Distance MCA from SMUDE - The different career options Continuous learning and hands-on training delivers job-readiness

to any candidate, eager to climb up the next level of his career. Both skills training and simultaneous work exposure met by distance learning programs, which offer a wide spectrum of specializations, at the UG, PG and diploma levels. Distance education has gained wide popularity not only in in terms of the flexibility it offers but also because of rising credibility and quality of its programs. With the result distance learning programs have matured from being the mere fillgaps in higher education to a degree-earning, employable and creditable channel of higher education. In addition, information and communication technology has eased the reach and accessibility to distance learning courses. The online platform is being used as the primary mode of content-delivery by many distance education universities of repute even for professional courses such as Online MCA and Online MBA. Why a distance MCA? Digital Technology has created a new world of systems in networking, software, applications, hardware and sorts. The technology-driven space has in turn spurned a huge demand for expertise in the field of computers and technology. The technology-driven space As one of the legacy courses in computer technology, MCA as a professional degree has been the choice of many students, aspiring to make a bright career in IT. Along with the opportunities in the IT sector, is the competition, which demands up-to-date knowledge with practical exposure. Serving the dual purpose of acquired skills and work experience are the distance learning programs, which ensure job-continuity and higher studies. Distance MCA programs are the extending channel for students and working professionals, who want to leverage their work-experience with a professional degree The various career options with a distance MCA degree are that of a: 1. Software Programmer: The programme will be in-charge of the component and object level coding of the software, as per the specifications and requirements prescribed by the software developer. The software programmer will always report to a lead (programmer) in the team. 2. Software Engineer: A software engineer is the interface between the programmer and the business manager. Apart from technical expertise, functional (domain) knowledge is also imperative for a software engineer, along with a strong foundation in the latest technologies. 3. Software Developer: The job role covers researching, designing, developing, and testing the software, which will be a compiled set of programs. The developer will be in charge of overviewing the application rather than getting into coding. 4. A systems analyst is also in charge of contributing to users/technical manuals apart from deploying the final product/service/package to the client. 5. Software Application Architect: A software application architect will take care of handling the framework of any software being developed. The

technology, the standard tools and the common interface to be used throughout for best compatibility on all platforms will be decided by the software application architect. 6. Software Consultant: A software consultant may be self-employed or work with a consulting company, who will assess the organizational/business requirements and give new technology solutions or customize the existing ones. A software consultant needs to have wide domain expertise and knowledge about the up-trend technologies in the IT world. Over and above the career options, an MCA graduate can also enrol for shortterm certification courses in niche areas of technology such as web designing, video-gaming and sorts. These certification courses can also be completed in the self-study mode as an MCA degree gives a strong foundation to help adapt to new skills and technology. The programme aims at realising the following objectives1. Providing specialisation in computer science with technical, professional

and communications skills

2. Train future industry professionals