The following Table describes the work of the mentioned professionals, the educational qualifications and special skills they need :
Jobs Minimum educational qualification
and basic abilities required
1) Operating Jobs Senior secondary school
2) Data Entry Operator Typing skill and knowledge of use of various software packages. Functional knowledge of English/Regional language where required.
3) Software Jobs An engineering degree with post graduate diploma in computer applications.
4) Systems Programmer Knowledge of computer programmes and programming skills.
5) Analyst Programmer An engineering degree and MCA. Must have programming skills and should be experienced in systems design.
6) Systems Analyst Graduate in Engineering / Applied Maths / Accountancy / Business / Physical Sciences. Degree in Computer Science/Information Science / Computer Information Systems / Data Processing.
7) Application Programmer Graduate degree in Arts / Science / Commerce / Statistics / Engineering / MBA (systems) / MCA
8) Marketing Maintenance. Graduation and Degree/Diploma in Sales Marketing Good communication skills and knowledge of computers.
Training in the formal sector
In the formal sector computer education is imparted at premier technology institutes and universities conducting graduate and postgraduate courses. Since jobs abound in software development many computer engineering graduates work in software development, as systems software engineers, systems analysts and application software professionals. However, there are other professional courses in the area of software.
University courses
Master of Computer Applications -
This is a post graduate course of 2 or 3 years duration open to graduates from any stream but those who have a good mathematical base. A student is taught Linear Programming, and programming languages. The course includes on the job training as well.
Bachelors in Computer Science (B.Sc. Computer Sc.) -
This is an under graduate course which gives a theoretical base for a career in computers. Most B.Sc courses are not too versatile in practical learning. The table at the end of this Chapter gives where and what of such courses.
Diploma in Computer Applications (Post Graduate) -
This is a one year full time course that covers computer basics. It is not considered good enough by private sector companies.
Diploma in Computer Applications (Post Polytechnic) - This is an 18 months course similar to 1 year DCA but meant for engineering diploma holders.
Training in the informal sector
The nonformal segment comprised of private training institutes offers flexible intakes and customised training . Challenges of credibility and standardisation of the courses offered by the nonformal segment have, however, been under intense scrutiny. Department of Electronics and Computer Society of India (DOEACC) offer accredition to courses conducted by select private institutes. DOEACC conducts certification examinations for those undergoing training with these (Details in the next section). Courses conducted by Authorised Training Partners of software giants like IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, Lotus, etc. have also emerged as credible choices. Many courses are followed up with a certification examination which is recognised worldwide.
Course Options
There are a variety of courses offered in the informal sector . The choice of which course you must take should be determined by the objective of your study and training. Here is a brief description of what these courses teach.
Multimedia -
Multimedia course will teach integration of sound, text, graphics, animation and video on a PC. It is the right choice for those who are creative, good at visualising and can experiment and absorb technical aspects of the medium. Jobs will be with ad agencies, dot com companies, in print and publishing, TV, entertainment, animation, cartooning , in content development, fashion, interior designing, architecture, special effects for cinema, corporate presentations, product designing, video editing.
Networking -
Networking course teaches the fundamental concepts of computer networking and the problems experienced in their design and implementation. Various goals of such systems are discussed and placed into the context of Local and Wide area networking. The nature and types of communications protocols typically found in modern computer networks are also studied in some depth.
The content includes Networking essentials, Network models, Networking Components, Network Installation & Operations, Network Architecture, Network Administration and support, Network support Technologies, Network Problem solving, Internet Technologies and Protocols.
Students with above average analytical mind along with capabilities in computing should think about net working. It requires good software skills along with telecom background is ideally suited for networking. Networking professionals work with specific software and operating systems in which they hold a certification. The job they do will be of installation, maintainance, programming and system integration.
Database -
The course covers handling of various aspects of data, manipulation of security systems, under single and multiuser environment as well as concepts of relational database management.
Database design includes data modelling in the context of information systems, design, implementation and operation- supported application systems with special reference to the relational and Object oriented models. Integration of web based technologies covers concept and usage of Database Management system for internet applications.
Database course must be pursued by students with good mental ability, administrative skill , the ability to handle many responsibilities and interest in long training. Jobs openings will be as web developers, web administrators, web and database integrators, webmasters and web marketing , and information management systems are some of the prominent areas for work.
