Being a software engineer can give you the opportunity to do computer programming all day long. The people who enter this profession usually have a strong passion for computer coding and working with software systems. A company will typically hire you to do work on computer systems and develop new programs. You may be responsible for managing one aspect of a company’s computer system. A company may want you to develop the security solutions for a company’s computer system. It is important for you to understand a variety of computer coding languages if you decide to pursue this career path. This field relies heavily upon an individual’s knowledge of all the cutting edge programs in the computer world. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a software engineer?” If you want to become a software engineer, then you should spend some time in refining your computer coding skills.
What’s it like to be a software engineer?
When you want to work as a software engineer, you will have the opportunity to work directly with computer programs on a daily basis. A supervisor may give you projects that need to be completed by a certain deadline. It may be your task to develop a new computer program and introduce it to the board of directors for a company. It is always important for you to meet these deadlines. The tech industry is quite fast-paced, and you will fall behind if you can not keep up with the workload. If you want to work in a city that has thriving new computer businesses, then you may want to choose to work in a geographic location like Silicon Valley. You can find other young professionals who have ambition and drive for developing computer software programs in Silicon Valley. You may work long hours if you decide to work for a start-up company. Be prepared to work long hours to meet deadlines if you work for a new tech company.
Education Requirements
Not all software engineers have an undergraduate degree from a college. If you are naturally gifted or make the effort to understand and master computer languages, then you can become a successful software engineer. Start-up companies are usually just looking for driven individuals who can deliver the work. They want to see that you have a strong commitment to the tech industry. Pursuing a bachelor’s degree makes it easier for you to get your foot in the door at large corporations. If you have a bachelor’s degree, then you will be able to work for a variety of high-profile tech companies upon your graduation.
Salary & How to Get a Job
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the starting salary for a software engineer is about $90,000 a year. Most people work in this industry due to their background in working with computers. You should try to work in an internship position during your years in college. Having an internship can allow you to make connections with individuals who work for a company. You will be able to make connections that can help you obtain a position in the company. You should also try to apply for jobs in a city that has a thriving computer industry, such as Silicon Valley. You will be able to land a job much faster this way.
References:
1. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm
2. http://www.ehow.com/facts_4884859_what-software-engineer.html