Do You Want To Become Software Engineering?

What is Software Engineering?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), software engineering is the "design, development, testing, and evaluation of the software and systems that enable computers to perform applications."

Software engineers work with a variety of programming languages, such as C++ and Java. They might work to modify existing software applications or creating new ones from scratch. The duties of a software engineer may also include setting up and maintaining computer networks.

The ability to program is, of course, the primary requirement. Software engineers must analyze and solve computer application problems. And though IT majors and professionals are stereotyped as inept social actors, it is actually very important for software engineers to possess good written and verbal communication skills. Most of their work will involve teammates with a variety of backgrounds, from fellow programmers to technical writers, marketers and project managers.
Employers usually require entry-level software engineers to possess bachelor's degrees, but an associate degree combined with work experience may sometimes be sufficient for a startup or a rapidly expanding company. Experience and continued education can enable a software engineer to advance to management or a top executive position.
Because technology changes quickly, it is essential for software engineers to remain current in their field. Graduate degrees are looked upon favorably (especially for management positions), though not required. Many software vendors, such as Microsoft, Java, and Cisco, offer certification programs to assist software engineers in their professional development.Not surprisingly, nearly all of these engineering degrees are available from online colleges and universities, as software and Web development become more tightly integrated.

The outlook for careers in software engineering is very favorable. The BLS expects software engineering to be one of the fastest-growing occupations over the next 10 years. Continued growth in the computer systems field and related industries should create more job opportunities for software engineers.

Successful Software Engineering Majors Have:

• Technical skills. During their college degree programs, software engineering majors should develop strong technical abilities through repeated exposure to a variety of new and traditional technologies. Students learn the principles of technical innovation by tracing the history of computers and software through to present systems and beyond.
  
  Software engineering majors often get the earliest opportunities to experiment with new technologies. Many technical innovations come from experiments at major engineering colleges and universities. The Internet allows students to quickly distribute their new software for peer review and testing. Based on the results, some software engineering majors start to enjoy their first tastes of professional acclaim while still attending classes.
• Problem-solving skills. Any strong software engineering degree program will teach students to think critically about the problems facing companies and consumers. By developing efficient solutions to common problems, software engineers continue our culture's constant innovation.
  
  Software engineering majors don't just solve problems in front of computer monitors, however. Many colleges and universities offer courses in logic, debate, and even game theory, to help tomorrow's software engineers expand their ability to leverage technology to resolve non-technical dilemmas.
• Interpersonal communication skills. Generally, software development requires a team effort. Many students who have hacked around on their own for years may find it challenging to collaborate with other developers on complex projects. Therefore, software engineering majors learn to interact with their peers and team leaders effectively.
  
  To prepare students for careers in corporate environments, many software engineering programs encourage students to participate in collaborative projects over the course of each semester. Whether part of inter-campus competitions or a school's public outreach agenda, these programs can unite students around complex problems, forcing them to learn to work as a team to tackle large software projects.
• Writing skills. Software engineers must also learn how to present their ideas and recommendations to non-technical colleagues. Software engineering majors learn the basics of corporate communications, including proper formats for departmental communication and project reports.
  
  Software engineers with entrepreneurial tendencies can benefit from courses in public relations. These added skills can help them write press releases and customer communications for their own fledgling companies. Regardless of the format, software engineers who can write well are tremendous assets to their companies.
• Oral presentation skills. While developing solutions for companies and customers, software engineers must often orally present suggestions or research findings to various groups within their organizations. Software engineering majors develop the ability to blend modern presentation tools with classic storytelling skills to engage audiences.
  
  Software engineering majors must be prepared to debate other team members about the inclusion of features into a software project, or justify changes to a project's budget or timeline. Many software engineers, especially those working at startup firms, often find themselves addressing audiences of potential investors or reporters. The most effective software engineers can explain their projects in plain language, without resorting to insider jargon.
• Accounting and budgeting skills. The exploding technology industry of the late 1980s and early 1990s revolutionized the roles of software engineers. Instead of working completely behind the scenes like their predecessors, today's software engineers must prepare to play a significant role in the financial stability of their companies.
  
  In small startup companies, software engineers must pinch pennies to meet deadlines under budget. When relying on small groups of investors, or even your own credit cards, to fund a venture, entrepreneurs must accurately predict the length of time it will take for a product to reach its market and generate revenue.
  
  In larger technology companies, software engineers must often manage their own budgets of funding and human resources. They must be able to assign team members to reasonable schedules and meet their deadlines without triggering expensive overtime charges or other staff expenses.

Because of these additional requirements, many software engineering programs (and employers) enroll their students in basic courses in accounting, business and time management. By balancing sound business skills with their technical abilities, software engineering majors can prepare themselves for what could be lucrative careers.

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