Should You Study BCA?
As a BCA student myself, I can offer you my perspective based on my experience regarding whether you should pursue a BCA in 2024. I trust that after reading this article, you will be able to align your end goal and decide for yourself if BCA is the right choice for you. To provide some context about myself and my journey, I enrolled in BCA at MAKAUT University in 2021. My motivation stemmed from a desire to delve into the world of technology and perhaps create the next Facebook or Amazon. This aspiration was fueled by the notion that many billionaires were somehow linked to the tech industry. Looking back, this mindset heavily influenced my decision to pursue BCA. A strong piece of advice I'd like to share is that if you have a background in Pure Science and aspire to venture into computer science, opting for a BTech or a Bachelor's in Engineering might be the better choice. This recommendation stems from the fact that many prominent tech companies prioritize candidates with BTech degrees over those with BCA qualifications. Additionally, if research is on your radar, pursuing a BTech allows for a smoother transition into higher academic pursuits such as MTech and PhD, potentially bypassing the need for an MCA or MSc in CS/IT.
Expectation vs. Reality:
My journey as a BCA student began in 2021 with lofty expectations. Like many prospective students, I expected a vibrant tech community teeming with innovation, alongside professors who were really passionate about coding. However, the reality I encountered was different. Hardly anyone spoke about building new tech, discussing future trends, or conducting case studies on successful tech companies. I do understand that computer science is more than coding, but the interest in this field, the zeal to teach, was missing.
Course Curriculum:
I find the course curriculum to be well-designed. One of the
cornerstones of any academic program is its curriculum, and BCA at
MAKAUT University is no exception. The syllabus is meticulously
designed to equip students with the fundamental knowledge required
for a successful career in the tech industry. From core subjects
like Object-Oriented Programming to optional advanced mathematics
courses, the curriculum provides a solid foundation for students
to build upon. However, it's important to emphasize that success
in BCA requires more than just passive learning. It necessitates
active engagement, self-study, and practical application to truly
grasp the concepts and stay abreast of industry trends.
The curriculum covers almost all fundamental subjects found in
most universities, including:
Jobs After BCA:
This can be a controversial topic, so I'll share my firsthand experiences. If you're a BCA student, most on-campus placements tend to offer non-tech roles. I've rarely seen companies recruiting for tech positions after BCA, and this holds true even for some engineering colleges. Sometimes, companies offer salaries ranging from 12,000 to 20,000 this may vary college to college but upper limit is aroudn 35k per month on campus.
I recently received an offer of 8 LPA base, which was significant for a BCA student. However, the role was that of an IT Consultant, which didn't align with my ambition to become a developer. In my opinion, this could be considered a career setback at the very beginning.
Speaking from my firsthand off-campus experience, it's all about skill. Your degree might not be the deciding factor, but having a good college name on your resume will give that person an advantage because that is the X factor. You'll need to invest time in building X factors in your resume, networking, and gaining practical experience through internships and projects. Learning development, DSA, and other core fundamentals such as OOPs, DBMS, etc., are crucial, as competition extends beyond your batchmates to students from every college seeking opportunities.
My advice is to remain vigilant and continue working hard. While opportunities will come your way, it's essential not to become complacent. Keep learning, adopt a problem-solving mindset, and strive to exceed expectations. Ultimately, whether on-campus or off-campus, success boils down to your skills.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to pursue BCA in 2024 demands careful consideration of various factors, including career aspirations, academic interests, and market realities. While BCA provides a strong theoretical foundation for a career in technology, success ultimately depends on individual effort, adaptability, and resilience. Whether on-campus or off, the key to thriving lies in honing your skills, seizing opportunities, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. As you weigh your options and contemplate your academic journey, remember that the decision is yours to make, and with dedication and determination, you can carve out a successful path in the dynamic world of technology. If I missed out on answering any question on your mind, Feel free to cotact me here.