Gone are the days when law and medicine topped the list of the most lucrative careers. Since the interception of internet and computer in early 1960s, software engineers have been in high demand scooping hefty salaries and allowances. The average salary of a software engineer between $105,636 and $169,942 annually.
Who is software engineer?
A software engineer is as well referred to as software developer. He or she is a person who has been educated and trained on computer and all computer programs, systems and applications.
What is the work of a software engineer?
The work of a software engineer is to design and create computer systems and software applications. They equally help clients with minor issues to do with their computer applications besides working on the major system that run a computer.
As a software engineer, you are also trained on how to run successful websites and on how to optimize them. You become aware of stipulated guidelines on how search engines like Bing, Google, Yahoo and the likes operate. You are expected to develop tip-top websites that not only attracts visits but goes ahead to secure sales.
You should be in a position to customize programs to the customers’ needs and specifications. Above and beyond, you come in handy in installing and uploading data. You should be able to help improve the performance of the computer system by downloading the best software in the market including installing anti-virus software.
Software engineers are also tasked with maintaining computer software. Just like in any other system, repair and maintenance are essential in ensuring optimum performance for your software.
Educational requirements
You have to be good in physics and calculus. You must have outstanding analytical skills and the ability to pay attention. Before working on anything take time to comprehend every detail that comes to play.
As a software engineer, you must acquire technical education to the level of a bachelor degree. Nevertheless there have come up a good number of excellent engineers who without an education have acquired top-notch skills. In addition to attaining your education certificates, you must keep on updating yourself with the changing applications and programming languages.
Other requirements
You will also need to be certified by the Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEEE). The institute provides applicants with a test exam after which they receive a certificate upon passing the exam. You become eligible for certification once you are through with your degree. In America, software engineers might as well acquire approval from the American Society for Quality.
In many states, it is not an offense to operate a software engineering business without this certification. However, you stand greater chances of securing employment and contracts when you possess this important document.
Most of the worlds’ education systems have not only incorporated software and computer programs but has gone a stride further by making it a compulsory subject to every student. This step is again expanding the number of persons seeking software development services.
As a professional software engineer, you should decide on specializing in one area of software engineering. You might opt to deal in Operating System, Applications, Databases, Networks or even Software Development. You need to focus your energy on one area for greater comprehension.
What do employers look for in a software engineer?
With at least a bachelor degree in science, math or a degree in software, you are eligible for a software post in any office. You might also need to have some experience, but many are times when recruiting companies offer training services themselves. You must know all computer components and the parts running it. You must be aware of all computer intricacies to be in a position to deal with even the most simple computer hiccups.
High level of creativity is an added advantage coupled with the ability to deal in abstract models. You should also possess good communication skills as you will from time to time rub shoulders with other personnel suchlike industrial designers and hardware engineers.
What can I do to improve my skills?
After school and even after getting hired, do not throw away your books. As a software engineer, you are as good as the last book you read. If that is so, you should be right now with the latest book on software engineering. Keep yourself up to date with the latest magazines and articles on software development. Understand the market and beware of new software that is available in the market.
Consider taking on a master’s degree on software engineering once you are done with the undergraduate program. The secret is in gaining as much knowledge and information that is available in the market. Take on a PhD program as soon as time allows. You cannot compete with the best without doing the best.
How much does a software engineer earn?
Perhaps the most recurring question posed to any software developer is how much the make in terms of finances. Well, I would say it depends on what the engineer is working on. Each case comes with its price. But you are sure to make good income in this field.
Owing to the escalating online transactions, software engineers are reaping big. The number of software engineers is set to rise by 22% within the next twenty years. In 2023, the average income for a software engineer will be $133,722.
Are there any alternative careers to software engineering?
You might as well gain software engineering skills from some other courses besides software engineering. You have an option to do computer programs classes. A computer programmer is skilled to use computer programs and computer languages like java to create software products. A computer programmer pockets roughly $105,326 every year.
How big is the market for software engineer services?
Day in day out, software engineering is expanding as individuals divert business and social transactions to the net. A huge number of businesses have set up IT offices within their premises and are employing software engineers to work from their offices. It is currently the career to go for amid rapid internet preference.