Webdesigning course cover basics of designing webpages using HTML, DHTML XML, MS Front page/ Dreamweaver, Javascript, Java Applets . Special visual effects are generated by Adobe Photoshop, Macromedia Flash and Sound Engineering etc. Webdesigning will require creativity and visual imagination . Employment opportunities will be with
Webdesigning -
Programming -
Programming courses teach the fundamental concepts of solving engineering and scientific problems through development of required source code. Techniques and methods for constructing larger pieces of software from modules are taught. There is introductory work on static and dynamic data structures and the application of these skills to the production of well structures and documented programs.
Programming languages are specifically for those interested in pursuing a career in software designing. Analytical thinking, good reasoning are prerequisites along with the ability to work for long hours on a project. Software designers work on specific projects in the software domain in which they have reasonable problem solving skills.
Fundamentals -
Fundamental courses are for beginners who want to learn the use of computers , internet, word processing etc. and explore the world of computers and acquire basic skills to use computers e.g. word processing , electronic spread sheets and presentation packages. The course is specially designed for beginners. It covers the basic hardware and software concepts with focus on Windows 98 , MS – Word, MS- Power point, Internet & E- commerce and foxpro.
Operating Systems -
Operating systems deal with system programming. Development of compilers, kernels, internals and device drivers are part of the training. This is a training in writing lowlevel software code to exploit the hardware. This is a hard core professional job meant for the technically inclined with sound mathematical skills. Employment will be with computer manufacturing companies as well as computer peripheral manufacturers.
Comprehensive courses -
The curriculum covers fundamentals of computing, e-commerce technologies and internet based training modules along with programming and networking technologies. Those who aspire to work in the IT industry in e-commerce technology and internet based jobs, data management, networking, web development, software development will gain advantage from a computer comprehensive programme. Employment opportunities are in Web Development, software development, data management, programming are areas where students after a comprehensive course could move. Generally they must undergo an internship period in the industry to identify their special skills and acumen.
E-Commerce -
Basically e-commerce involves the convergence of several radical and mature technologies to enable business over the web. These are IT, Telecom, Internet, TV, and the entertainment industry. Electronic commerce is the range of technologies that simplifies the transfer of documents and information by electronic means. E-commerce courses provide knowledge of multiple networking operating systems, internet technology/protocols, RDBMS, ISP technicals alongside the web development tools. It is suitable for those with an IT background, non-IT professionals who would like to use IT as a tool to improve business or develop applications for industry segments; and finally those IT enrolled students who would like to upgrade their skills in new technology areas.
E-Commerce is the buzz word for the success of every enterprise of the present millennium. The acquired skills are for handling e-initiatives within organisations to design, architect and build e-commerce solutions.
Graphic designing/CAD CAM -
Computer designing has brought about a revolution in the field of designing , be it fashion, textiles, jewellery, interiors and commercial art. A graphic designer no longer relies on rubber solution and a piece of blade to cut and paste. Developments in computer technology have revolutionised the working methods of artists and their very approach to design.
CAD-
Computer Aided Design is a three dimensional design tool for developing 2 and 3 dimensional models which can be later translated into a product . In the fashion sector CAD is used for automated pattern design and marker making.
CAM-
is Computer Aided Manufacturing tool which is a training for improving productivity. Those interested in designing products and in the research areas will find CAD CAM both interesting and valuable. All design oriented production industries and 3 D animations need CAD CAM professionals.
Courses Accredition
There are hundreds of computer training institutes which have mushroomed in the country to impart training in computer applications. They offer short and long duration courses. The course content includes computer languages. These are useful for becoming familiar and adept at the use of computers. Some institutes impart training in Application Software. However, the recognition and value of course taken at a private institute depends on the accredition the course receives from DOEACC.
Department of Electronics Accredition of Computer Courses, Electronics Niketan, 6 CGO Complex, New Delhi-110 003 Ph:011-4363330 Website -
http://www.doe.gov.in
DOEACC (Department of Electronics Accreditation of Computer Courses) Scheme is a joint programme of AICTE (statutory body of the Government of India to recognise, develop and promote technical education in the country) and Ministry of Information Technology for the development of qualified and competent manpower in IT field by utilising the expertise and infrastructure available with the non-formal sector.
Accredition - Under the scheme computer training institutes/organisations, subject to meeting well defined norms and criteria relating to space, faculty, hardware, software etc. are given accreditation for conducting specific level of courses at a specified location by DOEACC.
