Intermediate 12th results are out and people are getting worried about colleges,marks and so on. In science stream, 80% of students take up computer as their dream subject.
In the 21st century, technology is omnipresent in our lives. With a boom in the technology sector, it is proving to be a lucrative career opportunity for students, who are in the juncture to pass out from school and are considering various aspects for their future career option.Computer Science Engineering is the most popular course for the Engineering aspirants. During the counselling of the top engineering colleges, the Computer Science Engineering seats are the fastest filled among different branches.
But what should we study in order to get a good job and a secured future? Come let’s know the various subjects and possibilities.
What is Computer Science Engineering?
Computer Science engineering deals with design, implementation, and management of information system of both software & hardware processes. A computer scientist specializes in theory of computation and design of computational systems.
Computer engineering or Computer Science engineering integrates several disciplines such as Information Technology, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Software Design, etc. The engineers are mainly involved in the development of software and hardware systems of various aspects of computing. The engineers not only focus on how computers work but also integrate into larger scheme of things.
Amongst all the engineering branches, computer science has been found to be the most popular choice of students. This branch of engineering is perceived to be popular due to its research scopes (bio, mechanics, neuro-science, etc) and is known to be challenging while offering good career opportunities and remuneration. M Balakrishnan, professor (computer science and engineering, IIT-D) says that computer science & engineering has been the most sought after course in the past few years and in the current one too.
The core courses/subjects for Computer Science Engineers are as follows:
- Programming Languages.i.e C,C++,Java etc.
- Digital Electronics
- Data Structures
- Algorithm Design and Analysis.
- Discrete Mathematics
- Graph Theory and combinatorics
- Computer Organisation and Architecture
- Operating Systems
- Compiler Design
- Database Management
- Theory of Computation
- Micro Processors
- Software Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Networks
- Formal language and Automata Theory
- Cryptography and Network Security.
- Parallel and Distributive Computing
- Image Processing
- Information and Coding Theory
- Pattern Recognition
- Data Mining
- Information Retrieval
- Machine Learning
- Computational geometry
- Complexity Theory
- Wireless and Mobile Communication
- Computer Graphics
- Simulation and Modelling
- Soft Computing
- Optimization Techniques
- Data Compression
- VLSI Design and Testing
- Cloud Computing
- Quantum Computing
- Bio-informatics Algorithms
- Embedded Systems
- Probability Theory
Five major specialization in the field of Computer Science:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Robotics
- Machine Learning Natural Language & Text Processing
- Computer Vision
- Cognitive Science Semantic Web
- Database and Information Systems
- Data Mining
- Big DataText Information Systems
- Everything related to “data” .
- Game Development
- Computer Graphics and animation
- Immersion Serious Games
- Cognition Infrastructure.
- Network and Security
- Communication and Wireless networks
- Cryptography Web Technology & Security
- Internet Networking
- Operating Systems
- Multimedia Systems
- Distribution systems.
- Computer Architecture (CS + Electronics)
- Signal Processing
- Digital Logic Design
- Microprocessors
- Embedded Systems
- VLS.
What do you do as Computer Science Engineer?
You can work in database management, IT, embedded systems, Telecommunication, computer hardware & software implementation & maintenance, multimedia, web designing, gaming, and almost all other industries in this sector.
It is worthwhile to note that the computer industry has witnessed such phenomenal growth in recent years that IT majors like Infosys & TCS have been the major recruiters across all other branches in engineering colleges of the country.
Job Prospects
Booming IT sector in India has plenty of jobs for fresh computer science graduates. Candidates from top notch engineering colleges however get attractive job offers from MNC IT companies in comparison to not so known engineering colleges. Additionally, candidates with high percentage of mark and good communication skills as well as sound computer knowledge do not face problem in getting a job whether they are from a reputed engineering college or not. Computer engineers can get jobs in non-IT companies like universities, research, private and public industries, government departments, business organisations, commercial organisations and the manufacturing sector, etc.
Besides the Computer Engineers have plenty of options to work in IT companies in departments such as design, development, assembly, manufacture and maintenance, etc. Working as programmer, web developer, and E- commerce specialist with telecommunications companies, automotive companies, aerospace companies, etc. can be a lucrative career option as well. Moreover, numerous national and multi-national computer manufacturing companies, computer hardware system design and development companies, computer networking companies, software development companies, etc. require computer professionals in large numbers.
