Software engineers play a vital role in the digital sector, often unnoticed. Their expertise, alongside modern engineering marvels, enables our devices to transcend mere plastic and silicon shells, becoming indispensable tools in our daily lives.
Becoming a software engineer typically involves six essential steps:
- Planning your career path
- Obtaining an education
- Gaining experience
- Getting certified
- Building your portfolio
- Applying for jobs
While advancing in this field requires dedication and patience, the professional rewards make the effort worthwhile. Explore further to discover how to embark on a career as a software engineer!
1. Planning Your Career Path
While many software engineering (or coding) skills can be applied across various roles, aspiring software engineers should define their career path early on. Understanding the distinction between software engineering and related fields such as web programming is crucial in the initial stages of career planning.
Software engineering involves the creation and implementation of computer software and utility programs. Software engineers leverage their expertise in computer science and mathematics to develop software solutions that meet users’ digital needs. On the other hand, web developers primarily focus on coding websites, handling tasks such as designing layouts, functionalities, navigation, and overall usability.
Once you have a clear career path in mind, you can begin navigating it effectively. With this understanding, let’s proceed with our discussion on how to embark on a career as a software engineer.
2. Obtaining an Education
In general, aspiring software engineers have three main paths to pursue their education: coding bootcamps, college programs, and self-directed learning. The choice you make will depend on your learning preferences and personal circumstances, including schedule flexibility, desired timelines, and financial resources.
Each pathway has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to carefully weigh them before committing to an educational program!
Now, let’s explore the educational options that can help you start your journey towards becoming a software developer.
Coding Bootcamp
Attending a coding bootcamp offers a fast-track opportunity to acquire job-ready programming skills through an intensive curriculum. Learning software engineering from scratch can be challenging, but a bootcamp allows even beginners to build a solid foundation quickly with dedication and hard work.
For those unable to commit to a traditional four-year degree program due to time or financial constraints, coding bootcamps are an attractive option. These programs typically span three to six months, offering flexibility with part-time, full-time, virtual, or weekend schedules. They are also more cost-effective compared to longer university programs.
However, it’s important to note that coding bootcamps primarily focus on web-based coding rather than comprehensive software engineering. As such, they may not be the ideal choice for someone aiming specifically for a software engineering role immediately after completing formal education. Nevertheless, if your goal is to establish fundamental coding skills and gain practical experience quickly, consider enrolling in a bootcamp tailored to full stack development. This approach equips you with both front-end and back-end programming skills, positioning you well for entry-level roles and subsequent advancement in software engineering.
College Education
College remains the predominant educational path for aspiring software engineers, with a significant majority of developers having completed at least a bachelor’s degree in 2020. Four-year degree programs offer comprehensive coverage of computer science theory and practice, foster a collaborative learning environment, provide access to knowledgeable instructors, and facilitate networking opportunities.
While a college education is highly regarded by employers and offers substantial benefits in terms of learning depth and breadth, it can also be more costly and time-consuming compared to bootcamps. Importantly, a degree is not strictly necessary for a career in software engineering, as evidenced by a notable percentage of successful developers without undergraduate degrees. For some, the perceived importance of a college degree in this field varies.
In essence, while college is a preferred option for those with the means and time to pursue it, it is not a definitive requirement for everyone aspiring to become a software engineer.
Self-Directed Learning
Self-directed learning provides a flexible and often cost-effective alternative to formal academic programs. Platforms like edX offer free educational resources where learners can acquire essential coding skills at their own pace and convenience. This approach is highly customizable, catering to individuals who prefer autonomy in their learning journey.
However, self-directed learning lacks the structure and accountability provided by formal education. Learners must motivate themselves to stay on track and maintain productivity without the guidance of set schedules or instructors. While beneficial for self-motivated individuals, those needing external structure may find it challenging to maintain consistent progress.
In summary, self-directed learning is a viable option for individuals seeking flexibility and personalized learning experiences outside traditional academic settings.
3. Gaining Experience
Your journey to becoming a software engineer shouldn’t solely rely on formal classes. It’s crucial to gain hands-on experience through volunteer work, personal projects, internships, and other practical opportunities. Applying your coding skills outside the classroom enhances your resume, enriches your professional portfolio, and strengthens your candidacy during job searches.
Not sure where to start? If you’re enrolled in a college program or attending a bootcamp, consider reaching out to your institution’s alumni affairs office for internship or placement connections. Alternatively, explore the resources below for additional inspiration.
4. Getting Certified
Boosting your employability as a software engineer can be enhanced by obtaining certifications. Certifications validate your skills quickly in today’s competitive job market, setting you apart from other candidates when employers review resumes.
Below are some certifications beneficial for entry-level software engineers:
5. Building Your Portfolio
A robust coding portfolio is essential for aspiring software engineers seeking employment. This collection of work showcases your skills and serves as a first impression for recruiters. Highlight past projects to demonstrate your versatility and proficiency as a software engineer.
Ensure your portfolio includes detailed descriptions of technologies used, your roles, and relevant information about your processes and methodologies.
