Thinking of studying IT after class 12? Avoid making these 10 mistakes

 Thinking of studying IT after class 12? Avoid making these 10 mistakes

With the National Examination Board releasing the class 12 results, universities and colleges across the country have started the admission process for various undergraduate programs. In the last few years, the attraction of students towards the Information Technology (IT) sector has increased. The expansion of IT companies in Nepal, remote employment opportunities from abroad, the increasing use of digital services and artificial intelligence (AI) have also attracted many students towards studying IT.

However, the decision to study IT alone is not enough. From choosing a subject, university or college to planning a future career, some common mistakes made by students can affect their studies and professional future. .

1. Not choosing a course according to their goals

Many students choose a course based on the influence of friends, social media or advice from others. But the objectives and curriculum of each IT program are different.

For example, some courses emphasize more on programming and software development, while others focus on networking, cybersecurity, data science or information systems. Therefore, choose a course only after making a clear plan of the field in which you want to work in the future.

2. Admission without looking at the curriculum

Many students get admission only by looking at the name of the university or college. But courses with the same name can be taught in different universities with different subjects.

Before admission, it is necessary to look at the curriculum of the concerned university and understand whether it includes modern technology, AI, cloud computing, cyber security, data analytics, etc.

3. Thinking that abroad is the best option

After class 12, the first thought of many students is to go abroad. But international-level IT programs are also being run in institutions like Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu University, Purbanchal University, Pokhara University, Open University and other institutions in Nepal.

Especially if you can score well in the entrance exam, you can get quality education at a comparatively low cost. Pay attention to this. On the other hand, IT degrees from foreign universities are also being run here. Before choosing a foreign degree, it is appropriate to make a decision only by comparing the university's accreditation, curriculum, fees, credit transfer, internships and employment prospects.

4. Relying only on college advertisements

It is not appropriate to choose a college just by looking at a nice building, attractive advertisements or social media promotion. Aspects such as labs, experienced teachers, regular practical classes, collaboration with industry, internship opportunities and alumni experience should also be given equal importance.

5. Not understanding the relationship between internship and industry

In the IT field, along with theoretical knowledge, practical experience is also necessary. It is better to decide only after understanding which company the college provides internship to the students, what is the collaboration with industry, and whether or not they provide the opportunity to work on projects.

6. Not planning what to do after studying

Not everyone does the same job after studying IT. Some become software developers, some become cybersecurity experts, data analysts, network engineers, AI engineers or entrepreneurs. Therefore, it is necessary to make a rough plan about which field they will move forward in before starting their studies.

7. Not getting information about the skills market

In today's job market, skills are given more priority than degrees. Students should learn about the technologies and skills that companies in Nepal and abroad are looking for during their studies. This also helps in learning the necessary additional skills.

8. Having the illusion that expensive devices are essential

Many students think that a very expensive laptop or smartphone is a must to study IT. But high-priced devices may not be necessary for all courses at the beginning. It is enough to choose a device with the appropriate processor, sufficient RAM and storage according to your study needs.

9. Not looking at the college's placement record

Many colleges claim to have excellent placements. But before enrolling, you should understand where their alumni are working, what companies the college has collaborated with and what the campus placement situation is.

10. Not developing additional skills along with studies

The IT sector is a constantly changing field. If you are limited to the college curriculum, you can fall behind the competition.

Developing additional skills through online courses, open source projects, hackathons, programming competitions, certifications, and personal projects is considered important for a long-term career.

The right decision can change the future

Studying IT is not just about getting a degree. It is also about building a future career. Therefore, it is advisable for students to decide without rushing the admission process and only after getting sufficient information about the course, university, college, curriculum, lab, internship, placement, and future career plan they want to study.

If you can choose the right course and the right educational institution, you can get great opportunities in the IT sector not only in Nepal but also globally.