Software engineering involves the development of applications, systems, and software. Software engineers come from a variety of educational backgrounds; many candidates earn computer science and software engineering degrees of different levels. The field offers a great deal of flexibility, as many organizations and industries rely on software engineers.
Software engineering offers a combination of flexibility and opportunity. Depending on their interests and skills, professionals can chart a pathway that allows them to capitalize on their strengths, pursuing careers in computer systems design, manufacturing, and management. You might have asked a thousand times of the worthiness of a degree in software engineering, to answer your question we’ve put down a few contents which include, Is A Degree In Software Engineering Worth It, Is Software Engineering In Demand, Is Software Engineering A Good Career, Is A Software Engineering Degree Hard. We’ll need you to carefully read up these contents and other contents in this post to have a good knowledge of degree in software engineering.
Software engineers can move into a variety of industries, including telecommunications, healthcare, finance, and insurance. The variety of professionals they work with, including researchers, programmers, and sales teams, can also make for dynamic work days. In general, these engineers need to possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills. More specifically, they typically rely on programming and advanced computer systems skills.
Software Engineering Career Outlook
High demand is one of the most attractive elements of a software engineering career. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 22% job growth for software developers between 2019 and 2029, making software engineering one of the fastest-growing professions in the country.
Software engineers and developers also bring in some of the highest wages in the nation. Their median annual wage of $107,510 nearly triples the national average. While competition for these jobs may be fierce, candidates with up-to-date and diverse skills can capitalize on a booming industry.
| JOB TITLE | ENTRY-LEVEL (0-12 MONTHS) | EARLY CAREER (1-4 YEARS) | MIDCAREER (5-9 YEARS) | EXPERIENCED (10-19 YEARS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Programmer | $55,120 | $58,560 | $70,170 | $77,990 |
| Information Systems Manager | N/A | $67,760 | $78,810 | $92,410 |
| Software Engineer | $67,130 | $75,290 | $85,810 | $92,650 |
| Web Developer | $50,480 | $57,710 | $66,670 | $71,120 |
Software Engineer
Software engineers are typically divided into two fields: computer applications software engineers and computer systems software engineers. Computer applications software engineers design and maintain computer applications (such as Microsoft Office or Adobe Photoshop) to meet specific needs. Meanwhile, computer systems software engineers construct and maintain a company’s total computer network, while planning for future technical growth.
Both applications and systems engineers must have strong programming skills. They must be able to analyze and solve problems quickly. Software engineers must often interact with clients, making excellent verbal and written communication skills essential.
Most entry-level software engineering jobs require a bachelor’s degree, although some exceptions may be made for very experienced engineers.
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and information systems managers often begin their careers as software engineers and advance to the managerial level through a combination of work experience and education. They are typically responsible for constructing their companies’ technology plans. Computer and information systems managers must oversee the planning, design, and execution of all computer-related activities, insuring that budgets are adhered to and deadlines are met.
Long hours and late nights are often required of computer and information systems managers. In addition to engineering experience and an undergraduate degree in software engineering, they often possess graduate degrees in business or management.
Sales Engineer
Sales engineers use their technical knowledge to sell products and services. Software sales engineers usually get straight engineering experience first, and use that knowledge to help them sell computer software, services, or other related equipment.
Sales engineers are responsible for accurately explaining and demonstrating their products. Because so many software companies rely on upgrade cycles to generate repeat business, many sales engineers develop close relationships with their clients. By allowing clients to suggest new features and by granting them sneak peeks at new software releases, sales engineers can make a significant impact on a company’s success.
Jobs in sales engineering are often very demanding. Many sales people work on commission instead of salary, creating intense pressure to make each sale. Long hours and travel are common.
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Chief Technology Officers (CTO) are executives in their industry, responsible for the technical divisions of corporations or businesses in which they work.
Chief technology officers oversee and supervise the technical staff, including software engineers and computer and information systems managers. They set and establish the policies and procedures of their department and ensure that the company is proceeding in the proper technical direction. CTOs are usually given private offices and support staff to assist them with their duties. Long hours and travel are usually required, but CTOs are among the highest paid workers in America.
Education and experience are both important components for becoming a chief information officer. CTOs often begin their careers in software engineering and earn graduate degrees in management or business.
