The role of a software engineer is to ensure the smooth running of software and IT systems, both package and cloud based. A career in software engineering spans coding, technical documentation, testing and ultimately, deployment. If you want a job that’s constantly evolving, with multiple opportunities, then software testing could be for you.
As a software engineer you will assume different roles depending on what company you work for or the sort of product or service you are working on. Software engineering is a highly technical job that requires a good grasp of software and hardware and cloud based systems, along with a strong numerate ability and a knowledge of object based coding languages.
Roles and responsibilities of software engineers include:
- Developing documentation and flowcharts to identify requirements and solutions
- Planning and implement different software development life cycles
- Producing specifications for each project and and determine what is possible
- Being able to write functional and testable code
- Integrating software into systems and troubleshoot andy issues
- Overseeing and plan quality assurance and verification processes
- Documenting and maintaining software functionality
- Performing system and software upgrades, repairs, patches and debugs
- Ensuring client satisfaction and that project meets client
- Complying with project plans and industry standards and ensure that the software is updated with latest features
As in most tech environments, the role of a software engineer is a highly collaborative one. You will liaise with those in the development, sales, UX and management aspects of the business, in addition to many others. Some of the other roles you would expect to work frequently alongside include:
- Cloud computing engineer
- UX designer
- Mobile app developer
- SQL programmer
- Java developer
- IT analyst
- Customer support specialist
- Systems administrator
- Security specialist
- Computer programmer
- .Net developer
- SAP developer
- Python developer
What professional qualifications you will need
Software engineers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, but most commonly they have a degree in computer science or programming, maths, or a related numerate or scientific field. Due to the scope of the role, software engineers need familiarity with a wide range of object based coding languages, such as C++, C#, SAP, Java and .Net. In addition to academic qualifications, work experience an internship or an entry-level position at an established software company or in the IT department of a large company to learn from experienced software engineers. Software engineers frequently begin their career as programmers and work their way up to establishing themselves as software engineers.
How your career can develop
Due to the continuing evolution of software, continuous professional development and learning is vital for software engineers in order to maintain relevance in this fast moving area of business and technology. As your skills as a software engineer develop, you will frequently become involved in the architecture and design process for software systems. There are many travel opportunities in this sector, due to its global nature, but demands are high and the workload can be heavy so bear that in mind when considering any international opportunities. With plenty of job opportunities out there, what will distinguish a top class software engineer from others is creativity, being easy to work with, a good communicator and always looking to learn something new.