9 answers
Dejaunae
Student
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Questions
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Is software engineering a good career path
#computerscience #technology #softwareegineer
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9 answers
Sharon Stanley
Partner at a Large IT Company
12
Answers
New Jersey, New Jersey
Updated
Sharon’s Answer
If you are curious, like to problem solve, can operate under pressure at times and do not like to be bored, then it is definitely a field you should consider. You can have many types careers within a software engineering or technology field, so it offers a lot of opportunity.
Satya Dasika
Lead Developer
8
Answers
Folsom, California
Updated
Satya’s Answer
Any path is a good path as long as you are willing to take an extra step to be better in it. In every software engineers life comes a time when you think I am bored of this regular work. But, that is if you do not take challenges and learn new technologies. There is a concept in economics called law of diminishing marginal utility, which says if you do the same thing over and over you may no longer like it (Kind of..) . Similarly, if you do not explore then it gets boring.
Coming to Job market and money, it is always one of the higher earning jobs. There are multiple paths which one can choose in software career. Do your research on what might interest you and jump right in. You will be fine!
Coming to Job market and money, it is always one of the higher earning jobs. There are multiple paths which one can choose in software career. Do your research on what might interest you and jump right in. You will be fine!
Thank you 😊
Dejaunae
Amit Yathirajadasan
Software Engineer
1
Answer
Roseville, California
Updated
Amit’s Answer
Hi there!
I think it's a great path, but then my answer is biased! I have had a love for tinkering and taking things apart and figuring out how they work from when I was a kid. In my humble opinion, if you're someone who has an insatiable curiosity and have this knack for coming up with solutions for problems, software engineering is a wonderful career path, where you can use these traits.
Have you worked on any software related tasks; a school project maybe? If so, did you enjoy it? That's usually a good indicator of how you would feel about it as a career. If you haven't done any software related tasks, I'd recommend taking an introductory class on software engineering. There are quite a few online that are free. Here are just a few of them to help you get started:
https://www.edx.org/learn/software-development
https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/intro-programming/
https://www.coursera.org/courses?query=free
https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/
https://www.freecodecamp.org/
Try one of these for a bit in your spare time. I'd try it for at least a few months. It could possibly get daunting at times, especially if you've never done this before, but try not to let that stop you. See if you can push yourself past those moments. In a few months time, you should be able to tell if this is a career you'd like to pursue.
Good luck with your career!
I think it's a great path, but then my answer is biased! I have had a love for tinkering and taking things apart and figuring out how they work from when I was a kid. In my humble opinion, if you're someone who has an insatiable curiosity and have this knack for coming up with solutions for problems, software engineering is a wonderful career path, where you can use these traits.
Have you worked on any software related tasks; a school project maybe? If so, did you enjoy it? That's usually a good indicator of how you would feel about it as a career. If you haven't done any software related tasks, I'd recommend taking an introductory class on software engineering. There are quite a few online that are free. Here are just a few of them to help you get started:
https://www.edx.org/learn/software-development
https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/intro-programming/
https://www.coursera.org/courses?query=free
https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/
https://www.freecodecamp.org/
Try one of these for a bit in your spare time. I'd try it for at least a few months. It could possibly get daunting at times, especially if you've never done this before, but try not to let that stop you. See if you can push yourself past those moments. In a few months time, you should be able to tell if this is a career you'd like to pursue.
Good luck with your career!
Nikhil Kulkarni
Project Management
2
Answers
Northampton, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Nikhil’s Answer
Like many of the answers in this feed, I believe that software engineering is a great career choice.
While my contemporaries have already highlighted the key elements, I would like to emphasize some of the misconceptions about the software industry.
They get handsomely paid to do routine work - cannot be closer to the truth!
They get to switch jobs really fast with raise of 30% and above - You might find one off exceptions, but its not the norm:)
They get 'Work from Home' options which is a dream for other sectors - Covid has proved, its possible for many other sectors as well.
They get ostentatious offices to work in - There only a few Googles, Apples, Oracles, Amazons, etc - many other are start ups and arent always luck to make it that big. But the ride along irrespective of office sizes is awesome!
They get crazy parties in best of the hotels/pub - thats a personal preference.
They get to work on challenging/brainstorming projects - This is a rare occurance, most end up working on routine activities!
This is a career for lifetime - only if you keep yourself upto speed with the latest technologies. More over robotics is the biggest challenge for the software jobs of the future.
Nevertheless, its probably one of the best places to be working in and will provide many development opportunities. But one needs to be diligent and remember - though there is only one in a million Gates, Bezos, etc. you could be the next!
Good luck
While my contemporaries have already highlighted the key elements, I would like to emphasize some of the misconceptions about the software industry.
They get handsomely paid to do routine work - cannot be closer to the truth!
They get to switch jobs really fast with raise of 30% and above - You might find one off exceptions, but its not the norm:)
They get 'Work from Home' options which is a dream for other sectors - Covid has proved, its possible for many other sectors as well.
They get ostentatious offices to work in - There only a few Googles, Apples, Oracles, Amazons, etc - many other are start ups and arent always luck to make it that big. But the ride along irrespective of office sizes is awesome!
They get crazy parties in best of the hotels/pub - thats a personal preference.
They get to work on challenging/brainstorming projects - This is a rare occurance, most end up working on routine activities!
This is a career for lifetime - only if you keep yourself upto speed with the latest technologies. More over robotics is the biggest challenge for the software jobs of the future.
