6 answers
Sabrina
Student
California City, California
1
Question
Asked
1106 views
What do I need to become a software engineer, academic requirements, grades, skills? What are the opportunities of a software engineer
What is needed to know about software engineering?
Benefits of being a software engineer?
Career opportunities of a software engineer?
Salary of a software engineer?
6 answers
Adit Sheth
Senior Software Engineer
134
Answers
Bellevue, Washington
Updated
Adit’s Answer
With over half a decade at Microsoft and a decade's worth of comprehensive experience in software engineering, I am well-equipped to provide you with valuable insights on how to carve out a successful career as a software engineer.
Prerequisites:
Education: It's common to hold a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field.
Skills: Essential skills include proficiency in programming languages like Python, Java, and C++, a solid understanding of algorithms, data structures, and databases, and a knack for problem-solving.
Perks:
Possibilities: The field is incredibly diverse, offering roles in exciting areas like AI, web development, the cloud, and beyond.
Earnings: You can anticipate a starting salary in the ballpark of $70,000, with the potential to soar beyond $200,000 for senior positions. The sky's the limit in this rewarding profession!
Prerequisites:
Education: It's common to hold a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field.
Skills: Essential skills include proficiency in programming languages like Python, Java, and C++, a solid understanding of algorithms, data structures, and databases, and a knack for problem-solving.
Perks:
Possibilities: The field is incredibly diverse, offering roles in exciting areas like AI, web development, the cloud, and beyond.
Earnings: You can anticipate a starting salary in the ballpark of $70,000, with the potential to soar beyond $200,000 for senior positions. The sky's the limit in this rewarding profession!
Hakeem Ola Saka
Freelancer
73
Answers
Maryland Heights, Missouri
Updated
Hakeem Ola’s Answer
Education: Most software engineering positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Some employers may accept degrees in mathematics, physics, or other STEM fields if accompanied by relevant programming experience. However, having a degree specifically in computer science or software engineering is often preferred.
Academic Requirements: While specific academic requirements can vary depending on the institution and country, generally, a strong background in mathematics, particularly in calculus, algebra, and discrete mathematics, is beneficial for studying computer science. High school courses in computer science, physics, and advanced mathematics can help prepare you for a degree in software engineering.
Grades: While grades are important, they are not the sole determining factor for success in software engineering. While aiming for high grades is admirable, practical experience, projects, and internships can often carry more weight when seeking employment. That said, maintaining a solid GPA (typically above 3.0 on a 4.0 scale) can help you stay competitive, especially for internships and entry-level positions.
Skills: In addition to formal education, software engineers need to develop strong technical and soft skills. Technical skills include proficiency in programming languages (such as Python, Java, C++, or JavaScript), understanding of algorithms and data structures, software development methodologies (like Agile or Scrum), and familiarity with relevant tools and technologies (such as version control systems like Git and development environments like IDEs). Soft skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and time management are also crucial for success in the field.
Experience: Building a portfolio of projects, participating in hackathons, contributing to open-source projects, and completing internships or co-op placements are excellent ways to gain practical experience and demonstrate your skills to potential employers. Real-world experience is highly valued in the software engineering industry and can often outweigh academic qualifications.
Opportunities for software engineers are abundant and diverse. Some common career paths and opportunities include:
Software Developer/Engineer: Designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software applications, systems, or products.
Web Developer: Building websites and web applications using programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Mobile App Developer: Creating mobile applications for platforms like iOS and Android using programming languages such as Swift, Kotlin, or React Native.
Systems Analyst: Analyzing user requirements, designing system solutions, and coordinating the development and implementation of software systems.
Data Scientist/Engineer: Analyzing and interpreting complex data sets to inform business decisions, develop machine learning models, and build data-driven applications.
Cybersecurity Analyst: Identifying and mitigating security risks, implementing security measures, and protecting sensitive information and systems from cyber threats
Academic Requirements: While specific academic requirements can vary depending on the institution and country, generally, a strong background in mathematics, particularly in calculus, algebra, and discrete mathematics, is beneficial for studying computer science. High school courses in computer science, physics, and advanced mathematics can help prepare you for a degree in software engineering.
