Numerous companies in India and overseas employ computer professionals. However, the field is very broad and requires technical skills depending on whether the job is hardware or software-focused. Aakash Chaudhry tells you that once a person has made his choice, there are many opportunities in both fields which are lucrative

A career in IT is considered as one of the most high-paying jobs; particularly when India’s prowess in information technology industry is recognised across the globe. The pool of talented computer engineers working in IT companies of the US and Canada shows that IT can take a person to higher levels. Numerous IT companies from India employ huge number of computer professionals in their Indian and overseas offices.

Depending on the interest of the candidate, a career in IT can be chosen. Those who love programming and coding can do software engineering and those who prefer networking and system administration, can do hardware engineering. IT sector is broad in terms of employment and job options. Roles can be diverse for computer engineers, but their primary role is to apply the knowledge of mathematics and science to design and develop software to be used by clients or users.

Software Engineering

Software engineering is essentially an engineering field which deals with the development and maintenance of reliable and efficient software systems. It is moderately a young field in comparison to other fields of engineering. This field adopts a systematic approach towards operation, development and maintenance of software. This is a field which covers methods, tools and knowledge for fulfilling software requirements and entails software design, software maintenance tasks, user interface design, computer programming and software testing.

Software engineering as an interdisciplinary study includes the knowledge from various fields like project management, management, mathematics, computer engineering, quality management and system engineering. Engineers use these principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, testing and evaluation of the software and systems that facilitate computers to perform their various applications. They can be implicated in the design and development of several types of softwares that includes operating systems software and network distribution which change programmes for execution on a computer.

Eligibility

For admission to a bachelor’s degree, the candidate must have passed the higher secondary school certificate (10+2) exam with science subjects such as biology, maths and chemistry. For IITs, it is mandatory to qualify in the Joint Entrance Examinations. The duration for this course is four years. The eligibility criterion for pursuing a master’s degree is holding a bachelor’s degree in (BE/BTech) or any other equivalent branches of engineering. The duration for this course is two years.

HARDWARE Engineering

This is a combination of different physical parts of a computer. Networking involves linking a group of two or more computer systems for the purpose of sharing information and data. The professionals associated with the discipline of research of computer hardware and developments of computer network are known as hardware and networking engineers. They also design and supervise the process of manufacturing and installation of hardware. Presence of Indian and foreign IT majors in the country has created a lot of scope for youth in this sector.

A science background in the plus-two level is preferred for students willing to enroll in different degree and diploma courses. Reputed training institutes, colleges and universities offer programmes on hardware.

For networking, a degree or diploma in computer science, electronics, electrical and telecommunication is required. Computer hardware and networking is projected to be one of the fastest growing occupations. Hardware and networking professionals can find employment in both the public and private sector. Hardware developing companies are the favoured place for most of the Hardware engineers.  

They can seek to be employed in corporate houses, industries, public sector undertakings etc. All public and private sector banks, financial institutions, school and colleges also require the service of Hardware and Networking experts. Besides, they can be self-employed by starting their own Hardware assembling firm. One can also run consultancy to develop hardware according to the requirements of the clients. Teaching in technical educational institutions is also a very good option.

Remuneration

In the public sector agencies, the starting salaries of hardware and networking experts is `8,000 to `25,000 which may reach `50,000 to `60,000 depending upon experience.

Where to study

• GT Computer Hardware Engineering College, Gujarat
• Indian Institute of Hardware Technology, Uttar Pradesh
• Onix Academy, Tamil Nadu
• Indian School of Networking & Hardware Technology, New Delhi
• Mindware Technical Organisation, Delhi
• Grey Matter Systems Pvt ltd, Pune

(The writer is director, Aakash Educational Services ltd)