I want to become a software engineer.what is the procession?

Software Engineer Education Degree Requirements
Depending on the employer, software engineer education degree requirements range from an associate’s degree to a master’s degree. An associate’s degree might be sufficient for some entry-level positions, but a bachelor’s degree is required for most software engineering jobs, while more complex jobs might require a master’s degree. Employers place a high value on relevant experience, so it is recommended that you participate in internships while pursuing your degree.

Aspiring software engineers usually major in computer science, computer information systems, software engineering or mathematics. Some students take programming and software engineering classes to supplement a degree in another field, such as accounting, business or finance. You can also pursue relevant certifications offered by software vendors and training institutions.

Software engineers must have strong problem-solving and communication skills and an aptitude for math and science. They should also possess good programming capability; an in-depth knowledge of programming languages, like C++, C#, and Java; an attention to detail; and an ability to handle multiple tasks at once.

Becoming a Software Engineer: Career Outlook
Software engineers are involved in all aspects of software creation, from writing code to debugging programs to overseeing the launch of new software. They often start out writing code but eventually advance to senior positions, working as software architects or project managers. In a software engineer career, it’s essential to keep up with the latest advancements, because technology is constantly evolving. Having strong interpersonal and management skills is also crucial since software engineers often collaborate with marketing, manufacturing, and design professionals in creating new software.

Job opportunities for software engineers are expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment of computer software developers is expected to increase by 30% percent from 2010 to 2020. The demand for software engineers is increasing because of the Internet’s expansion and the growing complexity of data-processing systems used in business, telecommunications, healthcare, and government. Some worry that offshore outsourcing may put a damper on employment growth for software engineers, but there will still likely be a need for skilled software developers domestically, because the job requires significant research, development, and innovation.

Software engineering sometimes involves long hours and tight deadlines, so it can be stressful. Software engineers work in comfortable settings, however, and telecommuting is becoming increasingly common. The salaries of software engineers vary depending on education, experience, and skill level. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of computer applications software developers was $89,280 in 2011, while computer systems software developers earned $96,600.

Named one of the 50 Best Careers by US News and World Report, software engineering is a fast-growing occupation with a promising future. Consider becoming a software engineer if you like computers and want to work in a well-compensated field with excellent career prospects.

A few steps which you need to look at to get a better picture

1.

Earn a degree in software engineering or a related field: Most software engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Majoring in software engineering will provide the most useful background for designing and perfecting software in the corporate world. Computer science is another good choice, although its more theoretical approach is best suited for future graduate students and R&D work.
It is possible to get hired with an associate's degree or even with nothing but self-taught experience. However, these opportunities are generally low-level programming jobs, even if the employer bills it as "software engineer."

2.

Begin programming immediately: Even if you're still in grade school, you can give yourself a huge head start by teaching yourself programming. Software engineering is not focused exclusively on coding, but you will need to know at least a couple languages, and a deeper understanding of how they function. There is no widespread agreement on which languages are most useful, but these are all popular choices:
C++
C#
Java
Java Script
Python

3.

Study math: Software engineers sometimes create the mathematical algorithms that allow software to function. Focus on developing and maintaining your math skills in order to do your best once you've obtained a position as a software engineer.
Discrete mathematics is a particularly useful area of study, as is any math course that involves software.

4.

Build software. The best way to improve your skills is to use them. Whether professional projects or personal, designing and coding software will teach you a great deal. For many employers, hands-on achievements matter more than GPA or theoretical knowledge.

5.

Seek an internship. Many software engineer students work as interns while they complete their studies.This can be an excellent way to gain hands-on training and network with potential employers. Look for internship opportunities through job posting websites and networking.

6.

Find job opportunities: Software engineering is a rapidly growing field. You have a good chance of immediate employment, although you may start as a programmer and work your way up to software development.[7] Start searching before your degree is up:
Colleges often help their alumni obtain a position. Talk to your professors, department staff, and the career services office about finding job opportunities.
A large percentage of jobs happen through networking.[8] Use your personal contacts, and meet people in the field through career meetups and conferences.
Check job search websites regularly. Create a profile and post your resume to professional sites and use them for networking as well as job applications.

7.

Consider your career goals. The software industry is always changing. Keep up by improving your knowledge and practical skills, and you'll have many chances to shape the direction of your career. Here are a few ways to improve your job prospects:
Join a professional organization for networking opportunities.
Consider a Master's degree if you have long-term plans in the field. While not a requirement for most positions, a Master's greatly improves your chances to work for an industry leader, in a management position, or in embedded software.
Certification can be useful in some sub-fields and regions, but may decrease your desirability in others. Talk to other engineers in your area of expertise before you enroll in one of these programs.