Courses
Under the DOEACC Scheme, four levels of courses, O (Foundation), A (Advanced Diploma), B(MCA) and C(M.Tech) are to be conducted. The DOEACC Society does not conduct any training classes for O,A, B or C courses but Students can acquire any of these qualification, by undergoing the particular Level of the DOEACC course from an accredited institution and pass the examination conducted by the DOEACC Society.Working professionals can also appear in these examinations directly provided they possess the prescribed experience for the particular level. DOEACC has recently started a short-term course of 80 hours duration, CCC (Course on Computer Concept) for the benefit of working people, housewives etc.
Authorised training institutes of software firms
Private institutes offer varied study tracks as they forge links with IT vendors in developing training partnerships .Here we look at some alternatives in training in this segment.
IBM courses - IBM global services India Ltd. has 25 ACE training centres in metros and a number of Authorised Training Partners in many cities across the country.
World Wide Web Institute, Geneva, Switzerland has its Authorised Training Centres in Delhi, Hyderabad and offers the Certified Webmasters Programme.
Microsoft Education and Certification in India has four main study/training initiatives.
60 Microsoft Certified Technical Education Centres (CTECs) including NIIT and Aptech offering Microsoft certification courses
Oracle Education, 5th Floor, Gopal Dass Bhawan, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi - Oracle is a forerunner in the RDBMS with almost a 70% market share. It offers the best training option for those planning to enter software development.
Baan Institute, 8-2-248/A, 4thFloor, Maharishi Building, Road No. 3, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad-34.
— Baan Institute offers 2 courses for ERP professionals. Boundary Spanner consultant designed for engineers, MBAs and Finance professionals with 3 years of work experience in a 10 week course.
The Boundary Spanner Developer course is designed for IT professional (Btech / BE / MCA) with 2 years of work experience and skills in fourth generation language and relational database management systems (17 week course)
CEDT - Centre for Electronics Design and Technology of India A-34, Industrial Area, Phase-8, SAS Nagar-160059, Punjab is an autonomous establishment under the Department of Electronics, Government of India. The centre imparts software and hardware training programme through its Authorised Training Centres (ATC) across the country.
Courses Institutes
Bachelors & Master in Computer Applications
The following Universities/Institutions offer MCA and BCA courses. Colleges offering BE/Btech/ME/Mtech have been covered in the Science & Technology volume of Career Options.
Magar College Campus, Mahadeonagar Hadapsar, Pune – 411028. MCM.
Progressive Education Society’s Institute of Management and Career Development Sector-21, Yamunanagar, Modern High School Compound Nigdi, Pune-411044. DCM, MCM.
Raja Shree Shivraya Pratishthan’s Institute of Management and Computer Studies, Baburao Sutar Peth, Rambaug Colony, Paud Road, Kothrud, Pune-411038.MCM.
Sinhgad Inst of Mgmt, Dept of Comp Sc S. No. 44/1, Vadgaon (Budruk) Off Sinhgad Rd, Pune 411 041. MCA, MCM.
Symbiosis Institute of computer Studies and Research 4, Senapati Bapat Marg, Pune-411 004. DCM, MCM.
S P Mandal’s Prin N G Naralkar, Institute of Career Development and Research 536 Shaniwar Peth, Appa Balwant Chowk Pune – 411 030. MCM, PhD.
Shivaji University, Department of Computer Science Shivaji University, Kolhapur – 416 004. MCA.
Bharati Vidyapeeth Institute of Management Kadamwadi, Kolhapur – 416 003. MCA, MCM, PGDCM.
Bharati Vidyapeeth Institute of Management & Rural Development Administration Rajwda Chowk, Sangli –416 416. MCM.
Chhatrapati Shahu Central Institute of Business Education & Research University Road, Kolhapur 416 004. MCA, MCM.
Government College of Engineering Department of MCA Vidya Nagar, Karad 415 124. MCA.
SNDT Women’s University, Post Graduate Department of Computer Science SNDT Women’s University, Sir Vithaldas Vidyavihar, Juhu Tara Road Santacruz(West), Mumbai 400 049. PGDCSA, MCA.
Swami Ramanani Teerth Marathwada University Institute of Information Technology and Management, Dnyanopasak College Campus, Jintur Road, Parbhani 431401. MCA.
Institute of Technology & Management, Yeshwant Mahavidyalaya Campus VIP Road, Nanded. MCA.