Video Game Designer
Video game developers often specialize in one portion of the overall video game team’s mammoth task. For example, one team member may spend his entire time developing game logic, while another programs backdrops and atmospheric elements. Software engineers coordinate their efforts with game writers and graphic designers to expand the boundaries of the medium. Before new video games reach store shelves, they must first pass through another team of software engineers. These quality control specialists oversee the testing of the games by sampling new titles the same way that home players would. Testing engineers note flaws or problems in game design and make suggestions for revisions to the original design team. While developing a title, the design team and the testing team may volley dozens of revised editions between each other.
User Interface Designer
Some software engineers specialize in refining the experience that end users enjoy when using a particular program or system. In the early days of computers, technicians designed software for other technicians, and designers put little effort into usability. Since computer technicians understood computers, there was no need to streamline the process of getting information into or out of complex systems.
A few decades later, computers have permeated every facet of our daily lives. As more non-technical people rely on software to carry out everyday tasks, a new breed of software designers uses graphics and input devices to create intuitive, attractive user interfaces.
Today’s user interface designers hope to innovate beyond the current mouse pointer and desktop by building custom interfaces for common tasks and dedicated appliances. For example, Internet-connected refrigerators that alert you to replenish groceries require specialized controls that function well in a kitchen environment. Set-top boxes that allow television viewers to record and store programs must make it easy for customers to set up complex instructions with simple remote controls.
With the widespread use of mobile phones, personal digital assistants, and tablet computers, user interface designers strive to build controls that are effortless, if not invisible. The most powerful user interfaces allow device owners to get their needs met without having to think about the complex technology behind their familiar screens.
is software engineering in demand
Software Engineer’ – it is one of the most demanded and rewarding career profiles of the current times all across the world. Whether we talk about higher salary packages, career growth opportunities, collaborative work environment, amazing perks, or any other related aspect – a Software Engineer job at almost every renowned tech company offers you these things! As per a few standard reports, the demand & job opportunities for software engineers are likely to grow by 20-25% in the coming years.
But have you ever thought about the reasons behind such rapidly increasing demand for Software Engineers in the professional world…?? No worries, as here in this article, we’re going to discuss the same.
why Software Engineers are in great demand in the tech world:
1. Rapid Advent of Tech Advancements
One of the primary reasons behind such an immensely increasing demand for Software Engineers is the rapid growth of technology. The exponential growth & evolution of technology in the last few years can clearly be seen considering all the recent tech trends like Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, 5G, Hyperautomation, Internet of Behaviors (IoB), etc. We’re seeing how almost everything around us in the present day scenario including smartphones, IoT devices, virtual reality and augmented reality platforms, cryptocurrencies, and many other are all supported by the respective software.
And thus, there is a huge demand & need for software engineers who can look after the designing, development, and maintenance of this software. And undoubtedly, since the technologies are expected to keep growing at such a fast pace, the future of software engineer looks promising in the upcoming years as well with the generation of numerous job opportunities for these professionals in the tech world.
2. The World is Moving Online
Moving ahead, the massive shift of everyone whether it be an individual or an offline business or education domain or any other, to the digital platforms can be considered as another prominent reason that why the demand for software engineers is surging. Especially after the global covid-19 pandemic, the digital presence for individuals or businesses has remained no more optional but it has become something very much necessary for them to keep going with their respective workflow or operations.
The platforms like Uber, Zomato, Flipkart, Paytm, Zoom, etc. are some of the renowned examples that represent today’s digitalized world. And behind all these digital platforms there exists the respective team of software engineers who ensures the successful development and running of the particular product whether it be an app, a website, or any other software. So, tech companies are in great need of skilled software engineers that can help them to create/build such ideal software solutions to thrive in the industry.
3. Code Requires Timely Upgradation/Changes
This is something very crucial to know to understand the scenario of increasing demand for software engineers. So, most individuals, especially beginners, usually come with a doubt in their mind that once the code is completed and the product is successfully developed, now the project should be over for software engineers except for the tasks like regular maintenance, etc. But the real scenario differs from it, let us tell you why…??
You need to know that code usually becomes outdated or obsolete due to various reasons like the advent of new technologies, need for new features, etc. hence it requires regular & consistent updation/changes throughout time. Let us tell you that there are instances where the organization opts to rebuild the existing software or rewrite the entire code from scratch using the latest technologies for various reasons like better & fast performance, cost reduction, etc. And that’s why a software engineer or a team of software engineers is associated and required for the particular product/software even after its successful deployment.
