In the current times, making a career in IT or any other field related to computer science can open a door to numerous exceptional opportunities. Owing to the rising demand for qualified IT professionals worldwide, the field of computer science is counted amongst the most popular career choices with regard to job prospects. Obtaining a degree in computer science engineering is the best way to make a career in this thriving field.

As a fully-qualified computer engineer, you can easily find high-paying jobs not just in IT companies, but also in various MNCs, government organisations and manufacturing companies. By undertaking an undergraduate programme in CS engineering, students usually learn the basic aspects of this field such as operating systems, object-oriented programming, database management and networking. Read on to learn more about this field of education and the promising career prospects that it offers.

What is computer science engineering?

Computer science engineering is a programme that integrates the fields of computer science and computer engineering. The course familiarises students with the intrinsic details of the subject and how this knowledge of computer science can be applied in different sectors. The programme is offered by numerous technical institutes worldwide at the UG and PG level where interested students are granted B. Tech degree and M. Tech degree respectively on the completion of their course. It deals with the design, construction, maintenance and operation of computer hardware and software. The course introduces students to the hardware and software aspects of computer design as well as computer applications.

Various subjects of computer science engineering introduce students to different programming languages, multimedia tools, computation, algorithms and engineering network-related issues. The integrated study method of the programme trains the students to analyse and interpret data for problem-solving. Besides the wide-ranging theoretical knowledge, the syllabus of the computer science engineering programme also consists of several seminars, assignments and projects. Even though CSE is just one of the many engineering specialisations, students pursuing this course can opt to specialise further in sub-specialties such as telecommunication and web designing.  

Computer Science Engineering: Eligibility Criteria

The basic eligibility criteria to pursue a programme in computer science engineering at various qualification levels is:

  • Undergraduate-level: To get admitted to a B.Tech programme in computer science, aspiring students must have successfully cleared class 12th from a recognised board with the core subjects physics, mathematics and chemistry.
  • Postgraduate-level: Students seeking admission to an M.Tech programme in computer science must hold a B.Tech degree in computer science specialisation from a recognised college or university.

Most of the engineering colleges offer admission based on an entrance exam or merit in the previous qualifying exam. Many institutes grant admissions based on students’ scores in national-level entrance exams like JEE and GATE.

Necessary Skills in a Successful Computer Science Engineer

Those with basic knowledge of software design, programming languages, network design, multimedia design and software tools will excel in this course. Apart from this, a successful computer science engineer always possesses great communication skills and team spirit. They are usually proficient in analysing and evaluating data and expressing their ideas orally as well as in writing. Also, they must be great at time management.

Benefits of Pursuing CSE

CSE is listed amongst the best and most promising career options in terms of job prospects. Technology is consistently growing in the current times and this growth has led to a surge in demand for qualified and skilled professionals in this field. Once the programme is completed, students have access to an ocean of excellent opportunities in the areas of automobile, electronics, communications, processing, manufacturing and so on. Every sector that requires the application of computers and related technology is widely open for qualified computer science engineers. The average annual salary earned by these professionals ranges from Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 15 lakh based on their expertise and experience in the field.

Career Options after CSE

With a sea of career prospects ready to be picked, choosing one can be a daunting task for a computer science engineer. So, here is a list of some common designations and professions one can go for after completing a CSE programme.

  • Hardware Engineers: These professionals are responsible for building the physical components of a computer. The work of hardware engineers involves research, designing, development, testing and supervising the installation of computer hardware including computer chips, systems, circuit boards, modems, printers and keyboards.
  • System Analyst: A system analyst conducts in-depth research to figure out the existing problems in the computer system network of an organisation and find solutions to rectify those problems. This assists in increasing the systems’ efficiency in an organisation to ensure that the workflow remains unhampered. These professionals coordinate with various business development teams.
  • Networking Engineers: These professionals are responsible for designing, implementing and troubleshooting the computer networks. They ensure the integrity and availability of the network infrastructure. They maintain the data communication systems of an organisation in a way that caters to all its data sharing and communication requirements.
  • Database Administrator: A database administrator designs, implements, maintains, and repairs an organisation’s database. These professionals ensure that the data is easily accessible and its consistency is maintained. They also keep an eye on all the database software purchases and oversee the modifications done in the current software.
  • Information Security Analyst: It is the responsibility of information security analysts to make sure that their organisation’s IT systems can withstand any possible source of disruption such as natural disasters, data breaches and malicious hacks. They protect the information and data of their organisation against any potential attack.
  • Graphic Designers: The job of graphic designers is quite flexible and versatile. From designing the blueprint of a website or application to adding the decorative aspects to it, a graphic designer has to seamlessly combine creativity and logic to complete their projects. These professionals can work for a particular organisation or pick up various projects from different organisations as a freelancer.
  • Software Developers: These professionals deal with the development of various software. The process of software development can involve several activities such as designing, programming, coding and project management. Many prestigious software companies are frequently on a lookout for talented professionals capable of applying their knowledge to design and develop software that meets the needs of the client.

Many other career options are available for computer science engineers like mobile application developers, technical writers, data scientists, technical support, project manager, game developer, professor, content developer, digital marketer, information system manager, computer programmer and web developer.