Get with the program | Career Bazaar

The simple fact that Bill Gates outpaces nearest contender for 'richest person in the world' by a staggering eight billion dollars would make anyone consider going into the software racket Computers, and programs we use on them, are no fly-by-night fad.

Nepali software programmers and IT technicians' earnings are considerably more modest than Gates', but still not too shabby. "Usually salaries begin at Rs 7,000 and can go as high as Rs 80,000 per month," says Leelaram Sapkota of Kantipur City College (KCC). "There's potential and demand for competent professionals, especially in the banking and medical sectors and with internet service providers", adds Apex College's Varun Koirala.

IT training centres and colleges have mushroomed, but finding a quality institution can be daunting. Fortunately, a science background is no longer always a prerequisite. "Science is required for a Bachelor in Computer Engineering, but even with a commerce or arts background you can take Bachelor's courses such as Computer Applications and Information Technology," says Sapkota.

The costs vary, but on average a four year course costs between Rs 200,000 and Rs 300,000. Most focus on one specific programming language, but some teach a mix to give their trainees added advantages.

So how do you choose where to go? First off, look at the institute's infrastructure, and the qualifications of its teaching staff. If it has a couple of antiquated computers and teachers who've obviously never worked in IT, it's a bad sign. Whenever possible, check with former students about their experiences. It also pays to join colleges with genuine links that could get you jobs. For example, KCC gets software companies to select potential employees from final year students. Other recommended institutions include Himalayan White House, Kathmandu Engineering College, and Lord Buddha Educational Foundation (LBEF). Always try to find the one best suited to your interests.

It's also essential, especially in the cutting-edge world of IT, to make sure your course is up-to-date. As Pankaj Jalan, general secretary of LBEF and executive member of Computer Association of Nepal (CAN) says, "Until and unless our syllabus is on par with international standards, our graduates won't be considered saleable on the market."

While a simple computer course may give you skills to get a job, people with academic degrees have an edge. "Major IT employers look for candidates with a previous academic background, because it can help them adapt faster to changing trends and new technologies," explains Jalan.

According to CAN, there are currently 2,000 to 3,000 independent software developers in Nepal and 150 to 250 software firms. National companies such as D2 Hawkeye, Midas Technologies, and Mercantile recruit new faces on a yearly basis. However, programmers say that if you're committed and creative, the sky's the limit. Saroj Dahal, a KCC computer engineering graduate, established a tele-medicine centre for Om Hospital last year, proving, as he says, that "a dedicated IT graduate can succeed anywhere."