What is software engineer?. Do you have an interest in IT?. If so, software engineering is one of the best career choices that you can explore.
Why is that?. Because, in addition to a lucrative salary, this profession is predicted to experience rapid growth over the next few years.
According to research conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, United States, the company’s demand for software engineering experts is expected to grow by 22% from 2019-2029.
Interestingly, this figure is much higher than the average growth of other professions from all industry sectors.
Well, for those of you who are interested in getting into this job, Foxietech will explain everything, from responsibilities to qualifications. Read more below.
What is Software Engineer?
Software engineers (SE) are experts who play a role in the process of needs analysis and user design, construction, and testing of software such as applications.
In carrying out their duties, they use programming languages such as C++, Java, and Python when designing software for computer applications, mobile applications, cloud platforms, and web applications.
SE also usually works closely with other technology professionals, such as software developers, programmers, and quality control specialists to ensure applications run smoothly.
Simply put, a software engineer can be defined as a person who plays a role in the application of the principles of software development techniques.
They must apply engineering principles and software engineering to the application assembly process.
Well, for those of you who don’t know, as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers/IEEE software engineering said, it is a systematic, structured and disciplined approach to technology.
Basically, software engineering is a branch of computer science that is used to find out what is wrong in software. However, the current focus of this science has broadened its function.
Software engineering is not only needed if something goes wrong in operation. It is more aimed at how a software works according to what the user needs.
A software or software has a greater risk of damage or error than hardware. Therefore, it takes accuracy for the maintenance and software development process.
What Does a Software Engineer Do?
In fact, the task of a software engineer is to explore all systems, programs, and software in the company.
The programs they have to help develop are also quite diverse, ranging from applications, operating systems, to games.
Apart from these things, what are the responsibilities of an SE? Here are some of them according to Robert Half’s presentation.
- Work with users to find out their needs regarding the software.
- Design, build, and also test a system or application based on the specifications requested by the user.
- Work closely with developers to create appropriate code for a system or application by drawing models or diagrams.
- Document all systems or applications in detail as a form of responsibility when carrying out maintenance.
- Manage applications or software regularly and fix errors that occur.
- Recommend software updates for existing applications or systems.
- Collaborate with other developers and engineers to create software.
Skills Required to Become a Software Engineer
To become a reliable SE, it takes a combination of several technical abilities and soft skills. Well, here are some skills that you need to have if you want to have a career as a software engineer.
1. Thorough
Being an SE will certainly be faced with a line of code that makes you dizzy every day. Well, you must have extraordinary accuracy to become a reliable SE.
Why so? SE will be faced with challenges in developing software with complex programming languages. Not to mention, if there are obstacles that require an SE to work manually.
Not only creating and developing software, an SE must also be ready for testing or debugging which requires patience and thoroughness.
Being conscientious will allow you to solve problems and ensure that no similar mistakes will be made.
2. Programming
One of the things that must be mastered to become SE is mastering programming and programming languages such as C++, Java, Python, C#/.Net, and Ruby.
If you are a graduate from a university with IT studies, chances are you will know more about other programming languages.
Well, this can be one of the plus points to show your strengths.
3. Easy to Adapt
Reporting from Indeed, it is easy to adapt not only to the environment. This also includes having the flexibility and willingness to learn new skills.
An SE works in a rapidly changing and evolving technology field. This makes SE will be faced with many challenges and makes you continue to adapt.
Therefore, it is important to adapt to the fast pace of work, adapt to work anywhere, even adapt to new people.
4. Can Work Together in a Team
In struggling with the software, SE does not work individually. Often, SE will work with developers, engineers in other fields.
They will also even work with people who have nothing to do with technical issues such as users who only use the program.
This of course makes an SE unable to maintain that everyone who works with him understands programming languages.
SE must be able to work well in a team large or small.
To be able to work well together, you can start as simple as listening and learning from other colleagues.
Qualifications of a Software Engineer
Already interested in exploring more about software engineering? First, see what qualifications you need to get this profession.
1. Certification
There are many certifications related to software engineering. There have been many workshops or trainings that also provide certificates.
This certificate can be your provision to show the company that the abilities you have are officially obtained.
In addition to workshops or classes, there are several commonly used official certificates, including:
- Oracle Certified Associate and Oracle Certified Professional (OCA and OCP)
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): App Builder
- Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP)
2. Doing Internship.
Companies that will hire an SE will usually look at one plus point, whether they’ve had an internship or not.
Chances are someone who has done an internship with a similar job will have a greater chance.
Why? Employers will assume someone who has an internship is ready to work. At least, they are familiar with what will become the full responsibility of an SE.
However, if you are just starting to want an internship, don’t forget to revamp your CV to be more convincing and show that you really have enthusiasm for the job. It would be better if you already have a portfolio.
3. Have a Minimum Bachelor’s Degree
One of the qualifications to become a software engineer, especially in America, is to have a bachelor’s degree from the appropriate major.
Studies that can usually enter the company’s recruiter qualifications are mathematics, IT, and software engineering.
Career Paths
Is working as an SE a promising thing? Currently, the world of technology that continues to develop rapidly requires people who are experts in this field.
Well, this could be your golden opportunity to seize this position. Then, is there a level in undergoing a profession as an SE? The following is the level or progress of the position:
- junior software engineer
- software engineer
- senior software engineer
- architect/principal software engineer
Conclusion
In essence, software engineers are experts who play a big role in the process of construction and application testing.
Not only that, this job is also known as an IT career that is being needed by many companies.
1 comment
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