Grades: While grades are important, they are not the sole determining factor for success in software engineering. While aiming for high grades is admirable, practical experience, projects, and internships can often carry more weight when seeking employment. That said, maintaining a solid GPA (typically above 3.0 on a 4.0 scale) can help you stay competitive, especially for internships and entry-level positions.
Skills: In addition to formal education, software engineers need to develop strong technical and soft skills. Technical skills include proficiency in programming languages (such as Python, Java, C++, or JavaScript), understanding of algorithms and data structures, software development methodologies (like Agile or Scrum), and familiarity with relevant tools and technologies (such as version control systems like Git and development environments like IDEs). Soft skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and time management are also crucial for success in the field.
Experience: Building a portfolio of projects, participating in hackathons, contributing to open-source projects, and completing internships or co-op placements are excellent ways to gain practical experience and demonstrate your skills to potential employers. Real-world experience is highly valued in the software engineering industry and can often outweigh academic qualifications.
Opportunities for software engineers are abundant and diverse. Some common career paths and opportunities include:
Software Developer/Engineer: Designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software applications, systems, or products.
Web Developer: Building websites and web applications using programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Mobile App Developer: Creating mobile applications for platforms like iOS and Android using programming languages such as Swift, Kotlin, or React Native.
Systems Analyst: Analyzing user requirements, designing system solutions, and coordinating the development and implementation of software systems.
Data Scientist/Engineer: Analyzing and interpreting complex data sets to inform business decisions, develop machine learning models, and build data-driven applications.
Cybersecurity Analyst: Identifying and mitigating security risks, implementing security measures, and protecting sensitive information and systems from cyber threats
David Allen
Consultant
30
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
David’s Answer
To become a software engineer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. While academic requirements may vary depending on the employer or region, strong performance in mathematics, particularly in areas like calculus and discrete mathematics, is often beneficial. Additionally, gaining hands-on experience through internships, co-op programs, or personal projects can significantly enhance your skills and marketability as a software engineer. Key technical skills include proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++, understanding of data structures and algorithms, and knowledge of software development methodologies like Agile or Scrum.
As a software engineer, you'll have a wide range of career opportunities across various industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and entertainment. You could work on developing applications for mobile devices, designing software for autonomous vehicles, building systems for financial trading, or creating virtual reality experiences, among many other possibilities. The demand for software engineers is consistently high, with opportunities for advancement into roles such as software architect, technical lead, or project manager. Moreover, software engineers often enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, flexible work arrangements, and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies and projects that have a significant impact on society. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for software developers was $110,140 in May 2020, with strong job growth expected in the field.
As a software engineer, you'll have a wide range of career opportunities across various industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and entertainment. You could work on developing applications for mobile devices, designing software for autonomous vehicles, building systems for financial trading, or creating virtual reality experiences, among many other possibilities. The demand for software engineers is consistently high, with opportunities for advancement into roles such as software architect, technical lead, or project manager. Moreover, software engineers often enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, flexible work arrangements, and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies and projects that have a significant impact on society. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for software developers was $110,140 in May 2020, with strong job growth expected in the field.
Fred Rosenberger
Data Analyst
481
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Fred’s Answer
The term "Software engineering" is pretty broad. There are scores of different jobs, many with multiple sub-categories, all falling under that umbrella. Even the same title at two employers will be slightly different.
1) what do you need to become a software engineer?
Most companies will require either a bachelor's degree, or equivalent work experience - which is hard to get without a bachelors. Good grades may help you land your first job, but once you have that, the next employer will care more about your work product and your skills.
Skills are generally considered to be in the "hard" and "soft" categories. Hard skills are things like "do you know Java?" "Have you used <this> technology". Soft skills are things like how well you work with others, how well you communicate, etc. You will need both. The specific hard skill will vary from position to position.
2) What do you need to know?
I have no idea how to answer this. It depends on where you are coming from. By some measures, the answer is "there is actually NOTHING you NEED to know."
3) What are the benefits?
That again varies. What is a benefit to me may be a burden to you.