Pay Packet
It is the attraction of higher salaries in IT sector which urges youngsters to opt for a course in computer science. In comparison to other sector, computer science graduates fetch higher salaries from INR 15,000 – 25,000 in the beginning. After gaining +2 years of work experience, they can get a salary of INR 40000. Candidates who get opportunities to work in overseas project get numerous benefits and incentives which may even go to six figures. However, the salary depends a lot upon some factors such as the state of the industry, work experience, qualifications and ability of the candidate, etc. amongst others. Computer Science graduates who are in teaching can fetch a salary of INR 20000 plus dearness allowances and other benefits.
Demand and Supply
True to its global reputation, the Indian IT sector has lots of scope in terms of growth in employment opportunities. A huge requirement of trained IT engineers is expected in next couple of years. While according to NASSCOM, the Indian IT exports are expected to expand to the tune of US$ 175 billion by 2020 and the domestic sector will account for US$ 50 billion in terms of earnings. Similarly, a huge quantum of profit is expected from the export and domestic IT sector which would be worth US$ 225 billion.
Market Watch
Widening scope for computer science professionals can be prophesied from the fact that after the recession is over, new jobs would come in large numbers in IT sector. Moreover, with low service cost Indian IT companies have leverage over IT companies in the USA, Canada, and Australia. The low cost Indian IT service attract lot more business even during recession as companies in developed nations try to reduce their production cost and outsource their IT work to Indian IT firms.
International Focus
IT sector can truly be considered a global career in terms of its wide scope for professionals. India has been one of the leading exporters of IT talent and Indian computer engineers have played major role in the growth and development of IT sector in the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada. Numbers of employment opportunities are waiting for Indian computer professionals in these countries. Some new avenues too are being opened for Indian computer professionals in Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, etc. Thanks to global demand for IT services, which is around USD $70 trillion for many new and exciting international careers are opened up for computer professionals.
Positives/Negatives
Despite the fact that recent recession showed the worse days for computer engineers, a great hope still persists for Indian computer science professionals for the reason that India has potential to offer IT services at the fraction of the cost of the USA software developing companies. India has advantage in terms of IT professionals as it produces more in numbers than Western countries; therefore, the demand can be filled only with Indian professionals who are par excellence vis-a-vis computer professionals of the West. Indian IT companies such as Wipro, Infosys, TCS, Patni, HCL, etc. have been able to garner gains even during the recession and have hired a number of computer professionals.
Different job Roles
- Hardware Engineers: These professionals do research, design, develop, test, and oversee the installation of computer hardware which inter alia includes computer chips, circuit boards, systems, modems, keyboards, and printers.
- System Designer: Professionals involved in system designing, Logical & Physical Designing wherein logical designing can be enumerated as the structure & characteristics such as output, input, files, database & procedures, etc.
- System Analyst: Computer engineers who work as systems analyst do research about the existing problems and plan solutions for the problem. They also recommend software and system related problems and coordinate development between business development teams.
- Networking Engineers: Networking engineers are computer professionals involved in designing, implementation, and troubleshooting of computer networks.
- DBA: DBA or Database Administrator are the professionals who are bestowed with the job to design, implement, maintain, and repair an organization’s database. Inter alia DBA professionals are also known as Database Coordinator or Database Programmer in IT sector.
Top Companies
- Yahoo
- Hewlett-Packard
- International Business Machines Corporation
- Toshiba Corporation
- Dell Inc
- NEC Corporation
- Canon Inc
- Apple Inc
- ASUSTEK Computer Inc
- Acer Inc
- Lenovo Group Limited
- SAIC
- Sun Microsystem
- TCS
- Infosys
- HCL
- Wipro
- TechMahindra
Tips for Getting Hired
Like all other engineering professions, Computer Engineering too requires practical knowledge to be employable. There is no short-cut for computer professionals, whatever one knows needs to be put into practice and loopholes would come out only when exposed to projects and other practices.
Therefore, candidates who are willing to make a career in IT industry should have maximum exposure to practical knowledge so that they can perform efficiently. Most of the top IT colleges impart practical knowledge and offer internship programs which enlarge the chances of getting hired. Additionally, candidates from not so known colleges should do add-on certification courses offered by Microsoft, Oracle, Redhat, etc. so that they have higher chances of getting hired.