4. Software Engineers are Concerned With Multiple Phases like Designing, Development, Testing, etc.
Going down the list, another prominent reason behind such a great demand for software engineers in the tech world is that these professionals are concerned with almost every crucial phase of the product building whether it be designing, development, testing, etc. They work closely with the designing team to let them know the required functionalities of the product (as per the user requirements), they collaborate with programmers for code writing, then they work with the testing team for testing & assessing the code, and so on. Not only this, but also technical design documentation, identifying the improvement areas in the product & recommending the solution for it, improving existing codes, and various other such tasks are also often handled by software engineers. And this vast & impactful role of software engineers in product development is one of the major reasons that why software engineers significantly hold a strong place, popularity, and demand in the tech industry.
5. Lesser Supply of Skilled Software Engineers
Last but not least, there comes the supply and demand concept. So, we need to understand that there are not adequate software engineers who’re quite proficient and skillful as per the industries’ requirements and as known to everyone short supply always lead to high and high demand! For example – a software engineer is required to have a strong familiarity with the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), should have a decent knowledge of programming concepts and data structures & algorithms, proficiency with the relevant tools, etc. Along with it, if a software engineer is quite updated with the latest development trends & possesses some required soft skills as well like communication, teamwork, etc., it makes his profile more strong. However, as many of the individuals who aspire to start their career as a software engineer lacks the mentioned skills, the software engineers continue to be in great demand.
So, these are some of the prominent reasons behind the great demand for Software Engineers in the tech industry and job market. And again, the future of software engineer seems quite bright – hence, if you’re looking forward to building your career in this particular domain then you can go for it without giving a second thought and learn all the required skills accordingly!Like
Is A Degree In Software Engineering Worth It
Software engineering is a branch of computer science. It involves designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software applications using engineering principles. Software engineers build all types of software including business applications like word processors and spreadsheets, operating systems, graphic design packages, mobile apps, websites, and video games.
The field has seen incredible growth in recent years. This is largely due to the boom in mobile communications, the Internet, and the popularity of smart devices. Smartphones, smart TVs, and tablets have changed the way we consume information forever. Software engineers are responsible for building the websites and apps we use on these devices.
If you’re an aspiring tech wizard and interested in a software engineering career, read on. This article will help you understand how to get started in this rewarding and lucrative field. We’ll discuss the different study options available to you and answer the ultimate question lingering in your mind: are software engineering degrees really worth it?
Types of Software Engineering Degrees
Software Engineering Bachelor’s Degree
A BSc (Bachelor of Science) in Software Engineering is the most common, and traditional program taken by aspiring software engineers. It covers the study of computer programming, which is an essential component of software engineering. It also teaches the methodologies, practice, and tools to develop software.
Bachelor’s degrees at public universities take 4 years to complete and cost an average of $103,456. They give students a broad understanding of the software development life cycle. This includes requirements engineering, software architecture, software design, testing, implementation, configuration management, and release.
Some colleges also offer integrated BSc courses in computer science and engineering that cover computer engineering and provide a strong foundation in software design and development. These programs have the added advantage of providing students with a deeper understanding of how software works with hardware components like RAM (random access memory), storage, and the CPU (central processing unit).
Software Engineering Master’s Degree
Master’s degrees usually last 2 years and are typically taken after a bachelor’s degree. They provide more insight into software engineering and give students the opportunity to specialize in certain areas.
If you’re interested in learning advanced coding and in-depth programming techniques that weren’t covered in your bachelor’s course, a master’s could be for you. This degree can help prepare you for real-life projects and includes modules like advanced project management, quality assurance, software metrics, and software verification.
A degree is great for in-depth learning of software engineering topics, but not necessarily required for a future career in the field. If you have clearly defined career goals, learn all the skills necessary, and find an experienced mentor, you can achieve your dream job without investing in a 4-year degree course.
In recent years employers have been recognizing software engineering bootcamps as an effective way to get started. They’re faster-paced, career-oriented education programs designed for students that know exactly what they want. Bootcamps often include mentorship and community support and are geared around getting aspiring software engineers hired at top tech firms.
Alternatives to a Degree in Software Engineering
Software Engineering Certification
Certification courses give students the opportunity to validate their software engineering skills and keep up to date with the latest coding techniques. They’re more affordable than degree programs and can be completed in a much shorter time frame.
With the right certification to your name, you could even increase your software engineering salary potential.
Plus, they look great on your resume and demonstrate to future employers that you’re dedicated to the field and motivated to keep your skills on-trend.
A software engineering course can typically be completed in less than a year. Some certifications last just weeks. Instead of teaching a wide range of subjects like a degree program, a certification course is focused on validating just a handful of specific skills.
