HOME >Career Development> IT-Education In India
 
PRIVACY POLICY l DISCLAIMER l SITEMAP l CONTACT US 



Copyright 2009 HCLCareer Development Centre
Different types of careers in IT in India
India today is fast evolving from a purely agrarian society to a fast and responsive ITES (IT Enabled Services) hub. The incubus of ITES into India in the last decade has given a strong boost not only to the economy but has also served as a harbinger of better education, transport and infrastructure facilities. Therefore, anyone can be assured of a promising career in the ITES. This article focuses on one aspect of ITES, that is, IT. IT today is at the core of everything, from hotels and trains to banks and schools. Therefore, IT today is something you can focus on as a professional. 
There are different types of careers today available in the IT sector.

They are broadly divided into 2 categories - Technical and Non - Technical. Let's talk about Technical opportunities first.

In case of technical, the opportunities are again divided into 2 major categories ? Hardware and Software.
Hardware:-
Hardware jobs are mainly revolving around handling infrastructure and networks. There are various options available here, such as:-
(A) System Administration:- 

This discipline revolves around thorough knowledge of managing a computer, not just any computer but a large server or workstation. The role of a system administrator revolves around thorough knowledge of the underlying hardware platform and also requires significant knowledge of the particular operating system used by that server. There are 2 or 3 major areas of specialization in case of servers, namely ? Windows (Windows Server 2003 / 2008) and UNIX (Linux / Solaris / HP Unix). Knowledge of 1 or more of these is essential in properly being able to do system administration.

A good way to start in this line is to pursue a course such as MCSE (Microsoft Certified System Engineer) or SCSA (Sun Certified Solaris Administrator) or RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer). Learning about different kinds of computers like mainframes can also be an added advantage.
(B) Network Administration:-
(C) Data Security and Backup and Recovery:-

These people work along with the system administrators and network administrators. Every organization has a lot of data moving across its computers and networks and all data has some value, especially in case of finance and banking. In such organizations, and in general, almost everywhere today, this role is emerging and is in great demand.
These professionals handle the security of the data and also ensure that in case of a disaster (somehow data gets deleted or the hardware containing it is destroyed or broken or lost), then the data can be recovered. This is mainly done by implementing encryption of data and having a mechanism for systematic backup of data. A good way to start here is to learn about different types of ways of taking backups and how to recover them and additionally, learning about backup tools like IBM Trivoli can also be an added advantage.
If you can also learn some basic theory about how encryption and decryption work then always better.

Microsoft Certified Professional Developed is a certification program for professionals working with Microsoft?s .Net framework for developing applications. It has 5 exams in all one completing all 5 is called an MCPD ? Enterprise Application Developer. Apart from this, it has 3 specializations ? Remote Applications, Web Applications and Desktop Applications.

A network administrator must have good knowledge of networking concepts and must also have an understanding of working of different types of networking hardware like routers and switches. A good way to start here is to go for a program like CCNA. The majority of companies worldwide rely of Cisco routers and switches but Juniper is also becoming a strong competitor.
(D)Infrastructure support:-

This is another support role. These people commonly work more with system administrators. They are mainly concerned with ensuring that the computers and the network have all things necessary to keep running satisfactorily. They are also concerned more with grass root level work like checking individual machines for problems like Virus infections and taking backups etc. There is only one fixed requirement here as mentioned above that in the background, it is these people who keep things running. Starting off here requires knowledge of computer hardware, cabling and if the person has completed A+ and N+ then always better.
(E) Network security:-

This job profile is much hyped and known by many names. Some call them Ethical hackers and others call them security consultants or security specialists, but the general idea remains same. Here, the focus is on keeping the company network secure and ensuring that hackers and malicious software don?t cause any harm. Thorough knowledge of computer networks and operating systems concepts is a must for this field.
Additionally, the person can also have knowledge of working with routers and hardware firewalls. In terms of software, there are 3 major applications that can benefit you herein ? Microsoft ISA Server, Checkpoint and CISCO PIX are good places to start. Knowledge of Microsoft ForeFront technologies is also a plus.
Software:-
The software line mainly revolves around developing and maintaining software and is on the higher side when compared to Hardware in terms of long term earnings. There are various options here, such as:-
(A) Programming:-

This is the frontline software job and most people consider that software only means programming. Based on seniority, people in this discipline have different designations and salary packages. People generally start off as Programmer or Junior programmer. Then they are promoted to developer or senior developer, programmer analyst, going on the become team leader and / or project leader and finally going on to become Project Manager. A good way here is to research about various technologies available for programmers to use such as C,C++, J2EE/.Net, Flash and so on. Many people also do programming in databases such as SQL Server or Oracle or DB2.
(B) Analyzing:-

This is a post considered on the senior side to a programmer or developer. The job of an analyst is to handle initial talks with customers and gather information about their expectations with respect to the software being developer. An analyst may be a technical or non technical person but he/ she must show aptitude in talking to both ? technical as well as non technical people and being able to mediate between them
(C) Architecting:-

This is the highest paying discipline in the IT sector hands down. These are the senior most technical people and they are mainly responsible for different areas of work in a computer company, such as IT, System, Solution, finally leading to the biggest ? Enterprise Architect. If you want to become an architect then it requires as least 7-8 years of thorough experience in that area and having many certifications related to your job will also help a lot.
(E) Testing:-

Today testing is a very important role in the IT industry. These people perform tests on software created to ensure that it meets all quality requirements and that there are no defects. There are many companies that are dedicated just to testing. Working with programs like Win Runner and Load Runner and other such testing tools is an added plus.
(D) Configuration:-

Configuration means that after the software is ready then going to the client?s location and setting up the software. These people are mainly responsible for setting up an environment necessary for the completed software to start working. They work along with the programming and testing team and understand what is necessary to make the software work. Then they go to the client?s location(s) and implement the software. Their work also involves working with the client to arrange for necessary hardware and software is available for the software product to work properly. Many times, they are also involved with training end users in how to work with the software.
(F) Support:-

This is more of a support function as the name suggests and is generally carried out by fresh joinees who have less experience in other areas. It involves part time work of all other areas, especially programming and testing. This is mainly in phases where the software is already completed and running and some minor changes are required during its lifecycle. (Every software has a life cycle of 2-3-4-5 years during while the company releases updates and bug fixes and also provides help to users).
This was a short introduction of major lines of work available in the IT Sector.