4) Career opportunities?
With most careers, it varies somewhat on your flexibility. Are you willing to relocate? What hours do you prefer? What specific skills do you have? Generally, the outlook for developers is pretty good, but in specific markets (like silicon valley) will be different than others (say, St. Louis, MO).
5) Salary
Again, this varies, depending on many factors. Location, experience, specific skills you have, etc. At my former employer, the low range for a developer with zero experience is around $65k The high range for a developer with lots of experience, who is not in management, is around $170k (this data is a few years old).
Note: Not all employers will let you work from home full time. Many are going to a hybrid workplace, where you have to be in the office 2-3 days a week, and can WFH 2-3 days a week (or some ratio). You would have to check with each potential employer to see what their specific policy is.
1) what do you need to become a software engineer?
Most companies will require either a bachelor's degree, or equivalent work experience - which is hard to get without a bachelors. Good grades may help you land your first job, but once you have that, the next employer will care more about your work product and your skills.
Skills are generally considered to be in the "hard" and "soft" categories. Hard skills are things like "do you know Java?" "Have you used <this> technology". Soft skills are things like how well you work with others, how well you communicate, etc. You will need both. The specific hard skill will vary from position to position.
2) What do you need to know?
I have no idea how to answer this. It depends on where you are coming from. By some measures, the answer is "there is actually NOTHING you NEED to know."
3) What are the benefits?
That again varies. What is a benefit to me may be a burden to you.
4) Career opportunities?
With most careers, it varies somewhat on your flexibility. Are you willing to relocate? What hours do you prefer? What specific skills do you have? Generally, the outlook for developers is pretty good, but in specific markets (like silicon valley) will be different than others (say, St. Louis, MO).
5) Salary
Again, this varies, depending on many factors. Location, experience, specific skills you have, etc. At my former employer, the low range for a developer with zero experience is around $65k The high range for a developer with lots of experience, who is not in management, is around $170k (this data is a few years old).
Note: Not all employers will let you work from home full time. Many are going to a hybrid workplace, where you have to be in the office 2-3 days a week, and can WFH 2-3 days a week (or some ratio). You would have to check with each potential employer to see what their specific policy is.
Sanjay Rao
Software and Systems Architecture Development
3
Answers
Middletown, New Jersey
Updated
Sanjay’s Answer
What is needed to know about software engineering?
Software Engineering is a broad field that covers several facets of creating computer software. Software development involves gathering requirements, like (a) what is the purpose of the software you are building? (b) who will be using your software? (3) is your software an app., is it accessible from a web browser, what should the user interface look like? what programming language would be ideal for your software? do you need to use a database? and several other questions such as these are answered by Software Engineers. While you study Software Engineering, you will learn methods and processes that help develop software. Other topics in computer science go into the details of how to build software that performs certain tasks and does it well. After all an engineer's goal is to find the most efficient solution to a problem while optimizing the cost of the solution.
Benefits of being a software engineer?
If you like solving problems, love to work with computers and like math, then you will enjoy being a Software Engineer. When you spend a lot of time at work, it's nice to have the added bonus of enjoying your work. Software Engineers can work remotely if needed, they get paid above average wages and their skills are in demand.
Career opportunities of a software engineer?
Almost all companies large and small need Software Engineers. When companies are faced with challenges that involve data processing, they lean on software engineers to develop solutions using computers. Computers and software help automate several tasks and save companies money.
Salary of a software engineer?
Software Engineers make more money than many other jobs. Exact amounts vary by country and region.
Education is key to becoming a Software Engineer. A Bachelors degree in Software Engineering or Computer Science is a good qualification to start your career.
If you have the opportunity, job shadow a Software Engineer and learn about their day to day challenges.
Software Engineering is a broad field that covers several facets of creating computer software. Software development involves gathering requirements, like (a) what is the purpose of the software you are building? (b) who will be using your software? (3) is your software an app., is it accessible from a web browser, what should the user interface look like? what programming language would be ideal for your software? do you need to use a database? and several other questions such as these are answered by Software Engineers. While you study Software Engineering, you will learn methods and processes that help develop software. Other topics in computer science go into the details of how to build software that performs certain tasks and does it well. After all an engineer's goal is to find the most efficient solution to a problem while optimizing the cost of the solution.