Having completed a software engineering certification course, aspiring software engineers will increase their chances of getting hired in the field.
is software engineering a good career
It’s no secret that software engineering is a booming field. As demand grows for mobile, healthcare and security software, and IoT devices proliferate in homes and offices, software developers are needed more than ever. As the laws of supply and demand would dictate, this demand has blown salaries through the roof.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects software engineering jobs will have grown 21% from 2018-2028, compared to 11% for all other occupations combined.
In 2019, US News & World Report ranked software developer as the #1 best job in the US, while Career Cast listed it as the 11th best career field out of 224 other jobs.
What types of jobs can I get as a software engineer?
Any company with a presence on the web or mobile needs a software developer. You can work for a company specializing in software engineering or other areas of IT, such as app or website development (think Microsoft or Squarespace). Or, you could be an in-house developer for companies across a range of sectors, including IT, financial services, utilities, healthcare, manufacturing and so on.
There are four main types of software developers:
1. APPLICATIONS DEVELOPER
App developers create, test and program non web-based software, such as apps for computers and smartphones. They may work alongside graphic artists, UX designers and data scientists, all of whom are instrumental in the backend and frontend development of the app. Native mobile apps are built for specific platforms, such as Android or iOS.
Responsibilities:
For a mobile-first Saas company like Uber or Slack, the developer is responsible for building the flagship product. It’s their job to synthesize a business idea and user research into a usable, saleable product. Developers employed by a non-Saas company(such as a retailer) are tasked with designing apps to help the business offer mobile services such as online purchases, customer service and other interactions.
They must also test and fix bugs before the product is launched. Once the app goes into production, the developer works on patches (upgrades) that are periodically released to the public.
Purpose:
Building digital experiences that enable people to complete tasks (eg: project management or mobile banking apps), consume content (video streaming or news apps) or interact with brands and other people (social networking).
Programming languages:
- JavaScript
- HTML5
- C++
- Python
- Ruby
Salary: $93,000 average base pay (Source: Glassdoor.com)
Job growth: 30.7% (Source: Burning Glass)
2. WEB DEVELOPER
Web developers design software that runs in a browser. Most web software today has a mobile version, but there are huge differences in how web and mobile apps are built. Firstly, mobile apps are typically designed for a specific operating system, while web apps conform to various devices, such as PCs and tablets. For instance, Pandora launched in 2005 as an Internet radio app, before launching an iPhone version in 2008.
Responsibilities:
A web developer is responsible for the frontend (how a site looks) and backend, which consists of technical aspects such as performance and capacity that determine a site’s speed and how much web traffic it can sustain.
Purpose:
Similar to an app developer, a web developer builds websites offering services such as e-commerce, news or gaming to fit the client’s needs.
Programming languages:
- JavaScript
- CSS/HTML
- C++
- SQL
- PHP
Salary: $68,524 (Source: Glassdoor)
Job growth: 27% (Source: Balance Careers)
Interested in becoming a web developer? Our Software Engineering Career Track comes with a deferred tuition and a job guarantee, meaning if you don’t get a job within six months, you get a full refund.*
*Click here to see Springboard’s job guarantee eligibility terms.
Web developers can be employed in a range of fields, with job titles as varied as:
- Software Engineer
- Full Stack Software Engineer
- Front End Software Engineer
- Back End Software Engineer
- Full Stack Software Developer
- Front End Developer
- Back End Developer
- QA Engineer
3. SYSTEMS DEVELOPER
Systems developers design and code the background processing systems that undergird web and mobile applications. Examples include databases, servers, network management systems, and messaging systems. These form the skeleton of the software, but they don’t have a user interface, except for admin purposes (in other words, they are never seen by the end user).
Databases are used a lot in online banking and HR systems.
Call centers also use a system called a Customer Relationship Management system, which they use to look up customer data, record information about the call and save it to a database. The more sophisticated systems applications integrate with other systems and even initiate activity on their own through machine learning and robotic process automation.
Responsibilities:
Like any other developer, a systems developer is responsible for the entire life cycle of a software product, from initial concept to maintenance and updates.
Purpose:
Designing systems and providing IT support to keep web and mobile applications running the way they should be.
Programming languages:
- C
- C++
- Java
- Python
- Rust
Salary: $98,300 (Source: Recruiter.com)
4. EMBEDDED SYSTEMS DEVELOPER
Embedded systems developers work on — you guessed it — embedded systems. These are computing systems and software for non-computing devices, such as auto lane-keeping technology in modern cars or aircraft autopilot systems.
