How To Become a Software Engineer

At a certain age, you start to notice an increasing number of friends saying things like ‘Perhaps I should learn to code,’ or ‘Maybe I should find out how to develop an app.’ The conversation is usually short on detail and might involve a brief Google search for self-taught coding manuals. It tails off after a few minutes. It’s easy to dismiss these grumbles as grass-is-always-greener thinking from people whose careers aren’t going quite as planned. The truth is that it speaks to the growing attractiveness of careers as a software engineer. It speaks to the fact that these careers are becoming better-paid and more popular while other professions stagnate.

Everyone interested in becoming a software engineer needs to start somewhere. In this guide, we’ll let you know:

• What kind of work a software engineer does
• What are the education pathways to become a software engineer
• The skills you’ll gain from pursuing a certificate or education in software engineering
• The diverse careers available in software engineering, including projected job growth, salary, and career progression
• The companies hiring software engineers

If you’re ready to explore the multiple opportunities that become available to you with a career in software engineering, keep reading! We’ll cover everything you need to know and how to get started.

Schools Offering Engineering Degrees

What is Software Engineering?

Software engineering is emerging as one of the most exciting fields to work in today. With giants like Google, Facebook, and Amazon offering superb salaries in thrilling roles for top talent, the sky’s the limit for ambitious engineers.

It’s not just about the big players, though. Start-ups are booming and offering well-paid roles for software engineers in diverse fields. There are around 1.35 million tech start-ups worldwide, with the U.S. and Silicon Valley especially leading the way for start-ups globally.

The demand has to do with the nature of the work. In software engineering, specialists design, develop, and maintain software. Using engineering principles—which involves mathematical computations and scientific testing—software engineers get to work on the systems that create the architecture for countless applications and websites. 

Because the field is wide-ranging and job descriptions not standardized, you might also hear of software engineering called by other titles, such as web/database/software programmer, developer, or systems engineer. 

What Does a Software Engineer Do?

A software engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains software applications, systems, and products. Their work involves analyzing user needs and designing software solutions to meet those needs. They write code using programming languages such as Java, Python, C++, or others, and they work closely with other team members, such as designers and product managers, to ensure that the software meets quality standards and is delivered on time. Software engineers also debug and troubleshoot issues, update existing software, and stay current with new technologies and trends in the field.

Why You Should Become a Software Engineer

Including being in demand in any industry today and at the same time, there are many other reasons why this is a great career field to get into. Below we list these four main reasons.

High Demand Among Employers

Software engineering is one of the most in-demand professions worldwide, with one study rating it as the most in-demand profession globally. In the U.S., the incredible growth of tech companies has led to a shortage of software engineers, meaning that even entry-level positions are well-compensated by employers looking to snap up new talent.

While Silicon Valley and New York remain the hottest prospects for software engineers, you don’t need to relocate to find great jobs in software engineering. Approximately 89% of opportunities in software engineering are outside these hubs, meaning that you’re likely to be in demand as a software engineer wherever you live.

Growing Prospects

The BLS estimates 25% growth from 2022-2032 in the software engineering and development sector. Given that the national growth average is 4%, this is an extremely fast-growing sector. 

The 10-year outlook suggests that entry-level positions will likely continue to flood in as time goes by. This means that if you get into a software engineering position sooner rather than later, you stand a great chance of advancing your career as more senior roles become necessary.

Projected growth for software engineering roles is also reliable compared to other industries. Technology always continues to advance, which means that software will continue to need improvement and maintenance. With software-dependent fields from AI (Artificial Intelligence) to cryptocurrencies seeing rapidly increasing investment, skilled engineers can easily find work in more traditional roles or branch out into emerging technologies.

High Rates of Pay

Glassdoor estimates the average entry-level salary of a software engineer to be around $76,000 per year. Even at an entry-level position, this is far above the U.S. national average wage. With excellent prospects for advancement, it’s a great time to become a software engineer for the pay alone. Senior engineers can earn around $129,000 per year.

As noted above, most roles in this field aren’t in coastal tech Meccas with exorbitant rents such as New York and Silicon Valley. Plus, jobs in these locations tend to rake in higher earnings: landing an entry-level job at Google could see you netting almost $200,000 per year, while SpaceX offers around $170,000 at the entry level.

Diverse Roles Available

It’s not just tech companies in need of your expertise. Software engineering roles are available in a diverse selection of industries. These include:

• Transportation: The software that underpins U.S. transportation infrastructure needs constant upgrading and maintenance. From aerospace to traffic control, there are many well-paid roles in transportation for engineers.
  
• Retail: With the rapid growth of online retail and e-commerce in recent years, retail companies pay good money for talented engineers.
  
• Financial services: FinTech is a massive industry that will only become more reliant on computers as time goes on. The advent of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin has also spurred massive investment in FinTech engineering.

