Introduction : The World has entered the new millennium, which is going to be an Information Technology Age. Today Computers have not only assumed strategic importance in the corporate world, they are being effectively used in other fields ranging from space exploration to food processing and banking to communication etc. In this era of Information Technology, which has revolutionized the whole world, INDIA has stood to the world standards and is being regarded the World over for it's skilled IT Professionals. Even the government has recognized the promising future of this industry and has formed a new IT Ministry which will give a boost to this industry. A career in computers is of course the ‘in’ thing in the life of today’s generation. This is one profession that you have a competitive edge. Today with the emphasis of globalization, the Master in Computer Applications and the M. Tech. in Computer Science have replaced the IAS as the preferred choice for the academic topper.

Computers play a premium role in the everyday working lives of most people because of the efficiency with which a job can be accomplished. The power of the computer as well as the demand for professionals in this field continues to grow. Careers in this field require a variety of education levels, experience and skills.

The National Association of Software Companies (NASSCOMM) estimates that currently the industry employs around 2,00,000 professionals and has a demand of 55,000 additional professionals each year. Industry analysts say that even if the current man power pool is increased 10 times by the turn of the century, they can be absorbed,  Basic salaries in this sector are increased at around 20 per cent each year. The IT Industry is one of the fastest growing sector in the country today. Infotech Industry in India is at present a 3,000 crore industry. According to the National IT Task Force, India will be a 2,25,000 crore (US $ 50 billion) infotech market by 2008.

The Department of Electronics (DoE), Govt. of India formulated a comprehensive policy on Computer Software Export. Embodied therein was software development and training to generate quality manpower. The scheme provides requisite flexibility, for individuals to qualify, in steps, to an equivalence of an M. Tech. degree without interfering with other studies or work. It is a joint scheme of All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) Govt. of India. The scheme has four levels- O, A, B and C. The B and C level programs are equivalent to MCA and M.Tech. respectively. DOEACC qualifications are recognized for employment purposes.

Presence of Multinationals like IBM, HP has made possible transfer of hardware technology into the country, Internet has further bridged the time gap ensuring arrival of the latest technology simultaneously in INDIA and the West without delay. The domestic hardware industry has witnessed quantum growth in the turnover and profits, which is largely attributable to our liberalized economy. On the software front various software giants like IBM, Motorola, Oracle, Samsung, HP, Digital, Unisys, AT&T, ICL, Fugitsu etc. have opened software development centres in the country. The number of professionals in this industry is believed to have crossed the 2 lakh mark and still there is a huge gap between the demand and supply of professionals which is an encouraging sign. The US alone requires around 3 lakh professionals, leave aside other countries. It is believed around 65% of the world's software is produced in INDIA. INDIA is also exporting software to around 100 countries including many countries which are exclusive buyers from INDIA. Many Indian IT companies like Infosys, Wipro, NIIT, Zenith computers, Satyam Computers, STG, Pentafore Software, Mastek etc. are expanding themselves in a big way making their presence felt globally.

The phenomenal growth which this industry is witnessing has lead to it being recognised as one of the highly paid industry. As this industry is young, the average age of professionals is lower than any other industry. The availability of skilled, qualified professionals is hardly able to meet the requirement, leaving a large gap to be filled by those with ambition, aptitude and willingness to work hard.

HOW ABOUT A CAREER IN THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECTOR?

Computer industry : The computer industry is growing at a phenomenal rate. The first computer came to India in 1956 and it was installed at the ISI, Calcutta. However, it was only two decades later, things really began to change. The growth of the computer industry has been possible largely due to the declining trend in the prices of computers and a steep increase in the performance and the introduction of the personal computer in India. Today computers have pervaded nearly every sphere of our lives- the newspaper which you read in the morning is formatted and edited through computers, the radio and TV news you hear is made possible by computers and communication networks through satellites, the bill which you get at some hotels and shops is due to computers, the trains that you travel by are scheduled by computers, the cloths that you wear are mostly designed or manufactured with the help of computers, the traffic signal lights you see at major road junctions are coordinated with the help of computers, computerization has been introduced in many state and central government offices, it is being introduced in several fields both by the private and public sectors.

Nature of Work :- Following are the career areas in this industry.

1. SOFTWARE: Software is a set of programmed instructions that enable the computer to perform specified functions. This industry offers vast range of employment opportunities in fields starting from data entry, computer operations, programming, system analysis to system designing, system engineering and operation management. Today, this industry is one of the most sought after industry as far as returns are concerned.
    
2. HARDWARE: Hardware denotes the physical components of a computer. The key areas which can be taken up as career includes hardware designing, research and development, assembling, manufacturing and maintenance of computer components.
    
3. TELECOM: Telecommunications is a growing industry and has created ample of scope for people joining telecommunication engineering. The various fields which can be pursued as career in this industry include voice processing units, telephone technology, wireless technology, cellular technology, touchtone telephones, microwave and satellite communication systems.
    