These computer systems have a dedicated function and are embedded within a larger mechanical or electrical system, unlike a general-purpose computer which handles multiple tasks.
Programming languages:
- C
- C++
- Python
- JavaScript
Salary: $105,000 (Source: Neuvoo.com)
When starting a career as a developer it is important that you do your research first to ensure it is something you have an interest in and what specific developer you want to aspire. You’ll find that experienced developers who are earning a high salary have a lot of knowledge and experience within the industry which is why they’re in a high position. With most jobs in the world today, employers mainly look for candidates with a degree to become a developer, especially when they’re entry level. So, a question you may ask when trying to progress a career as a developer is ‘Do I need a degree to become one?’.
Software Developer
It is possible to become a software developer without holding a degree in computer science or a relevant subject. However, it is advised you have knowledge and experience of specific programming skills or an A Level qualification in Maths, Physics or Computing/ BTEC in computer science. These are a few of many skills needed that you can learn without a degree to become a developer, however having experience in these programmes will open many doors when progressing your career as a software developer:
- JavaScript
- C++
- HTML
- .NET
- Smalltalk
- Visual Basics
Click here to read more on becoming a Software Developer
Web Developer
Having a related degree to become a developer in computer science or a similar subject is not a requirement when wanting to pursue a career in web development. A study confirmed that almost 70% of developers partly self-taught themselves, 13% said they were exclusively self-taught and less than half have a degree in computer science. To start your career in web development, you will need to be familiar with and have experience in the following programmes:
Front end Developer
- JavaScript
- HTML & CSS
- CSS Pre-processors (Less & Sass)
- Responsive Design
- GitHub
- AngularJS
- ReactJS
- WordPress
Back end Developer
- APIs
- SQL
- HTML5 & CyberSecurity
- Building Servers and Databases
- Ruby & Python
Click here to read more on a Web Developer
App Developer
Like a software developer and a web developer, you do not need a degree to become a developer, however learning code and having experience in specific programming skills are essential if you want to progress a career in this field. Having a qualification in software design, computer science or any related subject can be beneficial, however not essential. You need to have knowledge and experience in the following programmes:
- JavaScript
- C#
- C++
- SQL
- PHP
- iOS
- Python
Along with the programming skills, it is also useful to know how to work app development platforms. Here are some of the app development platforms you will need to learn:
- Como
- Accelerator
- Dojo Mobile
- Pega AMP
- SAP
- jQuery Mobile
is a software engineering degree hard
Frankly, compared to other hard sciences and branches of engineering, Software Engineering is more middle-of-the-road difficulty.
Physics degrees are often considered the most challenging. Electrical, Materials, and Chemical Engineering degrees are also ranked as more difficult than Software Engineering.
That being said, practicing Software Engineering with a high level of rigor and discipline isn’t easy. It takes dedication and continuous learning. Certain types of people seem to excel at it, while for many it never “clicks.”
Fundamentally, to learn how to become a software developer is the same as to pursue any career path: hard work will truly determine success, not talent. But despite this undeniable truth, society continues to misconceive software development to be an industry exclusive to particularly niche personas: the geek, the math whiz, the prodigy! These are dangerous misconceptions that often deter everyday people, with ample potential for success, from pursuing careers as programmers. Well, it’s time to put an end to these fallacies, and by the end, we hope you can make a more educated decision about a possible career in coding and the next step in learning how to become a software developer.
Roadmap: How to Become a Software Engineer Without a College Degree
First Steps: Preparing to Become a Software Engineer
Getting started on the right foot can be immensely helpful in your software engineer learning path. These beginning steps will help orient you in the right direction, choose software development courses, etc.
STEP #1: BE CRYSTAL CLEAR ABOUT YOUR END GOAL IN SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
Transitioning into a new career is not easy. But when you have a final destination in mind, it helps tremendously when you hit bumps in the road. A crystal-clear goal looks something like this:
- “I want to work as a software developer at an established tech company.”
- “I want to work at a brand new startup, as a software engineer, in the industry I adore.”
- “I want to build things on a team, and get paid well for it.”
No matter the specifics of your dream, if you want to make it through all 16 steps, you MUST be committed to the end goal of becoming a full-time software engineer. That’s what will drive you forward when the going gets tough.
As well as the software engineering role itself, think about the type of company, industry, work environment, company culture, etc. you’re looking for, if possible.