Nevertheless, its probably one of the best places to be working in and will provide many development opportunities. But one needs to be diligent and remember - though there is only one in a million Gates, Bezos, etc. you could be the next!
Good luck
Nisha P
1
Answer
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Nisha’s Answer
Yes, software engineering can be a great career path if it is something that you enjoy. It gives you the opportunity to work in multiple industries since there is a need for this skillset in most industries with the increased reliance on technology, the opportunity to work on some of the most interesting problems and have an impact on a huge number of people and multiple options for you to grow your career!
sandeep kumar
3
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
sandeep’s Answer
yes, if you like working on Computers and always curious about how application works then learning the software will become easy and as software careers are in high demand, it will be worth the effort.
Jason Williams
HR Professional
6
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Jason’s Answer
There is high demand from companies who want to hire software engineers, so if you pursue this as a career and do a good job, you should have many opportunities for employment and growth. The demand is likely to continue, so it looks like a great career longer term as well!
My advice to students trying to choose an area of study is to think about what you are good at, but also where you get your energy from. Most people with successful careers spend a considerable amount of time and hard work chasing their goals. If you enjoy what you do, your chances of being successful (at anything you want to pursue) will be much higher.
Good luck!
My advice to students trying to choose an area of study is to think about what you are good at, but also where you get your energy from. Most people with successful careers spend a considerable amount of time and hard work chasing their goals. If you enjoy what you do, your chances of being successful (at anything you want to pursue) will be much higher.
Good luck!
Zahid Iqbal
Software Engineer
119
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Zahid’s Answer
It is a very good career path. It is in great demand and will be in demand for a long time. It may not be for everyone. If you like spending hours on the computer, if you love solving problems and critical thinking then you will like it. To see if it's something you would like, it's best to take a computer programming class and see. While there are many resources out there, i would recommend taking this free class from Harvard :
CS50's Introduction to Computer Science - for majors and non-majors alike, with or without prior programming experience. An entry-level course taught by David J. Malan, CS50x teaches students how to think algorithmically and solve problems efficiently.
https://www.edx.org/course/introduction-computer-science-harvardx-cs50x
CS50's Introduction to Computer Science - for majors and non-majors alike, with or without prior programming experience. An entry-level course taught by David J. Malan, CS50x teaches students how to think algorithmically and solve problems efficiently.
https://www.edx.org/course/introduction-computer-science-harvardx-cs50x
Eric Mensah
IT Consultant
13
Answers
Frederick, Maryland
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Hi Dejaunae,
Software engineering is widely regarded as a good career path with numerous advantages. Here are some reasons why:
High demand: In today's digital age, the demand for software engineers continues to grow rapidly. Organizations across various industries require software solutions and rely on skilled professionals to develop, maintain, and innovate their applications.
Competitive salaries: Software engineers often enjoy competitive salaries and excellent earning potential. The demand for their skills and expertise allows for attractive compensation packages, including bonuses and benefits.
Job opportunities: The field of software engineering offers a wide range of job opportunities. From large technology companies to startups, there is a diverse range of organizations seeking software engineering talent. Additionally, software engineers often have the flexibility to work remotely or freelance, providing greater flexibility in career options.
Continuous learning and growth: Software engineering is a dynamic field that requires continuous learning and adapting to new technologies and frameworks. This constant evolution presents ongoing opportunities for personal and professional growth, ensuring that the work remains challenging and stimulating.
Problem-solving and creativity: Software engineering involves solving complex problems and finding innovative solutions. It requires logical thinking, analytical skills, and creativity to develop efficient and user-friendly software applications.
Collaboration and teamwork: Software engineers often work in teams, collaborating with designers, product managers, and other professionals. This collaborative environment fosters creativity, allows for knowledge sharing, and provides opportunities for professional networking.
Impact and innovation: Software engineers have the potential to make a significant impact through their work. They contribute to the development of new technologies, improve existing systems, and create innovative solutions that can enhance people's lives or transform industries.
I hope this helps you make a good career decision.
Software engineering is widely regarded as a good career path with numerous advantages. Here are some reasons why:
High demand: In today's digital age, the demand for software engineers continues to grow rapidly. Organizations across various industries require software solutions and rely on skilled professionals to develop, maintain, and innovate their applications.
Competitive salaries: Software engineers often enjoy competitive salaries and excellent earning potential. The demand for their skills and expertise allows for attractive compensation packages, including bonuses and benefits.
Job opportunities: The field of software engineering offers a wide range of job opportunities. From large technology companies to startups, there is a diverse range of organizations seeking software engineering talent. Additionally, software engineers often have the flexibility to work remotely or freelance, providing greater flexibility in career options.
Continuous learning and growth: Software engineering is a dynamic field that requires continuous learning and adapting to new technologies and frameworks. This constant evolution presents ongoing opportunities for personal and professional growth, ensuring that the work remains challenging and stimulating.
Problem-solving and creativity: Software engineering involves solving complex problems and finding innovative solutions. It requires logical thinking, analytical skills, and creativity to develop efficient and user-friendly software applications.
Collaboration and teamwork: Software engineers often work in teams, collaborating with designers, product managers, and other professionals. This collaborative environment fosters creativity, allows for knowledge sharing, and provides opportunities for professional networking.
Impact and innovation: Software engineers have the potential to make a significant impact through their work. They contribute to the development of new technologies, improve existing systems, and create innovative solutions that can enhance people's lives or transform industries.
I hope this helps you make a good career decision.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Dejaunae