A specialised BSc degree can make a career

In Part - I we talked about two interesting branches of the science stream, this week DNA Academy looks at popular degree option of IT and Nursing

Subject: Information Technology

Information Technology or IT describes the convergence of office automation, telecommunication and computing.

The IT industry has put India on the global commerce map with its highly skilled and well-trained technological workforce. Our boys and girls have found incredible opportunities in IT zones across the world.

Information technology has changed the face of our offices, the way we all work and over the past few years even changed the way we trade. However, wanting to work with computers is by no means a reason for choosing a career in computing. There is a vast sometimes underrated difference between amateurs who programme their own computers and computer professionals who develop applications and softwares and provide technical support to big organisations

What's the future?
Familiarity with computer and Internet usage has been critical to achieve any success in almost every profession during the last decade. By what can be seen around us this trend will continue to impact our professional lives to a large extent. So what is it that BSc IT graduates need to keep in mind while and after completing their course?

Advancement options are good for those who are in tune with latest technology

As long as there are computers and new computer applications, there will be need for programmers. Those with knowledge of several programming languages especially the latest ones will enjoy better career advancement opportunities

Network specialists are in great demand as more and more corporates realise the convenience of using computer networks at different levels of operations.

Computer service technicians depending on their level of education and experience can see a rise in earnings.  With all the demands made on computers from all industries the number of jobs in the field are expected to grow faster that the average for jobs in any other field. However, while getting the right degree of technical skills is important for all IT specialists, acquiring non-technical skills like presentation and communication, teamwork, learning attitude etc are crucial to be ahead of the competition.

Subject: Nursing

Nursing is a healthcare profession focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities so they may attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life
Professionals in this field are responsible for caring for the sick and those who are recovery, the disabled and the helpless of all ages. Though the profession saw organised training in only the first half of the 19th century the field is fast becoming an essential component of healthcare industry.

What's the future?
The profession is in high demand as the need for skilled nurses is vast. The rapidly developing and expanding healthcare sector not only in India but world over has created an acute shortage of nursing professionals. Both the government and the private sector is making mass investments to ensure better quality of health care. This has created vast opportunities for all categories of healthcare professionals including nurses.

Career Advancement in the field depends on experience and ability of an individual. At higher positions the responsibilities of a nursing professional are more administrative in nature. These individuals can also take up courses like diploma in Hospital Administration to improve career prospects.

Those looking at specialisation in this already niche field can take up the following as a part of a Master's degree or a post graduate diploma course.

Medical surgical nursing (cardio-thoracic vascular nursing, neuromedical and neurosurgical nursing and cancer nursing)

Paediatric nursing
Psychiatric nursing
Obstetrical and gynaecological nursing
Community health nursing
Rehabilitation techniques 

With good health and wellness becoming a mantra hummed by almost everyone, and fast becoming a requirement, the profession sees only shortage of trained professionals. The threat of unemployment in this field is very rare. Home care and community health are the two areas which are poised to grow in the future.