What is Software Engineering?
Software engineering is a process of analyzing user requirements and then designing, building, and testing software applications that will satisfy those requirements.
Software engineering is an ever-changing profession.
Therefore, one should adopt as new technologies are developed. As it has
shifting nature, there are many different entry points into the IT profession.
However, there is no single way of achieving this. Here are
some steps to becoming a professional software engineer.
Step #1: Be Clear About Your End Goal
Starting a new career is not easy. However, when you have a
final destination in mind, it helps when you find and deal with a hurdle in
your road. You should have a clear goal like:
- I want
to build my career as a software engineer
- I want
to work as a software engineer at an established IT company.
- I want
to work as a team member and get paid well for it.
Step #2: Select A Language to Learn
Software engineering never focuses exclusively on coding.
However, you should know at least a couple of languages, and a deeper
understanding of how they will function. There is no common agreement on which
languages are most useful.
Below are given the list of some popular programming
languages:
- Python
- JavaScript
- C#
- Java
Step #3: Earn A Degree in Computer Science or A Related
Field
You should first earn a degree in computer science or a
related field. You should have at least a bachelor’s degree to begin your
career as a software engineer.
Majoring in computer science will offer you the most useful
background for designing software. Interviewers will ask questions regarding
data structures and algorithms. Therefore, the theoretical knowledge provided
by traditional computer science degrees best prepares you for this.
However, you will mostly spend your time outside of the
classroom coding software and to learn how to write real software.
Step #4: Supplement your studies
Educational books are frequently outdated. Reference books
are revised much slower than software is updated. All the education institutes
provide theoretical concepts and ways of thinking that can be important for
your success.
Although, how much you will get paid is being able to apply
the knowledge of the real-world software. This is where your study helps you.
Here are some ways to supplement your learning:
- StackOverflow is
the most reliable question-and-answer website for developers. You can
search according to the technology, problem space, or language you want to
improve in.
- Sites
like CodinGame and CodeWars offer thousands of programming solutions that
help you to test your skills.
Step #5: Read Code Written by Experienced Developers
Another useful aspect of becoming a software engineer is
learning how to read other people’s code. You can do this easily by visiting
sites like GitHub repositories and looking through documentation.
However, sometimes documentation also goes wrong, but most
of the source code is accurate in these sites. Therefore, by learning to read that
code, you’ll be able to understand how a specific program is working.
Step #6: Find A Community of Software Engineers
You need to find a community to learn which guides you to
success as a software engineer. Therefore, when you are surrounded by a
community of like-minded people, you have an automatic support system. A
real-world software engineering community gives you guidance on where to focus
your learning. Sites like Meetup is an ideal choice to find other
professionals.
Step #7: Build Projects
Nothing like practical experience. You need to start
building projects on a language you are comfortable with. By doing this, you
not only enhance your learning but also found a potential employer. As you
learn how to code, build projects, etc., you should slowly help you to build up
your professional network.
Step #8: Master Your Pre-Interview Skills
Next, you need to focus on your resume as it plays a vital
part for your hiring. You’ll need to master three things: resume, cover letter,
and your online presence.
Hiring HR managers still look at them to get a snapshot of
your skills and experience. Moreover, cover letters are needed when applying
for jobs online; they’re your opportunity to get someone’s attention and make
an impression.
Step #9: Ace Your Job Interview
Finally, the time is come to face the interview. Most of IT
companies start with a screening interview, usually done on the internet, at
home. After that, you need to face a phone interview. If you successfully clear
both interviews, you’ll land the on-site interview.
Step #10: Accept the Job Offer
After you successfully clear round of interviews and
demonstrate your new skills, you will likely to get a job offer. Select the
best which helps you to enhance your career.
Different Type of Careers in Software Engineering
Having a degree in software engineering offers multiple
opportunities for professionals. Although industry and geographic location play
an important crucial part in earning potential, and employers also consider
education levels and experience to determine salary packages.
Here is the important career option you have after opting
for this course:
Summary
- Software
engineering is a process of analyzing user requirements and then
designing, building, and testing software application which will satisfy
those requirements.
- Important
steps for becoming a professional software engineer are:
- You
should be clear about your end goal and focus on what you want to achieve
- Need
to select at least one programing language to learn
- Next,
you should earn a degree in Computer Science or A Related Field
- Supplement
your study by visiting coding sites like StackOverflow other websites like
CodinGame and CodeWars offer thousands of problems that helps you to test
your skills.
- Read
code written by other expert software engineers by visit sites like GitHub
repositories.
- After
this, you should start building projects on a language you are comfortable
with.
- Next,
you need to focus on your resume as it plays a vital part for your hiring
- In
this step, you need to attain an interview. Most of IT companies start
with a screening interview, usually done on the internet, at your home
- After
you successfully clear round of interviews and demonstrate your new
skills, you will likely to get a job offer
- The
most important skill for a software engineer is that he or she should be
fluent in more than one programming language.
- Software
Engineer, 2)Principal Software Engineer,3) Lead Software Development
Engineer are different types of career options for software engineers.
- Software
engineers should act in such a way that it is benefited to the client as
well as the employer