4. SALES & MARKETING: Sales and marketing in IT industry is a specialist task and requires a thorough study of products and their competition. Marketing covers selling of both hardware and software products. This job is both competetive and challenging but not difficult as the demand for hardware and software is quite high and does not require much effort in fixing a deal.
    
5. E-COMMERCE AND WEB DEVELOPMENT: The coming together of computers and telecommunication technologies has led to the emergence of electronic commerce. Marketing and banking activities have already started taking place worldwide through Internet generating an Internet economy. Most of the future jobs anticipated in IT industry will be Internet related. These will include consumer/buyer information and services, developing and managing Web-portals, creation of Internet market, customer management, consulting etc.
    
6. ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING: ERP is planning the resources of entire network of an enterprise. Various fields like purchase, production, marketing, distribution, sales, service, inventory, finance, accounts, human resource are integrated on a single software through ERP, to facilitate better coordination. Professionals with engineering background in mechinical, civil, manufacturing, textile as well as MBAs, chartered accountants, cost accountants can join technical ERP.
    
7. COMPUTER OPERATOR: A computer opereator's job is to run both the computer and its peripheral equipment. The job may vary depending upon size of the organisation and its exposure to computers. An operator usually works on instructions issued by programmers or operation managers. Upon acquiring programming trainning, he can even end up being a full time efficient application programmer.
    
8. DATA ENTRY: Data entry is transfering information into the computer and is the most basic purpose for which computers are used. Data entry operators are needed in almost every organisation using computers. People with good typing skills are best suited for these jobs.

   A- CAREER IN SERVICES
   The computer industry has bred its own ancillary industry, namely the service industry. Computer services range from data centres, computer maintenance and computer rentals to training. The availability of good training professionals is much less than the demand. As a consequence, this has become one of the most highly paid careers.

   B- CAREERS IN SOFTWARE
   Software is the programs or sets of instructions given to a computer in order to perform the desired function. Computers are used for solving business problems. A computer is used in jobs which are repetitive and which require speed and accuracy.

   C- SYSTEMS ANALYST
   Systems Analysts plan and develop new computer systems. To be effective, they should have a complete understanding of the capabilities and limitations of all the hardware and software that they are dealing with. They meet with the Managers of business to determine what they require the computer to accomplish and the problems the computer should handle. Each task is broken down into separate programmable procedures. They then design the system and determine the required hardware and software for the business.

   D- COMPUTER PROGRAMMER
   Computer Programmers write detailed instructions that a computer has to follow. These instructions when inputted in computer language, are computer programmes or software. Programmers develop software for everything from handling hotel reservations to playing computer games. Systems Programmers write software that control the entire computer system. Application Programmers write programmes that handle specific tasks. The most challenging and time consuming task for a programmer is the process of going over the programme to make sure it turns properly without any errors. This is called debugging the programme and the responsibility for doing this rests solely with the individual who has written the programme.

   E- CAD SPECIALIST
   CAD stands for Computer Aided Drafting. CAD Specialists are drafters who prepare technical illustrations using computers instead of the traditional paper , pencil and measuring instruments. CAD Software programmers have a variety of symbols, measuring tools and angles installed within the programme. In addition, individuals utilize hardware such as digitisers, graphic tablets, cursor pads, light pens, plotters and printers. Using this equipment, CAD Specialists can draft any type of drawing that can be done manually. These specialists often work with engineers to develop the specifications for various systems, machinery or structures. Drafting or design skills and adequate computer skills are essential to pursue this career.

   F- DESK TOP PUBLISHING (DTP)
   Desktop publishers put together designs for a variety of items such as brochures, flyers, posters and newsletters. To accomplish this, they use a computer page layout programme, computer graphics, and a word processing programme. They design the layout of a document using different sizes and varieties of type points. They may also add pictures or graphics that have been computer generated, scanned or are from a computer graphic or art software programme. Creativity, graphic sense, accurate typing, good grammar and an eye for style are important traits for desktop publishers.

   F- INTERNET
   The Internet has brought in many changes in our daily life. It has become a media for disseminating information, an arena to transact and extend business and utility for support services. Housewives boast of an on-line super market. Elsewhere goods are sold at reduced prices on the Net. There are establishments and individuals that rely solely on the bargains made available on the Net. Business on the Net is beginning to boggle the mind and there is nothing that has not been caught in the web. This has led to a booming ‘E-commerce,’ which has gained popularity not because of its technological strength but because of its lucrative business options.
   Almost anything consumers want, they can shop for or buy on the web. It is not just manufactured products, the web has become an enormously popular international auction house for paintings, artefacts, costumes, books, antiques etc. Even services are now available on the internet. The Travel Industry Association of America reported recently that internet related bookings are expected to soar to $ 8.9 billion by 2002. The New York based research firm Jupiter Communications estimates that the value of on-line shipping will hit $ 6 billion in 1999 and $ 41 billion in 2002.

