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How do I become a software engineer?
I'm interested in a career in software engineering. #college #engineering #educator #software-engineering
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6 answers
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Venkatesh’s Answer
Pursue Computer Science Related Fields and Degree. ...
Learn Programming Languages. ...
Study Data Structures and Algorithms. ...
Enhance Your Skills. ...
Design and Build Software or Projects. ...
Do Some Internships. ...
Start Looking For Job Opportunities.
Learn Programming Languages. ...
Study Data Structures and Algorithms. ...
Enhance Your Skills. ...
Design and Build Software or Projects. ...
Do Some Internships. ...
Start Looking For Job Opportunities.
Updated
Tina’s Answer
1.GET AN EDUCATION
Completing a formal education is the first step toward becoming a software engineer. Prospective students can select from both traditional and nontraditional training programs to gain the education necessary to pursue entry-level positions. Obviously in India taking PCM as an subject selection after 12th would be helpful.
BACHELOR’S DEGREE (FOUR YEARS).
A bachelor’s degree in computer science, or a related field, is the traditional minimum degree preferred by employers. Bachelor’s degree programs expose students to a broader curriculum, one that provides a foundation in mathematics and computer science. Students develop a comprehensive understanding of programming, software architecture, and software testing. They may also take specialized courses in application areas, such as networking or embedded systems.
CODING BOOTCAMP (8 TO 12 WEEKS).
Coding bootcamps are a relatively new educational path for aspiring software engineers or developers. These programs typically last between eight and 12 weeks and place students into a hands-on, immersive learning environment. Upon graduation, students should be ready for entry-level careers as software engineers or developers.
2.DO AN INTERNSHIP
Completing an internship provides students with real world experience. Technology companies may offer internships for students with a bachelor’s or master’s degree who are seeking to expand their skills in specific areas, such as Java, XML or SQL. Internships typically last between three and six months and allow students to work on specific projects or products related to their skills.
3.PURSUE A SPECIALIZATION
Generally speaking, there are two specializations within software engineering: applications and software/systems development. However, distinct areas of practice exist within each of these areas. Software engineers may choose to become experts in a single programming language or type of development. Below is a list of example specialty areas to consider:
Web developmentDevOpsMobile developmentTechnical stack (e.g., Python, Ruby)
4.PURSUE ENTRY-LEVEL CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
After earning a computer science or related degree or completing a bootcamp program, the next step is to seek out entry-level employment. Because of the demand, software engineering has been rated one of the best entry-level careers available, according to Forbes. Although the dream job may be at Google, prospective software engineers can start with a small, local job hunt because, in the profession, experience is a critical commodity for career advancement.
5.GET CERTIFIED
Although some certifications have lost their luster, they remain an integral part of the tech industry. Software engineering is precise and technical, and gaining certification verifies an applicant’s knowledge and abilities. Along with experience, certification can improve a person’s marketability in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Certifications are available from technology vendors (e.g., Microsoft, Cisco and Oracle) as well as professional organizations (e.g., IEEE) and are tailored to specific areas of practice.
6.ATTEND CONFERENCES
Innovation drives change. That means software engineers need to stay abreast of the latest developments in both the general profession and their specialty. Attending conferences is a great way to network with other engineers and learn about new products, business practices, and technologies. Popular conferences for software engineers include the International Conference on Software Engineering and the International Conference on Automated Software Engineering.
7.EARN A GRADUATE DEGREE
A graduate degree offers the opportunity to qualify for management and leadership positions in the industry. In addition, there is more to engineering than just programming. Software engineering calls upon interdisciplinary skills such as critical thinking, cost analysis and project management — skills that can be enhanced in a master’s program in computer science, computer engineering, information science or software engineering.
Completing a formal education is the first step toward becoming a software engineer. Prospective students can select from both traditional and nontraditional training programs to gain the education necessary to pursue entry-level positions. Obviously in India taking PCM as an subject selection after 12th would be helpful.
BACHELOR’S DEGREE (FOUR YEARS).
A bachelor’s degree in computer science, or a related field, is the traditional minimum degree preferred by employers. Bachelor’s degree programs expose students to a broader curriculum, one that provides a foundation in mathematics and computer science. Students develop a comprehensive understanding of programming, software architecture, and software testing. They may also take specialized courses in application areas, such as networking or embedded systems.
CODING BOOTCAMP (8 TO 12 WEEKS).
Coding bootcamps are a relatively new educational path for aspiring software engineers or developers. These programs typically last between eight and 12 weeks and place students into a hands-on, immersive learning environment. Upon graduation, students should be ready for entry-level careers as software engineers or developers.
2.DO AN INTERNSHIP
Completing an internship provides students with real world experience. Technology companies may offer internships for students with a bachelor’s or master’s degree who are seeking to expand their skills in specific areas, such as Java, XML or SQL. Internships typically last between three and six months and allow students to work on specific projects or products related to their skills.