Benefits of being a software engineer?
If you like solving problems, love to work with computers and like math, then you will enjoy being a Software Engineer. When you spend a lot of time at work, it's nice to have the added bonus of enjoying your work. Software Engineers can work remotely if needed, they get paid above average wages and their skills are in demand.
Career opportunities of a software engineer?
Almost all companies large and small need Software Engineers. When companies are faced with challenges that involve data processing, they lean on software engineers to develop solutions using computers. Computers and software help automate several tasks and save companies money.
Salary of a software engineer?
Software Engineers make more money than many other jobs. Exact amounts vary by country and region.
Sanjay recommends the following next steps:
Ryan Flores
Business Ops
15
Answers
Springville, Utah
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
You asked about these three things specifically.
Academic Requirements & Grades: I'll group these two together, because I think the answer is the same. It doesn't really matter what you have done in high school. You should be able to get into any community college, regardless of you high school academic achievements or GPA, and study computer science. Now, I don't recommend being lazy in high school. But it's just the simple truth that you can get into a community college that will allow you to study this super in-demand skill. And unless you have plans to work for a highly prestigious employer, it won't really matter if your degree is from Smallville Community College or Harvard. If you do want to get a degree from a name-brand school, that's totally fine. In that case you'll need to scope out what those specific schools, which are of interest to you, require. But if you're not worried about that, a community college offering a 4-year degree in CS really will allow you to achieve your career goal of becoming a software engineer.
I've worked in the technology sector (for software companies) for over 10 years. We ALWAYS have many job openings for engineers. There are never enough, and that means that every company is offering competitive pay. If someone with the requisite skills applies (which often equates to a degree in CS and/or X years of experience for the more senior positions), most companies will happily welcome you as long as you can prove in an interview that your personality will be an asset to their team. So be open-minded, be kind, be inclusive, and take every opportunity you can to improve your communication skills (even if you aren't extroverted).
Skills: When in college, buckle down and learn as much as you can. You'll gain the hands-on developer skills there. Once you have that degree to your name, employers will know you have the skills they want - at least you'll have the necessary foundation. Many other skills will be learned on the job. And beyond the CS-specific skills, you'll do fine if you are: detail oriented, adept at problem solving, excited by technology. Engineers often need to work under a deadline, so put some thought into that if you haven't already.
Good luck!
Academic Requirements & Grades: I'll group these two together, because I think the answer is the same. It doesn't really matter what you have done in high school. You should be able to get into any community college, regardless of you high school academic achievements or GPA, and study computer science. Now, I don't recommend being lazy in high school. But it's just the simple truth that you can get into a community college that will allow you to study this super in-demand skill. And unless you have plans to work for a highly prestigious employer, it won't really matter if your degree is from Smallville Community College or Harvard. If you do want to get a degree from a name-brand school, that's totally fine. In that case you'll need to scope out what those specific schools, which are of interest to you, require. But if you're not worried about that, a community college offering a 4-year degree in CS really will allow you to achieve your career goal of becoming a software engineer.
I've worked in the technology sector (for software companies) for over 10 years. We ALWAYS have many job openings for engineers. There are never enough, and that means that every company is offering competitive pay. If someone with the requisite skills applies (which often equates to a degree in CS and/or X years of experience for the more senior positions), most companies will happily welcome you as long as you can prove in an interview that your personality will be an asset to their team. So be open-minded, be kind, be inclusive, and take every opportunity you can to improve your communication skills (even if you aren't extroverted).
Skills: When in college, buckle down and learn as much as you can. You'll gain the hands-on developer skills there. Once you have that degree to your name, employers will know you have the skills they want - at least you'll have the necessary foundation. Many other skills will be learned on the job. And beyond the CS-specific skills, you'll do fine if you are: detail oriented, adept at problem solving, excited by technology. Engineers often need to work under a deadline, so put some thought into that if you haven't already.
Good luck!
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