Career options after B.Tech computer science if a student is not good in programming - 2023?
Having seen the state of final year students and the IT industry trainees first hand, I know that there are people who just don't get the hang of programming. They don't know how to code and they simply don't know what stdio.h stands for or difference between abstract class and interface. There are threads on education forums and career guidance forums are rich with queries that go like this -
"I wanna ask that what are the career options after B.Tech, actually i am not good in programming, so what are the other job opportunities rather than a programmer...I am good in presenting thing so is there any option in management?? if yes please tell me in detail.."
This is madness to some extent, because more and more students are opting for CS/IT Degrees and they just HATE coding. So, I would like to know the views of CEans here about what exactly are the career options for such students and fresh graduates?
Let us list down what all they can do, so that at least this time - they can make an informed decision.
Update: Following are few career options for B.Tech CS Engineers who are not good at coding or software development.
Career Options if You are Not Good at Coding
While it’s true that knowledge of coding and software development is the most desired skill in software industry, it’s not a requirement.
There are several roles with good career growth options that you can opt for. Following are few of such roles. Several of my friends have made a successful careers in these roles.
1. Business Analyst
A lot of engineers are choosing to become BAs in the IT industry.
Business Analysts are intermediaries between IT and business stakeholders. They translate business requirements into technical specifications and vice versa.
This job is more about understanding the needs of the business and communicating them effectively.
Which means, you will become a part of every software project in the industry and then act as an interface between the clients and the development teams.
You will manage software requirements, client expectations and be a bridge between the client and the project managers. It’s a very interesting role with ample growth opportunities.
However, a background in Computer Science can be hugely beneficial in understanding the technical constraints and possibilities, helping to craft solutions that are both technologically feasible and aligned with business goals.
Business Analysts need to be excellent communicators, problem-solvers, and must understand both business strategy and technology.
2. IT Project Manager
This could be an interesting career role. Could be difficult to get into at the start of your career. However, if you are good at communication and have basic knowledge of software development, you can be the project manager.
An IT Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing projects within a company, ensuring they are completed in a timely fashion and within budget.
This role requires a broad understanding of technology and its applications rather than a deep dive into coding.
A background in Computer Science can provide an understanding of the lifecycle of software development, technology stacks, and how teams work, which are all essential for successful IT project management.
Skills required for this role include leadership, excellent written and verbal communication skills, risk management, and negotiation skills.
3. Data Analyst:
This is a promising career option that’s emerged after COVID-19 pandemic.
Data Engineering has become a rapidly growing field and in addition to the DE role, DA aka Data Analyst role is also gaining popularity.
While a Data Analyst role does require a certain level of coding, it’s often more about understanding databases and using analytical tools than writing software.
A Computer Science degree often provides a grounding in databases, data structures, and algorithms that can be very useful for understanding how to manipulate and analyse data effectively.
They primarily work with data to help their organisation make decisions. They collect, process, and perform statistical analyses of data.
Their skills may not be purely technical, as they may need to present their findings, or translate the data into an understandable document.
4. UX/UI Designer:
Another very important skill in the AI domain.
User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) Designers are primarily concerned with the design and layout of software, websites, and applications.
They're responsible for ensuring that technology products are easy and intuitive to use.
A Computer Science background can give UX/UI designers a good understanding of what is technically feasible, how users interact with technology, and the software development process.
This can inform their design decisions and help them work more effectively with development teams. This role requires creativity, a good understanding of human behaviour, and strong communication skills.
5. Technical Writer:
Technical Writers are responsible for producing high-quality documentation that contributes to the overall success of products.
They collaborate with product managers, software developers, quality engineers, and others to understand the product in detail and then communicate it effectively to users.
A Computer Science background can help them understand complex technical information and translate it into clear, concise, and user-friendly documents.
Essential skills for this role include excellent written communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to understand and simplify complex information.
I hope this helps. There are few other career options I will talk about soon. Make sure to join CrazyEngineers.
