by The job of a software engineer includes the principles of computer science, math, and engineering.
However, there are broad opportunities and work settings for these employees with the dominance of computers, smartphones, and the Internet in the household, business and entertainment.
Computer software and applications are also widely used in the financial and industrial sectors.
Considering these factors, the duties, qualifications, salary, and prospects for a software engineer can vary.
Article Table of Contents
What Does a Software Engineer Do
Software engineers monitor the development, testing, delivery, and evaluation of computer applications and programs.
This job is in many ways similar to the position of a software developer.
However, software engineers don’t deal with the creative aspects of these products as much.
Instead, they handle the technical and scientific aspects of the programs.
Responsibilities
- Interview clients or computer users to find out their needs for software.
- Design applications and programs according to the needs of the users.
- Write codes and algorithms for programs and computers.
- Develop and test prototypes of programs.
- Monitor the development and launch of the final version of the software.
- Evaluate the functionality, difficulty or ease of use and other aspects of the application or software performance.
- Recommend, develop, or implement security enhancements, upgrades, and other modifications.
- Report to or answer questions for Internet Technology managers.
- Consult with engineers and other experts on infrastructure or construction projects.
Essential Skills
Programming knowledge:
Software engineers need knowledge of various programming languages and databases.
The development of an app or software can be influenced by the operating system.
Communication:
Software engineers are team leaders, and they need to convey instructions to the team clearly.
Users also may need an explanation on how to use or troubleshoot the product.
These professionals need to be able to work together with other engineers and other team members.
Analytical and problem-solving:
Software engineers use the principles of computer science, math, and engineering.
With this knowledge, they can analyze and solve actual and potential problems or flaws in the software.
Ethics and moral skills:
Software engineers may have to handle sensitive information about the systems or software.
Typically, the development company may claim the product as their own.
It can even be a law-protected trade secret. So, software engineers can’t use the information for their gain or sell it to competitors.
How to Become a Software Engineer
Software engineers need a mix of education in computer, math, and engineering skills.
Software engineers need more knowledge than just technical and engineering, as software and applications play significant roles in commercial, industrial, and personal activities.
Software engineers can gain experience in programming and development or leading projects otherwise.
Public software engineers also need to be licensed by the state engineering board.
Training and Qualifications
Typically, software engineers have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering.
You can also enter the field with a math major.
Some employers seek candidates with a master’s degree.
The classes for software engineering students usually include analysis and design, engineering principles, algorithms, math, and, of course, computer programming.
Aspiring software engineers may need skills specific to a certain industry.
Employers in these industries may have specific software needs and purposes.
For instance, software engineers developing apps for banks and other banking tools need courses in finance.
They also need some basic training in patent, trade secrets law, and trademark, since software projects are usually protected by patents and licenses.
In some states, software engineers may need a state-issued license.
The requirements for licensure apply to those who oversee and consult on public projects.
For the license, applicants must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering and Principles and Practice of Software Engineering examinations.
The tests are administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.
Software engineers can be certified by the Software Engineering Institute and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
The certifications aren’t mandatory but can be useful for acquiring more job opportunities.
Experience
Aspiring software engineers can gain experience in college by enrolling in internships with software companies.
Upon graduation, they may start working as computer programmers or work alongside and under the supervision of more experienced software engineers.
In the areas where software engineers need to be licensed, candidates must have at least four years of work experience working under a licensed software engineer.
Working Hours
The positions for software engineers are typically full-time and the hours can go beyond the traditional office hours.
Often, schedules depend on the deadline.
Applications, software, and upgrades often have set release dates.
Software and applications may control or be integrated into infrastructure or buildings as well.
Therefore, software engineers should complete their tasks on time for the entire project to proceed.
They may be also called to assist software companies or organizations with responding to data breaches or other emergencies.
Due to the nature of their tasks, software engineers may have to travel to work-sites quite often.
Career Outlook
The employment in the software engineering field should grow by 22% by 2022.
Besides, insurance companies, banks, wireless, and other service provides increase the convenience of their services by conducting business online and wirelessly.
Wireless devices and internet users play games and run apps to stream videos, movies, music, and other content.
Software and apps are used in manufacturing, engineering, finance, architecture, and natural resources exploration.
The demand for software engineers also increases with the wide use of smartphones and tablets.
According to the Pew Research Center report, 68% of adults in America use smartphones.
Besides, according to a Federal Reserve report of March 2016, 53% of smartphone owners use banking applications online while 65%, pay bills online.
According to PayScale, the median salary of software engineers is $80,825 per year.
With a total annual salary, bonuses, commissions, and profit-sharing, the pay ranges between $56,382 and $126,028.
Conclusion
Software engineers need knowledge and skills in engineering, computer science, and math.
Software engineers oversee and supervise the adaptation and development of software and applications in various settings.
Engineers offering services to the public should hold a license.
Since customers strongly rely on computers and mobile devices for paying bills, shopping, and other activities, the demand for software engineers will be sustained high.
Industries hire software engineers to improve production, exploration, and provision of services.