? To help you discover the role that’s right for you, check out Break Into Tech’s Find Your Fit course, a step-by-step guide for finding and positioning yourself for the perfect tech job.
STEP #2: CHOOSE A GOOD SOFTWARE ENGINEERING LANGUAGE TO LEARN
When starting out, many people get stuck deciding which programming language (and framework) they should learn. Ruby on Rails? Python and Django? MEAN stack? So many options, so little time.
Here’s the thing: once you know a particular language/stack well, it is not difficult to transition to a new one. That means that when you’re becoming a software engineer, your first goal should simply be understanding programming fundamentals. In essence, learning how to learn software engineer skills.
Once you have a solid foundation, you can easily transition to new languages, frameworks, and technologies. As co-founder of Flatiron School Avi Flombaum says, “The most important aspect of it is that you’re learning how to think like a developer.”
STEP #3: PICK A PLATFORM/COURSE
There are so many software developer classes and programs out there that it can be difficult to choose. Here are some questions that can help guide you to the right software engineer training option!
?️ Would you prefer smaller, individual software development courses/tutorials or big bootcamp-style software developer programs?
Many online learning platforms have different types of course formats. You could go with small, one-off tutorials and courses that teach you the basics of a skill or programming language.
Or, for another level up, some platforms might have curated collections of software engineering courses that teach you the skills in-depth more. On Coursera, for example, these collections of courses are known as Specializations.
Some platforms also have bootcamp-style courses that are very comprehensive and require more of a time commitment. Team Treehouse, for example, has Techdegrees. Here are 18 other online coding bootcamp options.
? Are you more comfortable with self-paced or structured courses with deadlines?
Some courses are self-paced, meaning you work through the materials in your free time and assignments/quizzes aren’t “due” at any specific time; you set your own schedule and typically watch pre-recorded videos.
Others are time-bound, which can sometimes mean you watch live videos or webinars, turn in assignments and quizzes on a set schedule, and work with your peers in a more collaborative way
The best option for you depends on your preferred learning style. For example, if you need more accountability, a time-bound course may be the best fit. If you have a busy schedule, need more flexibility, and have the drive to stay on top of things, a self-paced course may be best.
? Do you learn better with reading instead of videos? If you prefer reading/books to videos and online materials, check out this list of 54 programming books to help you learn to code.
? Are you open to testing a bunch of courses with trial and error? Maybe try a few (for free) to see which you prefer before committing: Here’s a list of 101 places to learn to code for free.
Alternatively, check out some of Learn to Code With Me’s favorite platforms to learn below.
Next phase: Learn smart
As you dive into your software developer learning path, this next section of the software engineering roadmap will help you make the most of the process.
STEP #4: PRACTICE SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT SKILLS…AND PRACTICE SOME MORE
What makes a good software engineer? It’s simple: a good software developer is just someone who works hard to develop software every day! While the stack you learn doesn’t matter a whole lot, what does matter is learning by doing. This means dedicating some real time to perfecting your new craft. You must set aside a significant amount of time every day, every week, to learning.
You can’t become a software developer after 10 hours of practice. It’s just not possible.
⏰ Some people say it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert. Now, you don’t need 10,000 hours of practice to get your first software developer job. But you do need to dedicate some serious time.
To give one example, the Computer Science Essentials for Software Development curriculum on edX takes about 4 months (7-9 hours per week) to make it through.
To motivate you to practice, try doing the #100DaysOfCode challenge. In this challenge, you code a minimum of an hour every day for 100 days and tweet your progress every day with the #100DaysOfCode hashtag to stay accountable. Listen to this podcast episode with the creator of the challenge to learn more.
Check out this podcast episode to learn time management strategies and systems for productivity to make practicing coding fun and consistent.
STEP #5: USE TOOLS THAT REAL SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS USE
While free resources like Codecademy are great, you’re not in a real-world environment when you use them. Instead, you’re typing directly into the web browser and getting a score based on a quiz or some other kind of interactive activity.
This is certainly useful as a way to get yourself accustomed to coding and solidifying the concepts in your mind. However, in the real world, you’re not going to be working like this. So, what you want to do from the beginning is to build how real engineers build. You want to use the tools that they use. Down the road, this will make it much easier to transition into a full-time role and join a team.
But it’s hard to build how real devs build, and use tools real devs use, when you’re first starting out. (If you’re anything like I was, it’s hard to even know where to begin.)When learning how to code, use tools real developers use.
