17 Best Career Options after MCA: What to do After MCA? [2020]

What to do after MCA?

How many of you wonder which are all the best career options after MCA? Master of Computer Applications is a popular postgraduate program that offers a blend of theoretical and practical knowledge. Indian Universities provide a three-year MCA course to meet the demand for trained IT professionals in the industry.

Candidates receive training in modern programming languages and learn how to develop fast applications for contemporary businesses. It is not easy in this economy and market to find high paying jobs for MCA graduates if one has not chosen the right career options after MCA. One has to take up professional certificate or courses to have a well-established career after MCA. 

The wide range of career options after MCA include specialized profiles in software development, hardware technology, systems development, and engineering, troubleshooting, management information system, internet, and networking. If you are unsure about what to do after MCA, read on to get familiar with the possible employment prospects. Let’s discuss the available career options after MCA that you might consider for a stable job opportunity in the future, if you are wondering what to do after MCA. 

Career Options After MCA

Below is a list of some great courses after MCA that you can opt

1. Software Developer

As a software developer, you would have a central role in building, testing, installing, and maintaining software systems for your clients. You would apply your analytical prowess and problem-solving techniques to meet the specific needs of a business or customer. Software developers are as much engaged in recommending upgradations in existing programs than they are in making all the application system pieces work together. 

According to Indeed, a leading job search engine, the average salary range of software developers in India is INR 4 to 8 lakh per annum, depending on the level of seniority. The career opportunities for software professionals are quite diverse as they can find employment in corporate, startups, and even in the nonprofit sector. 

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2. Hardware Engineer

Hardware engineers take care of the crucial physical components of computers. They come up with innovative and functional designs for computers and other related equipment. Additionally, they supervise the production process, testing, installation, and repairs of the building blocks. Computer systems, chips, circuit boards, keyboards, routers, and printers are some examples of hardware parts. Ensuring the proper internet functioning is another responsibility of these IT professionals. Indeed estimates the starting salary for hardware engineers in India around 15,000-18,000 per month. 

3. Database Engineer

While pursuing MCA, you delve into the intricacies of database management systems and their administration. You can benefit from this understanding to land a rewarding job as a database engineer.  

As a database administrator or engineer, you would be tasked with creating and managing databases, which store and organize data. Besides building new databases, you would also configure existing systems and ensure that everything remains functional. Typically, database job openings require a sound working knowledge of SQL and analytics. 

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4. Cloud Architect

Cloud technology offers flexible and affordable storage options to both companies and individuals. As more and more users move to cloud storage, the demand for cloud architects is also on the rise. 

If you decide to go for a career in cloud technologies, you would be handling massive amounts of data. And your primary duties would be to design, develop, and maintain remotely located servers that house this data. 

Moreover, you would need to consider numerous aspects while implementing the cloud in any enterprise. You must have a strategy to focus the efforts towards business goals. You would also have to acquire proficiency in securely leveraging cloud capabilities. So, you can consider polishing your skills with a professional certification in this domain after completing your MCA. 

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5. Data Scientist

Data Science is the most popular course available for students & one of the best courses after MCA, not just graduating from commerce but any other field. Data science is a hot topic in today’s digitally connected workplaces. Businesses want to utilize and benefit from the enormous mounds of data generated every day. And data scientists assist the management by providing insights and lending structure to the decision-making process which makes data scientists more valuable to the company and one of the best career options after MCA. 

Sometimes, MCA graduates who are not interested in core software fields veer towards this career path. Data science jobs entail number crunching and analytics to uncover hidden information and improve overall business performance. For example, a data analyst conducts market research to understand consumer behavior and makes predictions to improve customer service. 

It may be daunting to enter this area right after your MCA, especially without any industry exposure or guidance. So, you can look at some online learning options. IIIT-B offers a PG certification in data science on upGrad, and Liverpool John Moores University has a recognized Master of Science degree on the same platform. 

