Software engineers work in information technology to design and build modern software development frameworks. Software engineers can obtain college degrees to learn their trade or attend boot camps that offer crash courses. Sometimes they even teach themselves the necessary skills through online learning.
Who builds the software we use on our computers, phones, and
other devices? Who ensures these programs work the way they are supposed to?
Software
development has many moving parts and requires the skill and knowledge
of several professionals. Project managers ensure development stays on track.
Programmers write the code that makes the software function. Quality assurance
experts test software for bugs.
Software engineers have a specific task: to understand the
infrastructure that programmers and developers use to build the software. They
are a vital part of the software development process.
So, how do you become a software engineer? In this story, we
dive into the qualifications, job duties, and rewarding aspects of a career in
software engineering.
What Is a Software Engineer?
Computer software engineers develop programs and operating
systems (OS) for computers and similar devices. The term “software
engineer” originated in
1963, when computer scientist Margaret
Hamilton first coined the term during the software development for the
Apollo spacecraft.
Software engineers partner with many people to do their
work, including project
managers, programmers, analysts, and fellow engineers.
What Does a Software Engineer Do?
A software engineer’s responsibilities can include:
- Designing
systems: Software engineers define outlines for applications and
products.
- Writing
documentation: Because new software requires documentation to
help users understand it, someone (usually engineers) must write this
documentation.
- Maintaining
software functionality: Software engineers maintain existing
software, including updating it to add features, fix bugs or align with
standards.
- Troubleshooting
and updating systems: When problems arise, software engineers
help solve these issues by troubleshooting them.
- Complying
with industry and company standards: As standards and systems
change, software engineers oversee updates to ensure products align with
the new ways of doing things.
The daily work of software engineering looks similar to
software development, especially on paper. Many organizations do not
distinguish between the two. Both jobs involve:
- Writing
code
- Partnering
with project managers and other stakeholders
- Solving
business issues with code
The
critical distinction between software engineers and developers is that
engineers usually approach it from a “more holistic perspective.” They may
contribute more to testing, for example. Engineers often have more experience
with development infrastructure — the tools and systems they use to build the
software.
Types of Software Engineers
Software engineers do different things depending on their
specialty or desired career path.
Front-End Engineer
Front-end
engineers are software developers who build visual user interfaces
(UI) that users interact with. They partner with designers to translate designs
into reality using code. Front-end engineers typically test, edit and oversee
the development process. They may modify existing websites and software to
improve performance and add functions.
Front-end engineers should know front-end languages (such as
HTML, CSS and JavaScript) and back-end
programming languages (such as Java, Python and C++). A good front-end
engineer also knows their way around building scalable deployment
pipelines.
Back-End Engineer
Back-end software engineers focus on building the pieces that power software, apps and websites. Consider an app that allows a user to input and edit data. The app’s front end displays the data and features editing functionality. The back end is where decisions about what a person can edit and how the app stores that data happens.
Back-end engineers need experience with specific coding
languages like PHP, Java, Python or Ruby. They must also have a good grasp of
databases and server-side frameworks. As more platforms move online, cloud
services like Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Google Cloud Platform are a
priority, too.
Security Engineer
Security
engineers work within organizations to develop secure technical
systems. In addition to safeguarding organizations’ software systems from
hackers and other cyber attackers, they also design systems that can withstand
outages caused by natural disasters or other issues.
Security engineers wear several hats depending on the type
of company they work for and the organization's needs. They may develop
firewalls, systems to monitor network traffic, troubleshooting guidelines, and
other tools.
Data Engineer
Data
engineers design and build the systems companies use for data
collection and storage. Organizations that hire data engineers do so because
they need to scale their acquisition and use of information.
A data engineer typically builds algorithms to access raw
data and the dashboards necessary for non-technical users to interpret it. This
highly technical role requires experience and knowledge in several disciplines,
including programming, math, and computer science.
Effective data engineers also have strong communication
skills to translate technical information into usable details for other
organizational stakeholders.
Full-Stack Engineer
Even though the phrase “jack of all trades” describes full-stack
engineers and developers, these organizational linchpins must also master
skills that relate to front- and back-end software, applications or web
development. They often understand and work with multiple coding languages and
frameworks that make back-end development processes possible.
Many full-stack engineers have a mixture of technical,
project management, and soft skills that allow them to manage tasks.
How to Become a Software Engineer
Software engineers enjoy a challenging and lucrative career
with plenty of growth opportunities, but how do they enter the field? The paths
to a career in software engineering can vary based on preference.
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree or Attend a Software Engineer
Boot Camp
The traditional method of becoming a software engineer
starts with a
bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Most bachelor’s
degrees take four years to complete and involve intensive study
in computer
science, information
technology, or cybersecurity.
A degree is still the most common method of becoming a software engineer.
Software engineers may also learn their skills by
attending coding
boot camps. Software engineering boot camps can take anywhere from 12 weeks
to 12 months to complete, but the price can be significantly lower than
attending a four-year university. Coding boot camps often boast high placement
rates. They are also a preferred model for sourcing candidates.
Graduating from a boot camp may be a solid option for those
who do not want to invest in a full four-year degree or are looking into
software engineering as a career change.
Choose a Specialty
Software engineers usually choose a specialty that focuses
on a
programming language or type of system.
Earn Industry Certifications
Industry certifications go a long way toward making
applicants look more attractive, but they are also vital to continued skills
development. Many software engineers pursue certification from groups
like AWS, the Institute of Certification of Computing
Professionals (ICCP), and the Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Computer Society.
Create a Resume
With the right degree and certification in place, it is time
for software engineers to write their resumes. Remember the following rules for
writing resumes:
- Focus
on outcomes
- Simple
is often better
- Tailor
the resume to the job
- Use
keywords from the job description where possible
- Remove
outdated information
“Start with a master/primary/main resume. This is the living, breathing, constantly changing doc that an employer never sees. …Yes! Now stay with me - your primary resume is the data dump. Everything you've done lives here. Update it every time you deliver a feature. Every time you win an award. Every time you get a positive performance review. Keep all the good stuff you're doing on this doc.”
Find Work Experience
One of the best ways to find work experience as a software
engineer is to focus on internships either during school or shortly after
graduation. This work experience allows engineers to showcase their skills and
creates provable, measurable results employers want.
Continue Education
Continuing
education is a pathway toward future skills development and career
growth. Software development and engineering is a field marked by constant
change. Staying up to date on shifts in the culture and processes of
engineering shows a commitment to staying relevant and focused.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Software Engineer?
The time it takes to become a software engineer varies depending on the type of education an aspiring engineer pursues. Bachelor’s degrees usually take four years to complete, and boot camps can last as long as 12 months.
Final Thoughts
Software engineers find themselves at a significant advantage in today’s job market. With multiple ways to pursue a career and the ability to command high salaries, becoming a software engineer looks like a highly lucrative way to make a living.