How to become a software architect after BCA?

Software architecture is a growing field, and it’s a good career choice for you to make. A software architect must have certain skills and knowledge to kickstart their career as a software architect. Embarking on the path to become a software architect after completing a Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) opens doors to a dynamic and rewarding career in the realm of software development. As a crucial bridge between conceptualizing software solutions and overseeing their execution, a software architect plays a pivotal role in designing robust and scalable systems. For BCA graduates aspiring to ascend to this influential position, the journey involves acquiring a blend of technical expertise, hands-on experience, and a strategic understanding of software design principles.

Here are the skills needed:

• Knowledge in programming languages like Java, C, C++, etc., which developers use to build applications on computers.
• Knowledge of computer hardware and operating systems like Windows or Linux OSs (Operating Systems) is also required for developing applications.
• A good understanding of how computers work internally with respect to memory management and processor scheduling algorithms is necessary to write efficient code that does not unnecessarily waste system resources while executing an application program written by someone else or creating one yourself using tools like Java/C#, etc.

This article will help you learn how to become a software architect after BCA,

Is software architect a good career choice?

Software architect is a good career choice. It is a high-paying profession, and it allows you to earn a lot of money as well. It is also a challenging job that will make you grow as an individual and develop yourself into an expert in the field of software development.

You can work from home with flexible hours, so you won’t have to worry about going to the office every day at a fixed time, doing repetitive tasks just for survival purposes only. The work of architects isn’t limited to their own company or organization; they can travel across countries and interact with clients from different parts of the world. 

Moreover, this job will give you an opportunity to learn new technologies as there are no limitations on what kind of technology you should use while developing applications or websites; they include all possible tools like JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3, etc., which enables them to build complex apps using modern technologies like JavaScript frameworks like AngularJS 2, etc.

Read more: How to get a job at Google after BCA

What is the salary of a software architect?

An entry-level software architect’s salary in India ranges between INR 977,473 to INR 3,124,523 per annum. 

Experienced Software Architects get around INR 2,456,601 in total compensation on average. Late-career employees earn an average total compensation of INR 3,124,523.

The salary range for software architects varies based on industry, company and location. Companies such as Intel, Microsoft, and Google pay software architects well because they have a lot of experience working with large-scale projects requiring complex architectural designs.

The field of software engineering is lucrative, and there are many different positions available for those who wish to work in this field. Software engineers are responsible for creating the end user’s code to run programs on their computer or mobile device. They also need to create documentation explaining how their code works and provide training for employees who will use it.

Skills required for a software architect

To become a software architect, you need to have the following skills:

Domain  knowledge: You should be aware of the architecture of different applications and frameworks. If you want to become an architect, it is important that you have a good idea about what goes into designing large-scale software systems. This includes knowing about things like design patterns and standardization techniques, which can help you build better systems with less effort. 

Software design skills: These include understanding how different aspects of your system interact together and identifying quality problems early on in the development phases. This helps save time when trying to fix bugs post-release date (which happens all too often). 

Strong abilities in this area will ensure that your designs are functional and maintainable over time. It becomes more difficult once there’s new information coming out every day. For advanced skills, an online MCA program can do wonders for you.

Steps to kickstart your career as a software architect

You need to do certain things to become a software architect and land your first job. First and foremost, you must learn programming languages and frameworks such as Java, .NET, or JavaScript. You should also acquire the necessary skills in web development technologies such as HTML5, CSS3, etc., widely used today for creating websites and mobile apps.

Secondly, potential candidates need to gain software-related work experience by working with other architects at top companies who can guide how to approach problems from different angles. 

Let’s look at how to become a software architect under the following sub-headings:

Get a bachelor’s degree in Computer Applications

BCA is the best option to become a software architect. The BCA program has a good scope in the field of software architecture, which is why it’s a highly preferred course among students and professionals who wish to pursue their careers as an architect.

Another advantage of pursuing this course is that it can be completed within two years, making it easy to pursue higher studies along with this one if required by you. This makes your future brighter than ever!

You can even choose to pursue your BCA online if you want to study from home or at a place where there aren’t many options for offline programs.

