What’s it like to be a Software Engineer?
Being a software engineer isn’t all about writing code; it’s a creative process that involves working with other people, and using critical thinking and problem solving skills to create the products we all take for granted.
What does the role involve?
A Software Engineer is responsible for building the software and products used by end users. This could be anything from a mobile app to a banking application, and can include lots of different technology to make it work. At the core of being a software engineer is the ability to program - most software relies on someone using a programming language to write the functions and features the software will exhibit. Like painting a picture, you need to be able to take ideas and requirements and implement them - this means that as a software engineer you will find yourself spending time talking to people, using creative and thinking skills to imagine and design what the software will do, and working with other people to improve and debug the software.
Here are just some of the things you might get involved in as a software engineer:
Working with stakeholders to understand their requirements
Working with the team to design the end product
Reading, understanding and editing other people’s code, as well as writing your own code
Collaborating with other software engineers to edit and build new software
Using a range of technology and services to build, run and deploy products
Solving problems, debugging code
Why it might be the role for you
Software Engineering is fundamentally a technical role that involves programming and using technology. If you like analytical things, solving problems and thinking logically, coupled with the creative and people aspects described above, software engineering might be for you.
The range of technology, programming languages and tools you can come across can easily mean you will be learning new things for years to come. It can be a great role for people who like to learn and play with new technical things, especially if you really like to spend time getting into the details of technology. Becoming highly skilled in programming and technology can be a lifelong hobby as well as a role!
How to start a career as a Software Engineer
Getting a junior software engineering role in the industry can be a challenge. Even with a Computer Science or STEM degree, it can still be tricky to find an organisation that’s willing to take a risk on someone with no experience. If you don’t have a relevant degree it can be even trickier, but certainly not impossible.
A common option for people, even those without a relevant degree, is to use a training programme that gives you all the knowledge and skills required to get started in the role.
How can we help?
At Corecom Technology Academy we provide an industry leading training and client project programme to help you start your career as a software engineer, providing you with practical hands-on training on all the technology, processes, programming and more that you’ll need to get started, followed by a role in the industry on one of our client’s projects. We also provide you with all the support you need to build a long term career in the industry.