Those who have a passion for technology, strong analytical skills and the ability to pay close attention to detail may find success as software engineers. The willingness to work in groups and collaborate with others in the field are other valuable traits for future software engineers.
What Does A Software Engineer Do?
While the job titles of “software engineer” and “software developer” are related, the key difference is that software engineers apply engineering principles to the creation of new software. Software engineers are responsible for creating customized software systems for businesses and organizations. This occupation is extremely flexible in terms of the number of industries in which a software engineer can work; every business that relies on its own computer programs employs software engineers to write, modify and test its programs. Those familiar with software development know that there are multiple stages involved in the creation process, and each step typically requires a software engineer who is well-versed in the specific languages needed for that stage.
Areas of specialization for software engineers might include networks, operating systems, databases or applications; each special area requires engineers to be fluent in a specific set of computer languages. In addition to computer systems design firms, industries that employ the largest number of software engineers include:
- Software publishing
- Management companies
- Insurance carriers
- Professional and commercial equipment
Some software engineers are freelancers or independent contractors, but many are employed by companies and must work alongside other computer specialists. Thus, it is important to be able to collaborate with a team to complete large projects.
Expectations: Salary and Career Advancement
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not report data on the software engineer occupation. However, a similar occupation, the software developer, has a median annual income of $102,280. This job is predicted to grow 17 percent by 2024. This growth is credited to the increased need for mobile applications for phones and tablets as well as an increased emphasis on cyber security.
Education and Other Qualifications
Some companies require developers to hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, but The Software Guild’s program is a great option for those serious about working as a software engineer. Program enrollees will receive staff expertise and personalized attention. The Software Guild’s flipped instruction model allows apprentices time to work independently and gives them the opportunity to use classroom time effectively.
Additionally, this bootcamp is intended to help students master the development of projects, start to finish, in a collaborative, hands-on way. Students will come away from this program having built a portfolio that proves to employers they have what it takes to perform in the real world.
The Software Guild offers a 12-week bootcamp program for potential software engineers of all skill levels. Regardless of whether students are familiar with how software is developed or they just want to learn more, The Software Guild’s program will teach future software engineers the skills necessary to find lucrative employment in a number of industries.