Skills and Certifications
- Talent and Personal Calibre
- Training and Internships
Skills that are required for a successful career after MCA degree are:
- Knowledge and experience in programming languages such as C, C++, Java, .Net, ASP.NET, etc.
- Web designing skills and knowledge in languages like PHP, CSS, HTML, JavaScript, etc.
- Networking skills and experience in SQL, LINUX, etc.
Additional certifications are available that help to enhance a candidate’s resume and demonstrate practical knowledge:
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) from Cisco Systems
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) from Cisco Systems
- Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) from Cisco Systems
- Certificate Course in Java
- Certificate Course in C++
- Certificate Course in Web Designing
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
There are many job opportunities in different professional departments and sectors. The hierarchy for different job roles and areas are as follows:
- Entry Level Trainee
- Associate
- Level I, II, III
- Lead
- Senior
- Expert
A fresh graduate first begins at the entry level and gradually progresses to different roles based on skills, subject matter expertise, area of interest, successful projects and continuous increase in learnings and knowledge. The average salary of an MCA graduate is between 2.5 LPA to 5 LPA and increases to 10 LPA with work experience and technical exposure.
Job opportunities can be found as:
- Blockchain Developer
- Cloud Architect
- Cloud Security Specialist
- Cloud Developer
- Computer System Analyst
- Chief Information Security Officer
- Cryptographer
- Data Analyst
- Database Administrator
- Database Engineer
- Digital Analyst
- Ethical Hacker
- Fraud Analyst
- Hardware Engineer
- Incident Responder
- Manual Tester
- Mobile App Developer
- Network Administrator
- Programmer
- Project Manager
- Quantitative Analyst
- Security Auditor
- Security Code Auditor
- Security Analyst
- Security Engineer
- Social Media Handler
- Software Developer
- Software Publisher
- Software Application Architect
- Software Consultant
- Systems Analyst
- System Administrator
- Teacher/Lecturer
- Technical Consultant
- Technical Writer
- Trouble-shooter
- Web Designer
- Web Developer
- Web Analyst
POPULAR RECRUITERS
There are many public and private companies and organisations that recruit MCA graduates. The process involves attracting, shortlisting, engaging, selecting and hiring employees that meet the requirements of the company. It is an ideal way to identify, discover and engage fresh talent. Recruitment is carried out through many strategies:
- Campus Placement
- Website Publication
- Database Inquiries
- Internal Job Posting (IJP)
- Employee Referrals
- Internships
- Recruitment Advertisements
- Job Portals
- Headhunting Agencies
- Walk-in Recruitment
Popular companies and organizations that recruit MCA graduates are:
- Accenture
- American Express
- Apple
- BHEL
- Bosch
- Boeing
- Capital One
- Cisco
- Cognizant
- Dell
- Deloitte
- GAIL
- General Motors
- HCL
- HP
- Honeywell
- IBM
- IIM
- Infosys
- Intel
- Microsoft
- Mindtree
- Oracle
- Polaris
- Samsung
- SAP
- Siemens
- Syntel
- TCS
- Texas Instruments
- Virtusa
- Wipro Systems
CONCLUSION
There has been a tremendous increase in competition with the introduction of high-quality education, internship opportunities and online certification courses. To keep up with the competition, pursuing higher studies has become very important. MCA graduates are trained and provided with the necessary skills that make them a crucial resource to different companies. Their role is important in increasing brand value, building company economy, setting high working standards, attracting established and reputed clients, ensuring quick turnaround time and increasing overall profit of the company.