   G- INTERNET AS A FUNDAMENTAL BUSINESS NEED:
   That the web has become a very popular market place is due to many factors. The most obvious reason is the convenience it offers to the customers. Another advantage is the enormous information available on the web, which is just a click away. Because of the cross linkage on the web, it is now possible for a consumer to access competitive information and make an informed purchase. Due to the interactive nature of the Internet, the customer can even conveniently bargain with a host of sellers to get the best price. The web enables a customer to do single-stop shopping for a vast variety of services and products. Thus the Internet has become a fundamental business need.
   E-commerce is estimated to touch US $ 1.3 TRILLION BY THE YEAR 2003. The Network economy is setting the pace for a new chain of change. More and more companies, all over the world, are putting up Networks.

   H- JOB OPPORTUNITIES:
   Think of the various business possibilities the Internet offers and you have a huge potential waiting to be tapped. All this is translated into a demand for professionals such as web writers, visual designers, programmers, software engineers and systems administrators.

   I- WANT TO BECOME A WEB WRITER?
   You should have at least a Graduation with a good command over the language. Exposure in Advertising / Journalism provides the necessary base to kick off. You should have at least two years of work experience in ad agencies / newspapers.

   As a Web writer, you have to put the necessary information on the web pages- their form and content. Since a surfer’s attention span is low, it calls for precise and catchy writing. You have to flow the information in a way that leads the surfer to the pages the organization wants him to go to. Writing on the web is thus not only a creative but also a strategic exercise.

   J- WANT TO BE A VISUAL DESIGNER?
   Your work as a Visual Designer is similar to that of designers in advertising agencies. It involves conceiving the lay out and knowing how to use the tools. A course in Digital Design ( a three-month course, the fees of which ranges from Rs.15,000) will help you do this. It includes other features that can be incorporated on a web page like multimedia, animation, virtual reality etc. As a visualiser, you have to study the following software:

   1. Illustration Tools- Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw
   2. Photo Editing- Adobe Photoshop, PhotoSoap
   3. Sketching - Art Dabbler, Painter
   4. Special Effects- Supergoo, KPT (Kal’s Power Tools)
   5. Video Editing- Adobe Premier, After Effects
   6. Authorising Tools- Authorware
   7. Web Designing- Flash, Dreamware
   8. Animation- Locomotion, InfinitiD
   9. Morphing- Elastic Reality
   10.Presentation- Director Show

   K- WANT TO BECOME AN HTML PROGRAMMER ?
   You should have a Graduation with PGDCA to become an HTML Programmer. As HTML Programmer, you need to know the intricacies associated with the web. A good judgement of the parameters in different browsers is necessary.

   L- WANT TO BE A SOFTWARE ENGINEER?
   You should have an Engineering Graduation with two years experience in C++, DHTML / Java / Pearl programming.
   Software Engineers are required to be knowledgeable in scripting languages (Java Script, VB Script, ASP etc.) and user interface. Engineers should be versatile in their knowledge of Networks, RDBMS, back-end databases and be able to string all the web pages to build the site.

   M- WANT TO BECOME A SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR?
   You should be an Engineering Graduate with at least one year experience as a Data base administrator. Experience with Server-side programming tools like Interdev 6, CGI, Pearl and ADO programming is a pre-requisite.
   As a System Administrator, you will be responsible for issues pertaining to the operating system, Security, networks, and web servers etc. You have to oversee the operational requirements of the organization. The web page development team also includes a project leader who coordinates different functional members.

   N- WANT TO BE A ‘e-business’ PROFESSIONAL?
   Right across the world, manufacturers, airlines, advertising agencies, publishers, travel & cargo agents, shipping companies etc. are beginning to use e-business. The concept of ‘e-business’ will soon be indispensable to the business community. Electronic commerce is changing the way business is transacted and is viewed as a large potential, which may turn the way in which business will be conducted in future. The biggest advantage that e-commerce provides is an opportunity for the producer of a service to reach the consumer directly without the need for a middleman or agents. Electronic commerce would help organisations to take advantage of the rapidly growing global electronic market. There is going to be an ever growing demand for ‘e-business’ professionals.
   Computer education, which is nearly 17 years old in India, has made rapid strides in career building for the youth of the country and has outgrown even the most optimistic estimate. But there is confusion about which course to take up and which would guarantee a good job and a secure future? Apart from the courses in the IITs and the Regional Engineering Colleges, which offer comprehensive Degree courses, most of the privately run Institutions make similar claims and offer the same type of courses. As a result, there is a limitless supply of people getting trained in Computer Science. But only a handful of Computer Schools are producing software worthy professionals. Most of these schools do not comply with the DoE regulations. But the Computer world is getting really competitive and in future only those institutes would survive which ozffer modern infrastructure, better facilities and job placements.