Receiving a Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) degree is no longer enough in today’s competitive job market. Students will need to foster networking and internships to develop professional experience and skills, in addition to networking in their field to communicate with professionals.
At MERI College, we recognise the importance of networking and experience in an industry to help prepare our students for employment after graduation.
This guide details the importance of networking and internships for BCA students, provides tips to begin the process of building a strong professional network, and explains how to secure the best internship opportunities to prepare you for a computing application career.
Why Are Networking and Internships Important for BCA Students?
- Obtain Real-World Experience
Internships provide the opportunity to bridge your learning from theory into application. Students at MERI College learn programming languages, database management, software engineering, and OOP concepts-skills that prepare them to apply best practices in professional IT environments. An internship will provide hands-on experience to apply what they have learned.
- Build Relationships in the Industry
Networking with professionals in your field provides BCA students with access to learn about the best job opportunities available. Networking allows current and future BCA students to connect with professionals, alumni, and technology professionals in the field – navigating their way into hidden job markets, mentors, or popular trends out in the workplace – because they are about to enter the workplace.
- Improving Employability
Employers are more likely to hire candidates with prior internship experience and strong professional networks. As an intern, companies will fully assess a student’s skills, performance, and adaptability, and a large percentage of interns will receive full-time job offers after completing their internship.
- Skills Development
Internships provide students with the opportunity to develop and strengthen skills in the following areas:
- Technical skills (like programming, database management, web development, etc.)
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Communication and teamwork skills
- Time management and project management capabilities
How to Develop a Strong Professional Network as a BCA Student
- Use social media and professional networking sites
Currently, your best opportunity for networking professionally can be found through LinkedIn.
Here are some suggestions for appropriately utilizing networking sites:
- Create a strong profile that displays your technical skills, projects, and certifications.
- Connect with alumni, professionals in your areas of interest/ study, and recruiters.
- Connect to groups related to BCA and participate in open discussions.
- Share articles, projects, and insights to strengthen your professional presence.
- Attend conferences and tech meetups
At MERI College, the best BCA institute in Delhi NCR, we regularly host seminars, technology writing and development conferences, hackathons, and workshops. Attending functions like this helps students convert their viewing of IT professionals, employers, and others in startups to connections.
- Interact with open-source projects and coding communities
As a BCA student, you can interact with the open-source community and show your coding contributions on platforms such as GitHub, Stack Overflow, or Kaggle. Employers value candidates who contribute to open-source projects.
- Network with MERI Alumni
At the best BCA institute in Delhi NCR, students benefit from a robust alumni network. Utilise MERI’s strong alumni network to connect with current students and gain unique insights, mentorship, and even internship/job referrals. Keeping in touch with former alumni at leading tech firms will help open many doors for job opportunities.
- Compete in Hackathons and Other Competitions
Participating in coding competitions, hackathons, and coding challenges on event-based platforms such as HackerRank, CodeChef, and LeetCode is an effective way to attract attention from employers and other IT professionals. At MERI Group of Institutions,the best BCA institute in Delhi NCR, we encourage students to participate in competitions and hackathons on a regular basis.
How Students at the best BCA Institute in Delhi NCR Can Find the Best Internships
- Apply Through the College Placements Cells
MERI College, the best BCA institute in Delhi NCR, works closely with the best IT firms through our placement cell to offer exceptional internship opportunities for students. Be sure to:
- Check college notifications for internship openings.
- Attend placement drives and industry events.
- Develop an outstanding resume and cover letter that showcase your skills and projects.
- Look on Online Platforms to Find Internships
There is a record number of online internship portals offering students the ability to search for and apply to IT internships. Four examples include:
- Internshala
- LinkedIn Jobs
- Naukri Internships
- AngelList (For startup internships)
- Indeed Internships
- Contact Companies Directly
Many companies do not advertise internships telegraphically. A great practical approach is to:
- Review company websites for “Careers” or “Internship” buttons.
- Send a cold email.
- Use LinkedIn to connect with HR managers and inquire about open roles.
- Leverage Networking for Referrals
Several internship positions are filled through the process of a referral. More frequently than not, if one is to simply ask a few of the alumni, a few of their professors, and business acquaintances at MERI Group of Institutions, the best BCA institute in Delhi NCR, they’ll have a great opportunity for you as an internship to intentionally apply for.5. Participate in IT training programs and certifications
Upon completion of certifications in trending technologies such as,
- Python, Java, or C Programming,
- Web Development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Angular),
- Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking,
- Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and
- Data Science and AI, your resume will be much more attractive and aid you in acquiring quality internships.
Making the Best of Your Internship
Upon beginning your internship or apprenticeship, make a concerted effort to maximise the experience.
- Be Proactive and Take Initiative
Don’t simply complete the tasks assigned to you; go beyond expectations by demonstrating your initiative and eagerness to learn. Demonstrate your desire to learn a new skill set, or just apply your knowledge through differing opinions both in the role and meetings to propose improvements or suggestions regarding the project completion.
- Network While Interning –
Get to know other managers (especially the HR manager), senior developers, and company personnel. A good working relationship with employees can lead to potential employment after you finish your internship or apprenticeship.
- Document Your Practical Learning Experience –
Take notes of what projects and/or skills you are developing and learning throughout your internship period.
- You will use some of your documenting to update your résumé or LinkedIn profile.
- Some of these projects can be added to your professional portfolio.
- If and when you are ever interviewed for employment you can share your personal experiences in the “‘real world'” to illustrate your acquisition of skills.
- Asking for a Letter of Recommendation
An outstanding letter of recommendation from your internship supervisor can help your job applications and demonstrate your market value.
Conclusion
Shape your career with MERI College, the best BCA institute in Delhi NCR. At MERI College, we do not merely educate students; we prepare them for success in the world. The BCA program at MERI College equips students with technical knowledge, industry exposure, and networking opportunities for career development.
Through networking (specifically building a strong professional network), securing valuable internship opportunities, and hands-on learning, we prepare our students to move directly from an educational to a professional IT career. If you are a BCA student, looking to build a professional network and secure valuable internships, then MERI College is the right place to start your journey!
Apply now and begin your first step toward a successful IT career!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Look for a college that offers strong industry exposure, relevant internships, modern infrastructure, and dedicated placement support. These factors ensure you gain practical experience and remain competitive in the tech field.
Many students begin applying during the second or third year of their BCA program, once they’ve built foundational programming and database skills. This early start increases the likelihood of securing meaningful roles.
Networking helps you connect with alumni, industry professionals, and recruiters, which can lead to mentorship, hidden job opportunities, and insights into emerging tech trends not always visible in job portals.
Yes, even unpaid internships can provide valuable real-world experience, opportunities to build your portfolio, and professional contacts. What matters most is the quality of learning and exposure rather than the stipend.
Focus on technical skills like Python, Java, C++, cloud computing and web development, and also sharpen your soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. A blend of both makes you stand out to employers.