How to Become a Software Engineer?

This industry is well-compensated because becoming a software engineer requires a great deal of study and training. Many senior engineers hold a Master’s degree in computer science or software engineering or a subject related to their industry.

However, it’s not always about degrees. There are several educational pathways to becoming a software engineer. If you can prove that you’ve earned your stripes through alternative means, companies that hire for this position will always be happy to see you. 

Bachelor’s Degree

The most traditional route is to earn a Bachelor’s degree in software engineering or computer science. The four years you spend completing this degree will give you a solid understanding of the technical concepts you’ll need, as well as some idea of the kind of work a software engineer performs.

Bachelor’s degrees also give you an excellent opportunity to meet industry experts and begin networking. You can use this to better understand the day-to-day life of a professional engineer and make contacts who may be able to help you find jobs in the future.

Master’s Degree

A Master’s degree in software engineering or computer science will open up opportunities for advancement, as senior roles frequently require this qualification. This qualification is also helpful if you want to get into one of the big companies, as it gives you a competitive edge over other candidates.

Engineers may also find that a Master’s degree in a different field can help them progress. For example, an MBA can help you progress to a project manager role on engineering projects. Alternatively, an engineer working in transport might wish to take a Master’s program in transport planning to advance within a company.

Certificate Programs

Certificate programs help to familiarize you with essential parts of computer science. These may include:

• Learning programming languages such as Java
• Learning how operating systems like Linux work
• Understanding the fundamentals of computer science

Certificate programs are an excellent alternative to long-term study, especially if you wish to transition into software engineering from another discipline or career path. You can complete the programs within a few months and access great chances to continue developing your skills after completion.

Software Engineering Bootcamps

Bootcamps are accelerated programs to help you gather the skills required to become a software engineer. They include components such as:

• Live lectures
• Options for structured or self-paced schedules
• 1-on-1 communication with tutors

Bootcamps typically take longer than certificate programs, with some lasting for over a year. Full-time programs offer a structured approach to learning similar to a college degree, but they are less costly and time-consuming. They’re another great option for people looking to transition from a different career path. 

Software Engineering Courses

While you’ll typically need a base such as a certificate program to learn the basics of a programming language, once you have your fundamentals down, there’s no limit to what you can learn by yourself. Commitment to seeking information and a rigorous approach to improving your coding skills can bring you to the same skill level as many college-educated engineers.

The most crucial part of self-taught learning is to ask the right questions to take you where you want. You need to research the skills favored by the company you wish to work for, or you could waste a lot of time. 

Learning the (often tedious) fundamentals taken for granted in college-educated engineers is also essential, as they do end up mattering in the professional world.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Software Engineer?

The time it takes to become a software engineer can vary depending on several factors, including your educational background, prior experience, and the specific career path you choose. Here’s a general overview:

1. Education: A typical path is to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. This usually takes about 4 years of full-time study.
2. Experience: Some employers may require or prefer candidates with relevant work experience, which can be gained through internships, co-op programs, or part-time jobs during your studies.
3. Skills development: Becoming proficient in programming languages and software development tools can take several years of practice and hands-on experience.
4. Continuing education: The field of software engineering is constantly evolving, so many professionals continue to learn new skills throughout their careers through online courses, workshops, and conferences.

In general, it can take anywhere from 4 to 6 years or more to become a software engineer, depending on your starting point and the path you choose to take.

How To Become a Software Engineer Without a Degree

Becoming a software engineer without a degree is possible, but it may require additional effort and a different approach compared to following the traditional educational path. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Self-study: Start by learning the basics of programming and computer science on your own. There are many online resources available, such as freeCodeCamp, Codecademy, and Coursera, where you can learn programming languages like Python, Java, or JavaScript, as well as computer science fundamentals like algorithms and data structures.
2. Build a portfolio: Create projects to demonstrate your skills. This could include building websites, mobile apps, or contributing to open-source projects. Having a portfolio of projects can help you showcase your abilities to potential employers.
3. Networking: Attend tech meetups, conferences, and networking events to meet people in the industry. Networking can help you learn about job opportunities and get advice from experienced professionals.
4. Internships and freelance work: Look for internships or freelance opportunities to gain practical experience. This can help you build your skills and make valuable connections in the industry.
5. Certifications: Consider getting certifications in relevant technologies or programming languages. While not always necessary, certifications can help demonstrate your expertise to potential employers.
6. Apply for entry-level positions: Start applying for entry-level software engineering positions. Highlight your skills, projects, and any relevant experience you have gained through self-study, internships, or freelance work.
7. Continuous learning: Keep learning and improving your skills. The field of software engineering is constantly evolving, so staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends is important.

While it may be challenging to break into the field without a degree, many successful software engineers have done so through self-study, practical experience, and perseverance.