Learning programming languages and frameworks

In order to become a good software architect, you need to learn the following programming languages and frameworks:

• Java, C, and Python are object-oriented programming languages. They are also used for system software development.
• JavaScript is used to write scripts and web pages on websites. It is also used for client-side scripting in web applications with HTML5 and CSS3.
• PHP is a server-side scripting language that can be embedded into HTML pages (web pages). It is used for developing database-driven websites or web applications like Facebook, WordPress, etc., where it provides interactivity between end users’ front ends (browsers) and servers through data transferred from one machine to another through HTTP protocol over Internet connections.

Acquire the necessary skills

You need to understand the software development process to become a software architect. This will help you understand what role you should be playing in the field and how each phase contributes to the overall project.

You’ll also need to learn about the various roles involved in software development and their responsibilities. These include product managers, who manage all aspects of a project from beginning to end; business analysts, who gather user requirements; architects and designers; developers; testers; project managers, etc.

As for programming languages and frameworks, it’s best if you can learn multiple ones so that you’re able to work on different projects easily.

Are you wondering, “How to join Infosys after a BCA degree?” here’s the guide for you. 

Gain software-related work experience

One of the most important things you can do is gain experience with software development, testing, and maintenance. This can be done by working as a developer or tester at a software company.

If your BCA is in computer science or mathematics, then it will be easier to find a job as a developer or tester than someone without this background. You can also work in an IT department of an organization such as an MNC or a government organization like the Ministry of Railways, which will give you further experience in the field.

Obtain relevant certifications

The certification route is an excellent way to demonstrate your knowledge and get a leg up when it comes time for interviews. It’s also a great way to build up your resume, portfolio, and even LinkedIn profile with certifications that showcase technical expertise.

Certifications can help you stand out from the crowd at job interviews and give employers confidence that you’re ready for their roles.

There are hundreds of software development certifications available across multiple languages, platforms, frameworks, and technologies — including Java, JavaScript (NodeJS), Python (Django), Ruby on Rails (RoR), and more.

Build a good portfolio

Now that you’ve done the hard work of learning your craft and building up a solid knowledge base; it’s time to put yourself out there. Building a good portfolio is essential for any job seeker in any field. The first thing you should do is make sure your portfolio includes relevant content that showcases your skills and experience. 

Include work samples like code snippets or screenshots of applications built by you or with which you have worked closely. These can be from school projects or personal projects like side projects or open source contributions. Make sure these are polished as much as possible so as not to distract from the real focus—your abilities!

Next, think about how you will present your portfolio: do you want to write an article explaining each project? Or do something more visual? There may be another way entirely! Whatever method best showcases what makes YOU unique, make sure it’s accessible across multiple platforms.

Just for you: Top MNCs that hire BCA graduates

Online BCA: Your surefire way to become a software architect

Pursuing an online BCA from Manipal University Jaipur through Online Manipal is a great option for those who want to work and study. Being a flexible course, you can study from anywhere in the world at any time of the day. The online BCA is affordable, convenient, and time-saving. It allows you to learn more about software architecture without quitting your job or committing yourself to long hours in a classroom. If you have been thinking about becoming a software architect but need help figuring out where to start, an online BCA is your best option!

For your interest: Online BCA: A flexible and affordable path to a tech career

Conclusion

The transition from a Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) graduate to a seasoned software architect is a transformative journey that demands a strategic blend of continuous learning, hands-on experience, and a holistic understanding of software development. By consistently honing technical skills, staying abreast of industry trends, and actively participating in real-world projects, BCA graduates can position themselves for success in the competitive field of software architecture. Networking with seasoned professionals, seeking mentorship, and embracing leadership opportunities further contribute to the evolution of a BCA professional into a proficient software architect. Ultimately, this progression is a testament to the commitment to growth, adaptability, and a passion for shaping innovative and scalable software solutions.

The online BCA program at Online Manipal will give you an introduction to key concepts like programming languages, business processes, and computer hardware, as well as an insight into different types of IT systems, such as cloud computing and data analytics, among other things. If you want to expand your knowledge, nothing like pursuing an online MCA.