6. Applying For Jobs
Once you’ve completed your training, obtained certifications, and developed a comprehensive portfolio, it’s time to apply for software engineering positions. Define your career goals and target roles that align with your experiences to streamline your job search process.
Update your resume, LinkedIn profile, and other application materials to accurately reflect your skills and capabilities. Stay confident and open-minded throughout your job search, exploring diverse roles until you find the right fit for your career aspirations.
What Exactly Is Software Engineering and What Do Software Engineers Do?
Software engineering encompasses the practice of constructing, maintaining, and enhancing computer software and network systems. Software engineers possess extensive expertise in coding languages, software development, and engineering principles.
By applying these principles, software engineers perform intricate analyses to design customized systems and software products tailored to meet specific client requirements. This process typically begins with a thorough examination of defined system requirements and constraints.
While job descriptions for software engineers vary by industry and employer, professionals generally share a core set of responsibilities, including:
- Enhancing operational efficiency through system analysis and recommending procedural enhancements
- Investigating and resolving systemic, network, and product issues
- Creating new software solutions that address current business or consumer demands
- Communicating solutions to non-technical stakeholders using visual charts, diagrams, and other illustrative materials
- Acquiring and licensing necessary software applications
When applying for jobs, ensure your resume and cover letter are customized to match the specific requirements outlined in the job description!
How Long Does It Take to Become a Software Engineer?
The timeline to become a software engineer largely depends on your chosen educational path. For instance, earning a degree in computer science typically takes around four years, with instruction spread across seasonal semesters. This traditional route provides a comprehensive education, and completing a degree is a significant accomplishment.
However, if you’re eager to start working in coding sooner and gain valuable job experience while you develop the necessary skill sets of a software engineer, you might consider enrolling in a bootcamp or learning independently. Most bootcamp programs last from three to six months and offer quick, intensive training focused on building job-ready web development skills.
For independent learners, timelines are more flexible and can vary greatly. A highly motivated individual might learn coding basics within a year, but this duration can increase or decrease depending on the learner’s dedication and the resources they utilize.
What Programming Languages Should You Focus on to Become a Software Engineer?
Starting out as a software engineer can make it challenging to determine which coding languages are most valuable professionally. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate this alone — we’ve compiled a list of the most in-demand coding skills in today’s market.
JavaScript
JavaScript consistently ranks as the most widely used programming language globally and is highly sought after by hiring managers in the Americas. Its enduring relevance makes it a default choice for many developers. JavaScript is one of the easiest languages to learn and is supported by most major web browsers.
Python
Python is a popular language primarily used for back end development and data science. This versatile language supports various programming styles, such as object-oriented and functional, making it suitable for a wide range of projects. Like JavaScript, Python is relatively easy to learn, and its demand continues to grow. Over 50 percent of hiring managers now seek candidates proficient in Python.
Go
Since its inception by Google in 2009, Go has steadily gained popularity. According to HackerRank, it has been the “number one language developers want to learn next” for three consecutive years and was the “12th most known language for 2020.” Given the age of many of its prominent competitors, Go is expected to continue carving a significant niche in the programming world, making it a valuable language for today’s engineers.
Java
Java is the fifth-most commonly used language among professional developers. This general-purpose and object-oriented language is especially valuable for creating objects that encompass functions and data. Java’s versatility and consistent demand across various industries maintain its timeless appeal.
HTML
Despite its potentially intimidating name, “HyperText Markup Language” (HTML) is a highly accessible language used to describe the formatting and appearance of web pages. As a markup language, HTML has specific usability but remains one of the most commonly used languages worldwide.
Software Developer Salaries & Job Outlook — In New York & the U.S.
Despite the ongoing pandemic-related impacts on the U.S. economy, recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts continued growth in the software engineering industry from 2019 to 2029. This projected growth rate is significantly faster than the average for all other occupations. In May 2019, software developers earned an average annual wage of $111,620. However, this figure varies by location. For example, in New York, the average wage was $119,570, which is notably higher than the national average.
Remote work trends have reshaped the software developer employment process, with many candidates now focusing on job opportunities that offer remote work options. Consequently, employers have had to restructure and consolidate aspects of their infrastructure to support remote work.
While this trend has influenced the job market, it has not significantly hindered the availability of engineering positions. However, the long-term impact of the pandemic on industry salary figures remains to be seen. For now, salaries are generally stable following a period of consistent growth from 2016 to 2020. Remember, salary is influenced by various factors, including professional experience, educational background, company size, and knowledge of in-demand skills and technologies.
Should You Apply to a Coding Bootcamp to Become a Software Engineer?
Are coding bootcamps worth it? If your goal is to acquire the foundational skills necessary to start coding professionally within six months, then yes! Coding bootcamps provide a valuable educational option for aspiring software engineers who want to upskill quickly and work towards an entry-level position.
Not sure where to start? Columbia Engineering Coding Boot Camp offers an excellent learning venue, featuring an immersive curriculum designed to build a strong coding foundation and a broad array of fundamental skills applicable to software engineering. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help support your career growth.