Top Software Engineer Skills

The skills required for a career in software engineering cover a lot more than coding. You will need to acquire skills in:

Testing

In tech, so much product development comes down to rigorous testing and analyzing code at every stage of the development process to ensure that it’s bug-free. Engineers should be familiar with multiple testing methods and always looking to learn more.

Project management

While it’s unlikely that your first job will be as a project manager, you’ll likely be part of a project team. The best team members understand the endgame of a project and work with management to ensure that the whole team is on the same page. Learning how project management works will allow you to shine in a professional role and streamline product development.

Communication

Closely related to project management, communicating is essential for a successful software engineer. Coders working on the same project need to test work together and have an integrated approach. This means that you shouldn’t treat your study period as an isolated learning period. Networking, building relationships with teachers and fellow students, and working on your projects will help you understand the necessity of communication in software engineering.

Computer programming

Of course — the essential skill for a software engineer is computer programming. You’ll need to learn various programming languages to create quality products without excessive bugs. The bugs will never be gone, so you always have room to improve your programming.

Software engineers need a variety of skills to be successful in their roles in addition to the ones described above. Some of the other top skills include:

• Programming languages: Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Java, Python, C++, or JavaScript is essential.
• Problem-solving: The ability to analyze complex problems and develop solutions efficiently is crucial.
• Algorithm and data structures: Understanding algorithms and data structures is important for writing efficient and scalable code.
• Software development: Knowledge of software development processes, including agile methodologies, version control systems (e.g., Git), and testing frameworks, is essential.
• Object-oriented design: Understanding of object-oriented programming principles and design patterns is important for writing modular and maintainable code.
• Database management: Knowledge of database management systems (e.g., SQL, MongoDB) and database design is important for developing data-driven applications.
• Web development: Familiarity with web development technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js, is valuable for building web applications.
• Cloud computing: Understanding of cloud computing concepts and experience with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud is increasingly important for deploying and scaling applications.

These are just a few of the top skills that software engineers need. The specific skills required can vary depending on the job role, industry, and technology stack used by a particular organization.

Software Engineering Career Progression

As a software engineer, you can follow career paths in different industries. While the specifics may change according to your industry, engineers tend to perform a similar role in any company. The best advice is generally to decide where you want to be before you take your first role and focus your efforts on getting there.

Entry-Level Roles

In an entry-level role, you’ll find yourself spending a lot of time testing and debugging. You’ll work under a senior engineer who will supervise your testing and may have the opportunity to work on programming with them. During this phase, there will be a lot of focus on your CPD (continuous professional development) as you familiarize yourself with the codebase used at your workplace.

Mid-Level Roles

After a few years of training and so much debugging, you’ll progress to writing program specifications in depth and supervising junior coders as they test and debug. You may be the lead for a development project and be responsible for intensely technical programming work. 

Senior-Level Roles

As you progress, you’ll take charge of larger projects and oversee a team of engineers and developers. You’ll assume more responsibility, which means that you’ll be in charge of your team’s testing process and overseeing software design. You’ll have the opportunity to take creative control of the programming behind projects, but your communication and management skills will need to be top-notch to succeed in these roles.

What Companies Hire Software Engineers?

As a software engineer, you may have the opportunity to work for some of the world’s top companies, including:

• Google: Working for Google as a software engineer doesn’t just mean you’re at the top of your field. It means you’re at the absolute forefront of software engineering. You could be working on a team connected to Google’s investment into artificial intelligence or maintaining the world’s most successful search algorithm. Whatever you’re doing, you’ll be working on game-changing technology.
• Facebook: Working on the infrastructure that supports the world’s largest social media platform is no joke. It’s also very well-compensated, with entry-level positions earning around $180,000 per year. As a software engineer at Facebook, you’ll be helping to build technology that keeps people connected across the world.
• SpaceX: SpaceX is a unique place to work as a software engineer. The technology you help to program here is directly or indirectly responsible for helping rockets launch into space. Your work could contribute to humans landing on Mars — remember, as an engineer, it’s your problem to spot bugs. The last place you want a bug showing up is during a manned rocket landing.

Interview Questions – Examples

• What is your experience with React?
• Can you share an example of how you would build a realtime chat for a social media site?
• What is the most challenging programming problem that you have encountered?
• How would you go about researching and resolving a bug in code?
• What is your biggest challenge as a software engineer?
• What is the typical workflow when you start working on a new task?
• How would you estimate the size of a typical project that you’ve worked on in this position?
• Tell me about your experience working with different programming languages

For more interview help, check our short software engineer interview question guide.

Conclusion

There are thousands of exciting roles available for a software engineer and thousands more to come over the next decade as technology progresses. If you’d love to be at the vanguard of that progression, consider studying to become a software engineer today.