Completed MCA? Here Is What You Should Do Next!
This article was updated on 17th June 2020.
MCA stands Master of Computer Applications. It is a course pursued after one has completed his graduation in BCA or Bachelor of Computer Applications.
MCA provides in-depth knowledge to many of the things that the student has already learned during BCA. This includes various computer and programming languages like C/C++, Oracle, Java and Visual Basic, Systems Designing, Application Software Development, Enterprise Resource Planning, Computer Networks, System Administration, Web Designing and Development, Database Administration, Parallel and Vector Processing, Data Mining and Warehousing among others.
With more focus on application development, MCA degrees stress upon teaching its students the most recent programming languages and tools to help build better and faster applications. This course was designed to meet the growing demand for qualified professionals in the field of Information Technology.
Career options after MCA
An MCA degree enables one to dabble for job opportunities in both the private and the government sector. MCA degree holders can be employed by government agencies like NTPC, GAIL, and BHEL among many others. Private IT companies like Accenture, Infosys, Wipro, TCS, Cognizant, IBM, American Express, HCL, and HP also prefer to hire MCA graduates in a variety of positions ranging from software developer to positions in hardware and networking.
A fresh MCA graduate can expect his starting salary to be in the range of anywhere from 2.4 to 3.4 lakhs. With further experience and training, they can even be promoted to the positions of Analyst, Project Manager and maybe even General Manager. Fresh graduates are usually given a few weeks of training before they are assigned to live projects, where they work in different roles and areas before gradually specializing in a specific field. Many students hence opt for MCA as it opens up a wide variety of opportunities in various fields. Some of these opportunities are mentioned below.
- Software Developer/Programmer/Engineer: Graduates in MCA are often hired by companies, both in the private and non-private sector to the positions of a software developer, software programmer or software engineer. As such, his responsibilities involve designing, installing, testing and maintaining the software systems. He has to provide IT services by analyzing the client requests and designing the system to meet those requirements. The job of a software developer, engineer or programmer is very creative and usually goes beyond the usual requirements of coding.
- Troubleshooter: The backbone of any organization, troubleshooters have to make sure that that the technology, which includes both hardware and software, is easily accessible to all those who require them. Troubleshooters have to solve any problems and issues that crop up to make sure that all the projects are delivered on time. It is also the job of the troubleshooter to maintain the resources required by software developers and others.
- System Analyst: System Analysts are another popular job position for MCA degree holders. As a system analyst, they have to design pioneering IT solutions to drive the business and to augment its effectiveness. Their responsibilities include studying the existing business situations, business processes and models, thereby helping design better IT solutions in terms of software for their clients. They often function as a link between the software developers and the clients.
- Software Application Architect: In this highly prestigious position, the MCA graduate’s role includes making high-level decisions in architecture and help in the designing of products and services related to the IT sector. It is their job to develop technical guidelines and protocols which include software coding standards, tools and platforms. To fulfil their responsibilities and to get the job done, they often have to utilize several different software architectural models.
- Software Consultant: A very popular career option today is a consultancy, especially in the field of software. In this field, the MCA graduate has to evaluate a business, its processes and provide software solutions and other feedback to make the business more efficient. Software consultants can either be self-employed or they can be a part of a consultancy firm. As such, the main aim of their job remains to provide cost-effective solutions to improve sales and help in the development of the business.
- Hardware Engineer: The job of a hardware engineer includes working with the various parts of computer hardware like hard disk, wires, circuit boards, computer chips, printers, keyboards, routers, and many other similar devices. The job includes installing and testing the systems and ensuring that the internet in the organization is running smoothly. If it isn’t, it is their responsibility to solve the glitch and any related issue that arises. Hardware engineers are also engaged in the assembly and testing of hardware gear.
- Systems Developer or Engineer: In this role, MCA graduates have to write codes and design programs for operating systems and other such similar software. Their job entails them to work towards increasing efficiency and in helping the business in its further expansion and development. System developers and engineers often specialize in either hardware or software depending upon their field of interest.
- Web Designer and Developer: Responsible for developing, creating and designing new websites, web developers need to be creative imagination. This will help them in using the perfect fonts, colours and designs for the different types of websites. MCA graduates working as web developers also need to have a good in-depth knowledge of different types of software like HTML, Dreamweaver, CSS, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Flash, as this will help them develop and maintain their websites.
- Technical Writer: As a technical writer, the MCA graduate must combine his knowledge of technology with his creative writing skills. This a great career option for those who curate a passion for technology and gadgets and at the same time are gifted with the flair of writing. Many important manuals and documents are written by technical writers. These include product descriptions, user guides and manuals, design specifications, white papers, project plan and many other similar documents.
- Establishing Startups and Businesses: After graduation, MCA graduates can also choose to do something fresh and new. They can be their own boss and start a new venture in various fields like a firm providing computer education, or an IT solution company or maybe even a hardware related start-up. All of these are very lucrative and have great potential to thrive.
- Higher studies: Many MCA graduates also opt to go for higher studies after completing their MCA. They often choose to pursue a PhD degree, an M.E. in Computer Science or an M.Tech degree. They can choose to do these degrees from either a university in India or abroad. Either way, opportunities abound. This option is suitable for those students who are interested in further research and development.
We can therefore see that doing an MCA degree is very rewarding and lucrative, with many career options opening up. Especially since it is computer-centric, and deals with the sector of Information Technology, an MCA degree is much in demand.
Students should choose to pursue MCA from prestigious colleges and universities. This will further enhance the value of their degree in the job market and help them land high paying jobs in some of the very best IT companies. BCA graduates should, therefore, definitely give some serious thought to doing an MCA degree course from a prestigious institute.