The good news is that there are programs out there that teach you how to use these tools—like Version Control with Git, an online course through Coursera.
Its curriculum touches on the tools and processes real engineers use every day, like:
- Git/GitHub
- The command-line interface
- Bitbucket
This will enable you to adjust much faster once you’re in a real job, rather than having yet another steep learning curve to master.
Another Git course to check out is The Ultimate Git Mastery Course by Code With Mosh, which is taught by a software engineer with over 20 years of experience in the industry.
STEP #6: READ CODE WRITTEN BY OTHER SOFTWARE ENGINEERS
Another important aspect of becoming a software engineer is learning how to read other people’s code. You can do this by browsing through GitHub repositories, and looking through documentation.
? Sometimes, documentation can be wrong…but the source code never lies. By learning to read that code, you’ll be able to understand what’s going on and how a program is working. (This skill is also important when it comes to debugging, because you’ll be able to identify which piece of the code shouldn’t be there.)
This is often an overlooked skill, but it can really benefit you to see how experienced developers do things. Don’t just do a cursory skim of the code, either. Delve in deep, learn the ins and outs, map out the functionality, and finally, recreate it if you can. This way, you’ll be able to reverse-engineer an existing program, helping you understand that much better how to create one of your own.
You can even contribute to open source projects on GitHub. Making changes to real developer projects and collaborating with a network of other developers can help you build your confidence, your resume, and your portfolio. Listen to his podcast episode to find out how to find your ideal first open source project.
STEP #7: STAY INFORMED (PODCASTS, NEWS, EVENTS, SOCIAL MEDIA, ETC.)
Another way to learn smarter is to regularly listen to experts in the industry and immerse yourself in the world of code. This helps you stay on top of new developments and figure out the best things to learn next.
Swipe to Unlock is a great, comprehensive book on the must-know concepts of technology and business strategy. A great starting point.
Tech News Briefing is an excellent daily, bite-sized podcast that gives you a run down of all the important tech news trends, from new gadgets to consumer trends to cyber issues. 10-minutes long so not a huge time commitment.
Techmeme Ride Home is another great podcast that keeps you up to date on the day’s important tech news and topics. 15 minutes and you’re up to date.
? If you’re not a huge fan of listening to podcasts, try subscribing to a few tech newsletters. Here are a few to try:
- StrictlyVC: Gives you all the info you need to know about the VC scene in Silicon Valley and beyond.
- The Information: Paid site, but free newsletters. Focused on Silicon Valley news.
- Built In NYC: They have ones in different US metro hubs, so choose the one that’s closest to you. Stay up to-date with the latest tech news & trends.
- TLDR: daily newsletter with links and TLDRs of the most interesting stories in tech, science, and coding
Beyond that, you can follow tech thought leaders on Twitter or Instagram, join relevant Slack groups in your city, and/or join groups on Facebook to make tech a part of your daily life — even if just in a small way.
STEP #8: BUILD ACTUAL CODING PROJECTS
Don’t just read tutorials and watch videos—put your skills into use. Solve problems along the way, just like everyday software developers do. When you do this, you not only further your learning, you also show potential employers that you can hack it. (Because the end goal is to get a job and become a developer, right!?)Learn to code tip: don’t just follow coding tutorials. Build real projects.
You can build projects solo, or with a group.
For example, by the end of Mammoth Interactive’s Hello Coding: Anyone Can Learn to Code (170 Hours), you’ll have plenty of projects to show off. You’ll build several applications throughout the course. And they’re not just boring “fill in the blanks” projects: they include a Flappy Bird game clone, 3D ping pong game, weather app for iOS, and a finance calculator app for the web.
With Team Treehouse’s Techdegree, you’ll build 9-12 real-world projects that give you the chance to practice what you’ve learned, including a basketball stats tool, number guessing game, store inventory app, and more. These projects will be reviewed and graded by industry professionals or Treehouse students to make sure you stay on track.
And if JavaScript is your bag, Zero to Mastery has 20 projects that you can build and add to your portfolio. These projects are a great way to boost your skills, taking you from a beginner to a confident developer – and being able to have finished projects to add to your portfolio is an added bonus.
To start adding projects to a portfolio you can send to potential employers in the future, create a website. Kinsta and Bluehost are both great options for hosting your website.
STEP #9: MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND CORE CS FUNDAMENTALS
Software engineers often need to have a solid grasp on computer science fundamentals. Unlike web designers or even web developers, software engineers need to understand algorithms and data structures in order to solve complex problems with code.
