Kerala   

Computer Education for a Competitive Career

The current age is aptly referred as the computer age. Since the birth of the first commercial computer in the 1950s, computer technology has witnessed tremendous advancements. The rather large computers of the early days have given way to laptops and palmtops that score high on technological efficiency even while addressing the issue of mobility.

Simultaneous to the rapid technological advancements, there has been a significantly large penetration of computers into virtually all fields of study and knowledge. Today, it is very hard to find any area of study that is independent of the benefits accorded by the computers. As such, computers and computer education has become and is becoming an integral aspect of all major courses of study in India. Interestingly, many premier management institutions in the country have started providing own laptop computers to all its students to aid in their studies.

Understanding the crucial role played by computers in all life and work processes and especially in the field of higher education, computer learning is being increasingly made a part of the curriculum at the school level. In Kerala, the IT@School Project imparts computer education to students in almost every government school in the State.

There are several courses available for those interested in a career in computers. At the university level, there are three-year undergraduate courses like Bachelor of Computer Applications and Bachelor of Computer Science. Again, several institutions in the country offer four-year engineering courses with specialization in computer science and information technology. The Master of Computer Applications is a popular postgraduate programme that will enable one to make an active career in the field of computers. Diploma programmes like Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications, Diploma in Computer Applications and Post Diploma in Computer Engineering are also available. Courses like Diploma in Computer Hardware Maintenance are suitable for a career in computer hardware maintenance.

Computer education is also essential and beneficial for other careers. Those interested in making a career in the financial sector will benefit from Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) packages like SAP, Oracle Financials, Baan, PeopleSoft and JD Edwards. While ERP packages provide for a high-end career in the financial sector, there are also available other short-term certificate courses in accounting packages like the Tally. Computer courses in designing will be of use to those interested in textile designing and fashion designing. Skills in computer enabled business correspondence can be acquired through courses in word processing.

Several of the above mentioned courses are offered both by Government run institutions as well as private institutions. However the task on hand is to correctly determine one's area of interest before deciding on the course. Advice on such can be had from education and career consultants as also from various newspapers and periodicals that have dedicated columns to provide education and career tips. With several institutions offering computer education, it is also essential to determine the credibility of the institution before enrolling for any educational course.

Rema Sundar

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