From Online BCA to AI Engineer: How to Future-Proof Students’ Tech Career

Introduction

As per McKinsey’s ‘The state of AI’ report, in a survey last year, the use of AI has increased. 78% of respondents reported that AI is used in at least one business function, while in 2023, only 55% reported the same. Most respondents said that AI is mostly being used in IT (information technology), Marketing and Sales, and Service Operations. In the IT functionality, the use of Artificial Intelligence increased from 27% to 36% between 2023 and 2024. 
 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are at the forefront of a futuristic transformation taking the digital world by storm. Career transition from BCA to AI and machine learning lays the foundation for a promising future. This article explores how BCA graduates can become AI engineers and the key skills needed for BCA graduates to enter the AI field.

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Online BCA Program at Amity University Online

Amity University Online, India's one of the first universities approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to offer complete online degree programs, has a robust BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications) curriculum.

The semester-wise topics are:

A BCA from Amity Online gives students a holistic view of the domain of IT. It also offers foundational knowledge in AI and other relevant technologies, helping them make a career transition from BCA to AI and machine learning. 

Skills Needed for BCA Graduates to Enter the AI Field

It is important to understand the skills required for BCA graduates to enter the AI field. Some of the important skills are:

• Programming: Command of languages like Python, R, and Java needs to be very strong. ​
• Mathematics and Statistics: A thorough understanding of topics like linear algebra, calculus, probability, and statistics is required to work in the AI domain.​
• Data Handling: Skills in dealing with data, be it collection, cleaning, or processing, are crucial as AI systems rely heavily on data quality.​
• Machine Learning Algorithms: Students should be familiar with various ML algorithms and their applications.​
• Critical Thinking: Students should have the ability to analyse problems and come up with innovative solutions.​

AI Career Roadmap for Online BCA Students

The route to becoming AI engineers involves these strategic steps for BCA students at Amity Online:​

1. Leverage the Online BCA Curriculum

The comprehensive curriculum gives students the thrust to engage with topics that form the backbone of AI development. This involves topics like programming, data structures, algorithms, and more.​

2. Pursue Specialised Certifications:

Students can enrol simultaneously in a specialised certification program that covers AI and ML. This will let them gain hands-on knowledge and experience in the domain.

3. Engage in Practical Projects

Students should apply their theoretical knowledge by working on a real-world project. They can also try participating in hackathons and contributing to open-source AI initiatives.​

4. Stay Updated

A key aspect of how BCA graduates can become AI engineers is to keep themselves abreast of the latest industry trends. Students can subscribe to online newsletters and regularly read research papers. They can also attend webinars and join trusted AI communities to stay informed about the latest developments.​

5. Build a Professional Network

Students can try and connect with industry professionals and experts at networking events. They can choose online or offline modes to gain more insights and explore job opportunities.​

Also Read:- How to Choose the Best Mini-Projects in Online BCA for Skill Development?

Career Transition from BCA to AI and ML

A transition from BCA to AI and ML requires commitment and openness to the idea of continuous learning. As BCA graduates, students' foundation in computer applications is already strong. The course also offers them ample scope to leverage the learnings and computational fundamentals to master AI concepts. They need to stay focused on skill development and gain practical experience. This way, they can position themselves competitively in the job market for AI and ML-related job roles.

Advantages of Studying with Amity University Online

Amity University Online benefits students in many ways. This includes:

• Flexibility and Convenience: The online format lets students balance their studies with personal and professional commitments. Also, students can choose to learn through printed books, audiobooks, video lectures, or campus library resources.
• Program Affordability: Amity University Online offers easy EMI (equated monthly instalment) and multiple payment options. This way, it is convenient to access quality education without financial strain.​ Also, scholarships are available for eligible candidates.
• Access to Comprehensive Resources: After enrolment, students receive physical books delivered right to their doorstep. With easy access to online resources, their learning experience is benefitted.
• Accreditation and Recognition: Amity University Online is one of India's first universities to go online. It holds accreditations from reputable bodies, ensuring the quality and credibility of its programs.

Conclusion

A BCA program helps students build a strong foundation for a tech career. Gaining the right skills and staying updated ensures a smooth career transition. Amity University Online provides the resources needed for effective learning. The well-structured BCA curriculum prepares students for the evolving world of AI and ML.