Top 10 Reasons to Become A Software Engineer
- Tony Camme
- July 26, 2023
As technology advances by leaps and bounds, day by day, there is a key component that ensures this evolution carries on happening: software.
Software engineers and developers have become indispensable in not only tech but also in other industries. From healthcare to finance, software systems are used to track patient data and secure bank ledgers. Software engineers – the architects of software – are the ones who shape applications, systems, and platforms that keep our digital world connected and advancing.
Nowadays, more and more industries are going digital. This digital revolution has created an increased demand for skilled software engineers to help businesses transition and transform their practices for the modern age.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment of software developers is projected to grow by 25% by 2031. In this article, we will explore the career prospects of software engineers and, ultimately, hammer down the 10 best reasons to become a software engineer today.
What is Software Engineering?
Software engineering is simply the art of creating, designing, testing, and maintaining software systems for various purposes. Our ultimate guide to software engineering goes into more detail, but this is the basic gist of it.
In general, software engineers utilize diverse programming and coding languages, tools, and tailored processes that enable tech to address real-world challenges. In collaboration with designers, project managers, advisors, and quality assurance experts, they craft and deploy software applications for various purposes.
For example, software engineers can be responsible for anything from writing the code that will make a website function properly to maintaining a cloud-based software like Salesforce.
Software Engineering in the Digital Age
Most technologies that we use nowadays are powered by some kind of software. Applications on our smartphones are programmed and coded by software engineers, and so too are artificial intelligence robots like Alexa or Siri. From communication and entertainment, to transportation and healthcare, software engineers are the architects of the technology that helps us live our lives more easily.
As technology continues to get more and more advanced, the role of a skilled software engineer becomes even more important. Software engineers provide consistent user experiences in complicated technological systems and can tackle complex challenges to come up with tailored, effective software solutions. By responding to demands of businesses and behaviours of individuals, software engineers help us integrate these technologies into our lives.
Our reliance on technology will only deepen as time goes on. Software engineers will be at the forefront of this advancement, shaping the future through code, driving innovation and progress. Without software engineers, our future would surely not be as bright.
Top 10 Benefits of Becoming a Software Engineer
The journey to become a software engineer offers a wide range of benefits. Here are the 10 biggest benefits to becoming a software engineer:
1. Skills are in high demand
Software engineers are in high-demand across various industries nowadays. As businesses increasingly become digitized, industries like retail and healthcare increasingly need software engineers to spearhead their cloud computing, big data, and analytics endeavours.
Other industries where software engineers are in high demand include research and development, business, IT services, high-tech industries, and even government. Each specific industry will require different skills and expertise, but with such high demand, there’s truly something for everyone.
2. Software engineering jobs pay well
Working as a software engineer, you can almost guarantee a comfortable, lucrative salary with plenty of room to grow. After all, your role sits at the forefront of tech innovation and growth – in today’s rapidly-evolving tech industry, you are indispensable.
The median yearly salary for an entry-level junior software engineer in the US is currently about $78,000/year. As you gain more experience, you can expect over $100,000/year in the US.
3. Exercise your creativity and problem-solving skills
When working with software, you are often writing code and using programming languages to find clever ways to solve problems that can be quite complex. If you are someone who enjoys intellectually-stimulating work and can think outside the box to tackle unique problems, software engineering is a great career choice.
This quality of software engineering keeps your brain sharp and, more importantly, keeps work engaging and interesting. No two days are the same, making your job a dynamic challenge that always keeps you on your toes.
4. The flexibility to work remotely
Whether you’re more suited for the office or enjoy working from home, many software engineering roles offer you the flexibility to choose. Nowadays, many remote-first companies offer flexible work hours too, meaning you can work from virtually anywhere, at any time.
A lot of software engineering work can be done on your own, so the freedom to make your own hours or choose where to work from can help you have better control over your work-life balance. You can still be a successful professional while also maintaining a healthy personal life.
5. Continuous learning – in Tech and Beyond
Becoming a software engineer means understanding the basic building blocks of how virtually all of our tech works. You learn how to code and how to use programming languages that make it easy to understand any new technological advancement that comes your way. This quality means that your skills will always remain relevant as you keep up with new breakthroughs and trends.
By knowing so much about tech, worlds of opportunities – in virtually any industry – are made available to you that otherwise might be completely inaccessible.
6. Software engineers make a global impact
Depending on your area of expertise as a software engineer, you will be responsible for developing software applications that improve efficiency and communication in many different industries. These include healthcare, education, and business, to name a few.
The impact of a software engineer is as personal as helping to build software that makes it easier to track your health through an app or device like a smartwatch. It can also be as wide as building software to help non-profits address problems like food scarcity and public health. Either way, software engineers can change the world for the better.
7. Versatile and transferable skills
Learning to become a successful software engineer opens doors in various fields and industries. As you master your craft, you can have the opportunity to explore diverse career paths far beyond traditional software development roles.