For those who pursue a CS/software engineering degree at a college, these topics are built into the program. However, self-taught software engineers often aren’t exposed to these topics at all. Making an effort to learn them can give you a real competitive advantage. You’ll especially need to understand these topics to pass tech interviews (more about this later).
➡️ Check out this beginner’s guide to algorithmic thinking, then read about these four data structures every developer needs to know.
CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science on edX is a super popular, comprehensive CS course taught by Harvard University. The on-campus version of this course is actually Harvard’s largest course. It teaches you how to think algorithmically and concepts like abstraction, algorithms, data structures, encapsulation, resource management, security, software engineering, and web development.
STEP #10: BUILD EXPERIENCE WITH SIDE GIGS OR INTERNSHIPS
Another way to build up your programming portfolio and practice on real projects is by taking on a technical side gig. In other words, make money while you’re learning to code instead of waiting until you’re a full-fledged software engineer. One programmer even earned $5,000 in his first year of learning to code!
Technical side gigs allow you to apply your skills in a different way. You can often learn faster by doing, rather than watching a video or tutorial. Plus, when a client is expecting work, you’ll be more motivated to solve problems and deliver the project, unlike a course where you have minimal external factors motivating you to get work done.
Side hustles can also help you learn what “real world” work you enjoy (and what you don’t) before you get a full-time job. Here are some other benefits of starting a technical side gig.
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Get support to give yourself the best chance of success
Hard things (like changing careers) get a lot easier when you have a solid support system. Here are some tips for building one!
STEP #11: FIND A SUPPORTIVE SOFTWARE ENGINEERING COMMUNITY
Finding a community to learn with can make or break your success as a software engineer—especially when you’re just starting out. When you are surrounded by a community of like-minded people, you have an automatic support system: a group of individuals you can call on when you get stuck, or lose motivation. (Both of which can happen to the best of us!)
In-person groups exist, but can be hard to coordinate with and are not accessible in every area. But anyone can join an online community, and they’re just as helpful.
While learning with Launch School, an online school for software engineers, for example, you gain access to a community forum, which is where Launch School students share studying tips, create study groups, help each other with problems, and everything else you’d expect from a dedicated school. You’ll also get access to their Slack chatroom, where students and staff hangout throughout the day. Not to mention, a monthly meetup-style webinar series called “Tech Talks.”
Zero to Mastery is similar, too – with over 150,000 students, alumni, TAs, mentors, and instructors registered to their Discord server, they have plenty of opportunities to network and find the support you need while you study!
STEP #12: CULTIVATE YOUR PROFESSIONAL TECH NETWORK
As you learn how to get into software engineering, code, build projects, etc., you should be slowly but surely cultivating your professional network.
When it comes to finding a great job in the 2020s, it takes more than just applying for jobs online (which, these days, can just be a waste of time).The best way to get a job as a software developer is by networking.
? Instead, you want to build a strong network. Start by reaching out to your existing connections. According to Jobvite, 40% of new hires come via employee referral, making it the most common way.
Beyond tapping into your first-degree network, you can also get intros to your second-degree connections (friends of friends). The goal is to set up informal coffee meetings with people connected to companies you’d like to work for, which builds connections and sometimes leads to real interviews.
A few other ways to make new connections without having a mutual friend:
- Go to meetups
- Maintain a blog (which will give you exposure)
- Volunteer
- Speak at events
- Make connections on LinkedIn
Get involved, and contribute to the tech/software engineering community, and almost inevitably, opportunities will come your way.
The Fastest Way to Land a Tech Job is a course that teaches you networking strategies, including why you should attend meetup groups and the best ways to market yourself as a techie.
Another good option? Break Into Tech’s Land the Perfect Job with LinkedIn masterclass. It goes over how to build an army of supporters + put them to work for you, get a referral that gets you a guaranteed interview and leverage insider info to ace your interview + negotiation.
software engineer salary
Software Engineer salary in United States
Average base salary
Data source tooltip for average base salary.27.4k salaries reported, updated at November 20, 2021$115,171per year
The average salary for a software engineer is $115,171 per year in the United States and $4,000 cash bonus per year.
Additional compensation
Data source tooltip for additional compensation.Cash Bonus$4,000per year
Salaries by years of experience in the United States
| Years of experience | Per year |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | $107,618 |
| 1 to 2 years | $110,567 |
| 3 to 5 years | – |
| 6 to 9 years | $126,466 |
| More than 10 years | $144,887 |
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