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Do you have a deep interest in computers and the way various computer programs help us as we accomplish our daily tasks? Do you want to learn how to become a software engineer and create your own complex software to streamline your professional or personal duties? Our quick guide will help you understand what it takes to enter this profession and excel at it.
What Skills Do I Need To Become A Software Engineer?
Software engineers are professionals who design programs to help clients solve complex tasks. As a result, the first skill required of them is a strong communication skill set. Software engineers must be able to meet clients and help them articulate their needs, before developing the software which helps them meet or exceed these needs. Another necessary requirement is a love for programming. While the software we use may look glamorous, they require several hours of hard work on the engineer's part to become functional. Programming is a time-consuming process, which means that the person doing the coding must be patient and passionate about his jobs. Some projects require engineers to work in groups, meaning that the professional must be able to work effectively within a team.
Lastly, but most importantly, is the need for a good sense of creativity. Software engineers are creating programs to meet client-specific needs. They must be resourceful and imaginative enough to envision the solution and translate it into the language a machine can understand. For those of you who think they meet these requirements, software engineering is a highly rewarding profession.
How To Become A Software Engineer: The Education
Typically, software engineers need to obtain a degree in computer science, software engineering, or related field at an undergraduate level. These degrees not only allow students the chance to learn different programming languages, they also learn the proper way of coding in each of them to achieve desired results. Having a thorough understanding of code, even if you are not actually programming, is important because you will be required to troubleshoot problems on the go. If you wish to apply your skills in a particular area - finance for instance - it is recommended that you take courses in that particular field while in your undergraduate program. These will enable you to better understand the relationship between your field of interest and the application of programming within it.
Pay And Job Outlook
The median wage for software engineers in 2010 was $87,790, with the top ten percent earning close to $140,000. Compared with the national median wage across all professions, these numbers are two to three times higher. With today's world becoming increasingly digitized and dependent on computing power to solve problems, the need for software engineers has also seen a rise. Between 2010 and 2020, the national growth in this profession is expected to be about 30 percent. This translates to almost 270,000 new jobs opening up, which leaves the door wide open for professionals to enter. If you think you have what it takes, start looking into different degree programs today.