A mid-level data scientist with 5 to 9 years experience earns ₹1,004,082 per annum in India. As your experience and skills grow, your earnings rise dramatically as senior-level data scientists around more than ₹1,700,000 a year in India!

Without a doubt, prestigious firms dominate the charts of the highest paying salaries for data jobs. They also hold a reputation for increasing salaries by 15%, annually. Some data from Payscale:

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6. Business Analyst

Business analysts assess business models and their technology integration by analyzing the processes and systems in place. Critical thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and knowledge of analytical techniques are a must for these jobs. 

Check out the online business analytics certification program by upGrad, which imparts training in business problem solving, exploratory analysis, and predictive data analytics with the help of case studies and projects. Alternatively, you can opt for an MBA with a specialization in business analytics. 

Business Analyst Salary in India

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7. Technical Writer

If you are someone with a flair for writing, you can combine your creative talent with your MCA background to get hired as a technical writer. You would use your written communication skills to convey complex information simply. This documentation may be in the following formats:

• Product descriptions 
• Design specifications
• User manuals and guides
• White papers and articles

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8. Web Designer/Developer

If you are wondering what to do after MCA, a popular career choice among MCA graduates is getting into web designing and development. An organization’s website is its primary salesman in the present-day digital world. Web designers and developers enable back end functionality and also ensure that the front end looks appealing. After all, your customers can judge your products and services based on what they see on the internet. App development is another potential occupation with similar prerequisites. 

After software, web development has cemented its place among the top career options after MCA. Individuals with a creative mind coupled with robust software skills find lucrative opportunities in this field. It is desirable to have a hold of HTML, Adobe Photoshop, Flash, and WordPress. 

Average Web Designer Salary in India

An average web designer salary in India is Rs 285,645 per annum. The salary could vary from Rs. 118,000 to about Rs. 634,000 per annum depending on factors like location, experience level, company profile, etc.

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9. IT Architect

If you are wondering what to do after MCA, IT Architect is one of the many pivotal job roles in an organization.  The MCA curriculum has Computer Organization and Architecture as one of the core subjects. Those who are fond of getting behind the workings of application systems can consider taking the job of an IT architect.

The responsibilities would include reviewing and analyzing the infrastructure and suggesting changes to optimize performance. Usually, this advisory position is secured after gaining considerable work experience and advanced credentials. Firms hire IT architects as external consultants, and the pay is commensurate with their level of expertise. 

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10. Software Consultant

A software consultant is another expert level job profile that comprises giving recommendations about software. These specialists are generally hired on a project basis. They know more than one computer language and guide businesses towards solutions that optimize their software technology efforts. 

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11. Manual Tester

As the title suggests, this job is about physically testing software. Manual testers check for defects and ensure that applications behave accurately. Their work is critical in flagging issues and maintaining the operational efficiency of any project. An MCA degree equips you with the essential skills to become a manual tester. For students who are wondering what to do after MCA and interested in testing, consider becoming a software tester is a good option.

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12. Troubleshooter

Troubleshooters resolve roadblocks in the functioning of both software and hardware. They also possess adequate knowhow of networking and contribute to timely project delivery to the client. So, the role of troubleshooters is versatile. With an MCA qualification and relevant practical work, you can join a technology firm and learn on the job to grow professionally. 

13. Network Engineer

Still need options before deciding what to do after MCA? The coursework of the MCA program contains subjects like Computer communication networks and Network programming. It is one of the best career options after MCA. These topics, along with the lab work, serve as the foundation for network engineering, including designing and technical work in almost equal measures. In a highly competitive job market, most employers prefer to hire candidates with a few years of experience and an MBA degree. 

Tech firms employ network architects to maintain network connectivity in terms of data, calls, videos, and wireless services. And enterprises with massive IT infrastructures need trained professionals to support in-house tasks as well. So, network engineers are also required to undertake day-to-day maintenance and administration duties. 

