5 Best Career Paths After BCA: Exploring High-Paying Paying Options

What is the BCA course?

BCA, short for Bachelor of Computer Applications, is a bachelor’s degree program that focuses on the basics of computer science, software development, and information technology. Typically, it spans three to four years, depending on the college and country.

Summary of BCA Course:

The BCA curriculum encompasses a wide array of subjects, including programming languages such as Java, C++, and Python. Students dive into topics like database management, data structures, algorithms, software engineering, web development, networking, and computer security. This program strikes a balance between theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, blending traditional classroom learning with practical assignments.

Career Possibilities:

BCA graduates are poised for a plethora of career opportunities. These include roles such as software developers, system analysts, database administrators, web designers, and IT consultants. Their education equips them to make meaningful contributions to the ever-changing technology sector.

Hands-On Learning:

Several BCA programs offer internships or practical training, giving students a chance to put their knowledge to use on real-world projects. This practical experience acts as a bridge between theoretical learning and real-world application.

High Industry Demand:

In today’s tech-driven world, the demand for proficient IT professionals continues to soar. BCA graduates are highly sought after for their technical expertise and their capacity to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of information technology.

What to do after BCA?

1. Becoming a Data Scientist:

If you’ve always had a penchant for numbers and statistics, venturing into the realm of data science might pique your interest. It’s one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, with a substantial demand for skilled professionals. Data science manifests its significance in various domains, spanning FMCG, technology, marketing, and more.

Career Outlook:

As mentioned, there is an enormous demand for data science experts, especially in India. Reports indicate that the demand for data scientists has surged by 40% since January 2019. India stands as the second-highest global demand hub for data science professionals, with over 50,000 job openings, rendering it one of the prime career choices post-BCA.

Data scientists predominantly find opportunities in finance, technology, multinational corporations, and similar establishments. The initial salary for a data scientist in India typically ranges from 4 to 12 lakhs per annum.

The average data scientist’s salary is ₹708,012. An entry-level data scientist can earn around ₹500,000 per year with less than one year of experience. Early-level data scientists with 1 to 4 years of experience get around ₹610,811 per annum.

A mid-level data scientist with 5 to 9 years of 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!

2. Explore Product Management:

A distinctive and captivating answer to the question “What to do after BCA?” is delving into the realm of product management. Product managers serve as authorities in the intricacies of product development and its strategic promotion. They aid companies in identifying, creating, and launching products tailored to their customer’s needs. It’s a red-hot role and ranks among the finest courses to pursue following BCA, especially in the tech sector, as we’ll discuss shortly.

Career Opportunities

You’ve likely observed how swiftly the market has evolved in recent years. To thrive in today’s competitive landscape, businesses must churn out an increasing array of software products. They need to outshine their existing rivals and brace for any new entrants. Consequently, they actively seek out product managers who can expedite the development and deployment of new products.

The average annual salary for a product manager in India hovers around Rs 16 lakh. It commences at 7 lakhs per annum and can soar to 3 crores for seasoned professionals with 15-20 years of experience. The remuneration in this field is alluring due to the soaring demand. So, if you possess an affinity for software and management, this path might be a perfect fit for you.

3. Enter the Blockchain Industry:

If you find yourself pondering the path to follow after BCA and seeking a relatively nascent industry, then turn your gaze toward blockchain. The blockchain sector, albeit relatively youthful compared to others we’ve explored, has, in its brief existence, fostered substantial demand for adept professionals, offering burgeoning opportunities for newcomers. As a BCA alumnus, you have the option to don the mantle of a blockchain expert and enter this financially rewarding realm. Blockchain development stands as one of the foremost career choices after BCA.

Career Perspectives

As per a LinkedIn report titled ‘Emerging Jobs 2020,’ the role of a blockchain developer is hailed as the premier occupation of the year. With the increasing prevalence of digital transactions in India, the need for swift and effective infrastructure to support these transactions is on the ascent. Blockchain is the solution, leading to the surging demand for blockchain professionals.

Major industry players such as Accenture, IBM, and others consistently seek out blockchain developers and managers.

4. Becoming a Cybersecurity Specialist

If you’re still in search of career options post-BCA, consider the recent high-profile hacking incidents involving prominent Twitter accounts. They underscore the vulnerability of online platforms and emphasise the critical role of cybersecurity experts. If you are inclined to cryptography and safeguarding digital realms, a career in cybersecurity might be your calling.

From governmental bodies to multinational corporations, the need for cybersecurity experts is pervasive, making it one of the most compelling career choices after BCA.

Career Outlook

The demand for cybersecurity experts is surging, with over 67,000 job openings for such professionals in the first month of this year alone. Perpetual hackers and malicious entities persistently seek vulnerabilities in the digital fortifications of organisations. Furthermore, as businesses increasingly transition their assets and operations into the online sphere, their emphasis on digital security has grown commensurately.

All these factors indicate that the demand for cybersecurity professionals will continue to rise in the future. Industry giants like Amazon, Wells Fargo, CISCO, Shell, Walmart, and numerous others are actively recruiting cybersecurity specialists.

5. Start your journey in digital marketing:

If you’re exploring career options after your BCA, consider diving into the dynamic field of digital marketing. As businesses increasingly shift their operations online, the role of digital marketers has never been more crucial. Companies rely on digital marketing experts to showcase their products and services to a wide online audience, attracting customers and boosting sales. As a BCA graduate, you can seize the opportunity to join this lucrative sector as a digital marketer. To embark on this journey, you’ll need to acquire the necessary skills and assist businesses in their online growth. Digital marketing is a top choice for post-BCA studies.

Career Prospects

Digital marketing is one of the fastest-growing industries in India. Recent statistics indicate that the digital advertising sector is experiencing an impressive annual growth rate of 33.5%. As more companies make the shift to digital platforms, this number is expected to rise even higher.

Within this field, a range of roles are available, including those such as SEO analyst, content manager, social media expert, digital marketing manager, UI/UX designer, and more. So, if you’re considering your career path after Manipal Online BCA or any BCA degree, digital marketing offers a world of opportunities.

Apart from these, there are various other career options to explore after completing the BCA course based on your interests: 

• Artificial Intelligence
• Full-stack Developer
• Bioinformatics
• Web Developer
• Technical Content Writer

and many more

CONCLUSION:

The list above provides some fantastic career options after completing your BCA degree. We hope it answers your question, “What should I do after BCA?” To make the right choice, consider your interests and the future potential of your BCA qualification. It’s essential to pick the right institution for a more credible certification.