Be a Software Engineer - Where to start?
Hello Folks, You must be reading this post because you are interested in Software Engineering. Maybe you are just after finished schooling and hoping to start higher studies or just after the degree waiting to start a career in SE related or maybe hoping to change career role to Software engineering from something else.
Here I am discussing what matters and what you need to know in order to start the process of being a Software Engineer.
Which way to go?
As you may already know almost all of the job roles/designations in Software Engineering are based on various stages of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC). These designations differ from company to company but job role specification remains the same. Basic job roles goes as Business analyst, Software developer, Quality assurance engineer, Deployment (Dev-Ops) Engineer and Project Manager.
I suggest you decide your specific area after understanding the basics of each stage in this life cycle as it will help to understand which area you are most talented and interested in.
Educational Qualifications
Almost all engineering professions expecting a bachelor’s degree in the relevant subject. When it comes to Software Engineering, there are many degree programs which are suitable for Software Engineering related career. Mainly a BSc in Software Engineering, Computer Science or Information Systems are mostly requested for careers related to SE.
If you are in a doubt in selecting the degree title, go through the modules and semesters first and then decide which will be the best based on timely trends on Software engineering. This will help to decide the degree title you need to move forward.
Professional qualifications that have equal state to a bachelor’s degree also will be considered as an entry-level qualification for a Software Engineering related career.
Knowledge to be sharpen
It is must to know and sharpen your skills on programming. So I suggest you follow a course or go through tutorials to sharpen your knowledge on any of the major programming languages. As per today Java, C# and Python are the most demanding. IOS and Android mobile development also emerging.
Software Engineering methodologies and frameworks are evaluating time to time. Therefore, a good understanding of these will be helpful to catch your first job without trouble after completing the degree.
Mindset
Every profession has its own challenges. So do Software Engineering! When it comes to practical life, SEs always have to use the brain when sitting in front of a Laptop or PC while thinking logics to sort out given problem. Every company expects a higher level of problem solving skills, the ability of hard-working and interest in working in a challenging environment.
IT-related technologies are changing day by day. Programming languages you learn during bachelors degree may be outdated when you start working. Therefore you must be a good learner and early adopter in upcoming technologies and trends in IT-related areas.
Kick-off
Once you completed the above basic qualifications, next challenge will be the starting of career. Since you already have the basic programming skills learned during the degree, there is a potential to go through your own career path as an entrepreneur or a freelancer too.
I suggest you work in an already established company until you gain enough experience in subject and career matters prior to starting your own. Stepping into a career as an intern will give you more experience on how things work in this field.
Conclusion
If you have interest in the title and can achieve (or maybe you already have) above mentioned educational qualifications, motivated enough to work in a challenging environment and ready to sharpen your knowledge on upcoming tech trends, Congratulations! you are fit for the title.
Keep moving and look forward to your life goals with above mentioned points. Hope these will help to make your future career goals success. Cheers!