3.PURSUE A SPECIALIZATION
Generally speaking, there are two specializations within software engineering: applications and software/systems development. However, distinct areas of practice exist within each of these areas. Software engineers may choose to become experts in a single programming language or type of development. Below is a list of example specialty areas to consider:
Web developmentDevOpsMobile developmentTechnical stack (e.g., Python, Ruby)
4.PURSUE ENTRY-LEVEL CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
After earning a computer science or related degree or completing a bootcamp program, the next step is to seek out entry-level employment. Because of the demand, software engineering has been rated one of the best entry-level careers available, according to Forbes. Although the dream job may be at Google, prospective software engineers can start with a small, local job hunt because, in the profession, experience is a critical commodity for career advancement.
5.GET CERTIFIED
Although some certifications have lost their luster, they remain an integral part of the tech industry. Software engineering is precise and technical, and gaining certification verifies an applicant’s knowledge and abilities. Along with experience, certification can improve a person’s marketability in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Certifications are available from technology vendors (e.g., Microsoft, Cisco and Oracle) as well as professional organizations (e.g., IEEE) and are tailored to specific areas of practice.
6.ATTEND CONFERENCES
Innovation drives change. That means software engineers need to stay abreast of the latest developments in both the general profession and their specialty. Attending conferences is a great way to network with other engineers and learn about new products, business practices, and technologies. Popular conferences for software engineers include the International Conference on Software Engineering and the International Conference on Automated Software Engineering.
7.EARN A GRADUATE DEGREE
A graduate degree offers the opportunity to qualify for management and leadership positions in the industry. In addition, there is more to engineering than just programming. Software engineering calls upon interdisciplinary skills such as critical thinking, cost analysis and project management — skills that can be enhanced in a master’s program in computer science, computer engineering, information science or software engineering.
Updated
Binyam’s Answer
I would say having a degree in Science, for example Math, Physics, Computer Science, helps a lot. You can also enter the software Engineer field from any other non-science degree. And a degree is very useful but not a must.
If you are interested to be a software engineer, you can start by taking courses online on websites such as https://www.udemy.com/ , https://www.coursera.org/ , https://www.youtube.com
1. Choose a programming language to start with , Java or Python are good ones to start your software engineer journey.
2. Start by leaning the basics and try to have a good understanding. Don't try to memorize things. Understanding and hands on practice is very important in the software engineering.
3. Search google for the things you have difficulty understanding, there are plenty explanations on different sites for each topic.
You can also post your question on https://www.stackoverflow.com , a popular website for getting your questions answered.
4. Once you understand the basics well, you can start studying/taking courses on more intermediate topics in the programming language you choose.
5. Prepare yourself for interview for an internship or a junior software engineer position . Search online for beginner java interview questions and prepare yourself well on these.
If you are interested to be a software engineer, you can start by taking courses online on websites such as https://www.udemy.com/ , https://www.coursera.org/ , https://www.youtube.com
1. Choose a programming language to start with , Java or Python are good ones to start your software engineer journey.
2. Start by leaning the basics and try to have a good understanding. Don't try to memorize things. Understanding and hands on practice is very important in the software engineering.
3. Search google for the things you have difficulty understanding, there are plenty explanations on different sites for each topic.
You can also post your question on https://www.stackoverflow.com , a popular website for getting your questions answered.
4. Once you understand the basics well, you can start studying/taking courses on more intermediate topics in the programming language you choose.
5. Prepare yourself for interview for an internship or a junior software engineer position . Search online for beginner java interview questions and prepare yourself well on these.
Updated
Taylor’s Answer
Hi Veer!
I think the best courses to start with involve programming and you can find some courses online through a Google search. I would also dabble in math classes since that will help you a lot!
Good luck!
I think the best courses to start with involve programming and you can find some courses online through a Google search. I would also dabble in math classes since that will help you a lot!
Good luck!
Updated
Shashank’s Answer
Hello Veer,
I would suggest you to do the following:
Higher Education (12th preferably PCMS - "Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Computer Science" )
Bachelors Degree
Masters Degree
Internship for a year if possible (During this time find your area of interest)
Try to specialize and get certifications in your area of interest
Finally look for a good Job opportunity.
Hope this helps, and all the best to you.
I would suggest you to do the following:
Higher Education (12th preferably PCMS - "Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Computer Science" )
Bachelors Degree
Masters Degree
Internship for a year if possible (During this time find your area of interest)
Try to specialize and get certifications in your area of interest
Finally look for a good Job opportunity.
Hope this helps, and all the best to you.
Updated
Avrom’s Answer
Obviously, computer science and (to a lesser extent) math are critical. But don't ignore your general education either--I was a math/philosophy double major in college, and I use the skills I learned in philosophy classes *far* more frequently than those I learned in my math classes on the job.