IT's a Small World After All!

DYNAMIC AND effervescent, the IT industry opens its doors to anyone who is fresh, vibrant, and brisk; with a logical and analytical capability to match its requirements. New vistas, cutting edge technology and the likes are paving the way for a global economy. The exponential growth in the number of web sites is proof enough to substantiate this fact. With E-commerce teetering on the threshold, the Indian Market is poised for its leap; opening up a host of opportunities. Here is a look at the prominent portfolios in the industry and what they entail.

Qualifications

The ideal qualification for any IT job would be a bachelor's degree in Engineering, however a B.Sc (Computer science), BCA, B.Com (Computers), or MCA are the next best option that give you an entrance into the Industry. In addition to these basic degrees a (DOEACC) 'B' and 'C' levels or a MCP, MCSE, and MCSD certifications will give your resume a facelift.

Programmers

Most entrants into the IT industry make their debut as programmers. The job of a programmer is to write instructions in the form of a computer language code. The object of programming is to develop software that serves a specific purpose and simplifies the repetitive tasks that are done manually. A programmer is expected to be proficient in two or three high- level languages. C, C++ and Java are the languages used to write programs. In addition, a good knowledge of, and hands-on experience in Visual C++ and Visual Basic will give you an edge over others. You should also have knowledge database management utilities like Oracle and SQL.

Systems analyst

Software design and optimisation of resources (extracting maximum out of the minimal); and arriving at a solution that is best suited for the company is the job of a systems analyst. The software and infrastructure needs of a company are surveyed, and analysed. It is the duty of the systems analyst to provide a workable solution. The systems analyst also does the final testing. The programmers then implement the design.

A systems analyst should have the knowledge of software engineering and design. It is also imperative for the systems analyst to have all the capabilities of a programmer so that he can visualise and find a solution that can be implemented with the various technologies that are available.

System administrator

A `Sys admin' is a person who takes care of all the computer systems. Installation of software, taking regular backups, virus protection, firewall implementation, and maintenance heterogeneous multi-user operating systems is what the job entails.

The systems administrator is responsible for all the user accounts and profile creation and maintenance, user authentication in terms of password protection, auditing and logging, and troubleshooting. In short he takes charge of all the system related functions.

Network engineer

In this age where the Internet has taken over, networking still remains the brick and mortar of the infrastructure. Implementing and maintaining Local Area Networks (LANs), designing networks and providing support are all a part of networking. Ports, add-on cards, Ethernet cards, routers, modems and cables are the domain expertise of a network specialist. Protocols, drivers, topologies, firewalls specifics and methods of implementation should be known backwards and forwards. Knowledge of operating systems and software installation experience is also mandatory.

Database administrator

Considered by many as a low-end job, it makes an ideal foothold for starters. The need for database administrators is on the rise because of the increase in traffic on the web. All the information filled in through online forms is stored in a database and the DBA manages the database, queries the huge bank of data, searches records that matches specific criteria and creates reports accordingly. A database administrator therefore has to be skilled in the use of databases and RDBMS (Relational Database Management Systems) like Oracle, SQL, Sybase and others. Formal educational requirement is a bachelor's degree in any discipline.

Web designing

This is a field for those with an inclination for the creative. There is a phenomenal rise in the demand for web designers especially since the Internet has really caught on in corporate circles. A graphic designer has to create pages on the net. A keen eye for colours and an artistic talent can be actualised with web designing. From the basics of web design like HTML, XML, Java Script, DHTML Microsoft FrontPage, and Macromedia Dreamweaver, to animated pages in Flash and image editing in Adobe Photoshop are skills required to start with.

Web programmer

The interactive web pages require a good deal of programming with CGI, Java, and Visual Basic Scripting, ASP technology and Perl coupled with a good knowledge of Java, Visual Basic, C++, HTML and DHTML. Proficiency in Database Management Systems like Oracle and SQL are also necessary. If you are enterprising enough you can even become a webmaster - this requires good communication skills in addition to all the above-mentioned areas of expertise.

E-commerce will come to stay once the IT Bill has been passed and issues like credit card securities and cyber laws are in place. Tools like Visual Interdev, ASP, scripting, cold fusion and programming in Java, CORBA, Microsoft Site Server, MS Wallet, MS Cash Server, Oracle Internet Commerce Server (OIC), MS Transaction Server (MTS) are the areas of expertise that are sought after in order to be an e-commerce professional. The concept of online shopping malls, and transactions on the net will surge once e-commerce hits the stands in India.

ARCHANA JAYAKAR

archana.hyd@careercommunity.co.in