Network Engineer Salary Range in India

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14. Social Media Manager

Social media forms a significant portion of the organization’s contact with its stakeholders, including the customers. Companies look for specialists who are adept at navigating this virtual world when it comes to utilizing social channels to manage a brand’s digital image. Social media managers are responsible for partnering with other brands, in addition to creating and sharing content on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Hence, they strategize, execute, and optimize a vital component of the overall marketing plan.   

Let’s see how social media salary increase by experience

Source – Payscale

15. Ethical Hacker

Ethical hackers access computer systems and networks without proper authorization. They do so to find security vulnerabilities and to protect the owners from malicious attacks. It is the perfect job for individuals who love a challenge. 

Cybersecurity has emerged as a prominent line of work for IT experts in recent years. From companies to governments and individuals, everyone is looking to protect their sensitive and personal information from breaches and exploitative use. As technology advances, data security professionals find well-paid jobs in private sector businesses and even in government departments. We have listed some of the designations below. 

• Cybersecurity analyst
• Network security engineer
• Cybersecurity manager
• Chief information security officer

Ethical Hacker Salary Range in India

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16. Quality Assurance Analyst

As a quality assurance analyst, you use your logical ability and reasoning skills to evaluate IT systems. QA analysts are individuals who can identify the strengths and weaknesses of software, devise innovative solutions, and communicate them effectively to the relevant teams throughout the development life cycle. 

Quality Assurance Analyst salary range in India

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17. Project Manager

Our list of answers to ‘What to do after MCA?’ would be incomplete if we don’t mention this field.

Computer science graduates and MCA holders with 5-8 years of experience can be hired for managerial positions directly. To qualify for software project management jobs, you can also look at an advanced degree like an MBA. Moreover, career transitions into high responsibility roles become more comfortable with globally recognized credentials. Liverpool (UK) and Deakin (Australia) are some of the premier business schools that offer online MBA degrees on upGrad. 

Project Manager Salary in India

According to Glassdoor, the average project manager salary in India is around Rs 14,00,000. For comparison, the average salary for a software developer in India is only around Rs 5,00,000. So, being a project manager could you fetch almost three times more income than your software developer counterparts!

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Job market scope for MCA graduates

Graduates with B.Sc. and BCA opt for MCA to learn more about the computer science discipline. Although the lab requirements and project work help them attain hands-on skills, they need to supplement it with real-world experience. Therefore, internships and jobs are highly recommended for career growth. 

To differentiate yourself from the competitors, one can also enroll in online courses and earn advanced academic credentials. So, explore the different options, compare them, and opt for the program that meets your needs. Ideally, you should give preference to courses that facilitate networking opportunities, mentorship, and industry exposure. 

MCA qualified professionals with meaningful value addition and profiles can work in highly remunerative jobs with some of the top firms. Here are some of the recruiters who outstanding individuals with computer application skill-sets:

• Infosys
• TCS
• ORACLE
• Wipro Systems
• SAP
• Cognizant
• Accenture
• HCL Technologies
• IBM

Wrapping Up

The above is a list of some great career options after MCA. We hope it will answer your question “What to do after MCA?”. You can determine your interest based on your career choice that you would like to opt for after your post-graduation. For all young minds, wondering what to do after MCA, you need to check the amount of time, the difficulty level, and the price of the course, before deciding which course to opt after your graduation. Any of the above best courses after MCA are sure to land you a great job so that you can happily start your journey in the professional world.

It is one thing to complete a degree and another to earn it. If you are a current MCA student, you must judge your performance by the transferable skills you attain by the end of the program. You should focus on building the following competencies to forge ahead in your occupation:

• Command over programming languages (C, C++, .Net, Java, etc.)
• Knowledge of data structures and databases
• Communication skills and confidence in your abilities
• Awareness of latest technology trends (Electronic and mobile technologies, statistics, cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence, etc.)

“What to do after MCA” is a common question looming over young graduates’ heads. You can use the above compilation as a reference point for your search. We hope that it directs you on the career path of your choice!