You can find yourself working as an app or game developer, but also as a web designer or in IT support. With fine-tuned software engineering skills, there are so many possibilities for career advancement and growth.
8. High rate of job satisfaction
US News recently named software developer the top job of 2023, when taking into account work-life balance, pay, and stress levels.
With the almost guaranteed growth of the software engineering field in the next decade, becoming a software engineer will not only help you stay employed, but there’s a good chance you’ll really enjoy your job, too.
9. Work in a highly-collaborative environment
Working as a software engineer often requires cross-departmental collaboration. You’ll find yourself working with web designers and SEO specialists on the marketing side of things, or IT and data analysts in tech.
By working together with other highly-skilled professionals, you can learn from each other and push each other to take the company you work for to the next level.
10. Opportunities for entrepreneurship
Software engineering skills can easily be applied to building your own business. After all, most of your role as a software engineer is building and maintaining systems. This is also true for entrepreneurs and business owners.
With skills like marketing, SEO, and management, you have the tools necessary to build a robust and successful business.
The benefits of becoming a software engineer extend far beyond any financial incentives. You can truly achieve personal fulfillment and have so many opportunities to grow by becoming a software engineer. In this ever-evolving digital landscape, those qualities are essential.
Intro to Software Engineering with ALX Global
Software engineering can be an intimidating field to dive into. With ALX Global’s Intro to Software Engineering online course, you can quickly learn the basic foundations that any aspiring software engineer needs to get started in the industry.
With self-paced, online modules that include real-world opportunities and hands-on experiences, you can be job-ready for an entry-level position in as little as 4 months.
During those 4 months, you will do a deep dive into the various aspects of software engineering through a rigorous curriculum. Let’s explore that in more detail:
Content and modules:
Each module in the course builds on the last. They are designed specifically to help you progress quickly and comfortably through essential topics.
You’ll first start with an Introduction to Software Engineering, which will lay the foundation for your overall learning journey. You’ll then spend time on the Software Development Life Cycle for a zoomed-out view of what software development entails. More specific modules include topics like: Object-Oriented Programming, Web Development, Database Management, Version Control Systems, and Software Testing.
As you progress through the modules week by week, you will start to put the pieces of the software engineering puzzle together. Each will provide you with in-depth knowledge and practical skills that will ultimately help you become a successful software engineer.
Skills acquired
After completing this Intro to Software Engineering course, you will be able to code proficiently using HTML, CSS, and Javascript. You will also be well-versed in several programming languages, including Java and Python. With these two skills alone, you will have the tools to develop robust software applications.
Additionally, you will know how to perform tasks like software testing, debugging, and how to deploy web and mobile applications.
Aside from these essential hard skills, the course also teaches collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills. These soft skills with complement the more technical skills to help you become a well-rounded software pro.
Potential entry-level jobs
As you graduate from our Intro to Software Engineering course, you will be qualified for entry-level positions as a software engineer. These roles are foundational positions that pave the way for further career growth and specialization.
Some potential job titles you could start applying for include:
- Software Developer
- Junior Software Engineer
- Web Developer
- Application Developer
- Quality Assurance Engineer
ALX Global’s Intro to Software Engineering course will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to embark on a successful career journey as a software engineer. With hands-on, experiential learning practices, you will be uniquely positioned to embrace new challenges in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
Find out more about how to future-proof your tech skills with ALX Global today.
Summary
Becoming a software engineer unlocks a world of exciting career opportunities, from lucrative career paths to the satisfaction of creating impactful solutions. As the demand for skilled software engineers continues to grow, becoming a software engineer today is a smart and forward-thinking choice.
We outlined 10 reasons why we think becoming a software engineer is worth it. Some of these include things like the ability to work remotely, high job satisfaction, and high average salaries. If you’re interested in becoming a software engineer, start by taking an online course with ALX Global. Sign up today!
FAQs
1. What are the benefits of becoming a software engineer?
Becoming a software engineer offers high demand and job opportunities, competitive salaries, creativity, and problem-solving challenges, along with the flexibility of remote work and continuous learning.
Additionally, it provides a global impact, versatile transferable skills, job satisfaction, a collaborative work environment, and even opportunities for entrepreneurship. Embracing a software engineering career unlocks a world of exciting prospects and personal fulfilment.
2. What is the career path of a software engineer?
The career path of a software engineer typically involves obtaining a relevant degree or certification, gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions, and then progressing to more specialised roles like senior software engineer, software architect, or team lead.
With continuous learning and staying updated on industry trends, software engineers can advance into managerial positions or explore entrepreneurship opportunities, shaping a successful and fulfilling career in the dynamic world of technology.
3. What is the most important skill a software engineer must have?
The most important skill a software engineer must have is problem-solving. Software engineers encounter complex challenges regularly and must efficiently identify and implement effective solutions.
Strong problem-solving skills enable them to analyse issues, devise creative approaches, and debug code efficiently. This ability ensures they can deliver high-quality software solutions and adapt to the ever-evolving demands of the tech industry.