Software Engineering as a Career

Information Technology in India has seen an enormous growth over the last decade. As technology continues to emerge in our daily lives, need of computer software is still on the rise. Software are being implemented almost everywhere today. 70% of the products we depend upon today are supported by software. From smart phones to human resource management, software are being used for a variety of applications worldwide.

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A Software Engineer hence plays a crucial role in the global technological advancement. A software engineer is a professional who develops computer software and applications for computer based devices like mobile phones, video games and security systems. Since IT plays a significant role in our daily lives and global business, there is an ever growing demand for developing new innovative software.

Who is a Software Engineer? A Software Engineer is a blend of advanced mathematical and programming skills. Using these skills, they are able to build procedures required for developing software. These software could be used by a person who doesn’t have any knowledge of programming. Some common examples of such software are mobile applications, database, video games etc.

Tasks and Responsibilities

The major task for a Software Engineer is to analyze the requirements of the client and then develop and deliver the software with all the desired features in the specified span of time. Some major tasks and responsibilities include:

• Understanding the project requirement specifications and then developing, delivering and managing software for clients.
• Developing Algorithms, Flow Charts and Work Breakdown Structures.
• Performing testing and debugging.
• Working collaboratively with the other team members to develop new software as well as to update existing software.
• Handling and updating databases.
• Following the entire Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
• Developing code and preparing documentation for the software.
• Building a sample model of the software and testing that model for compatibility issues and bugs.

Skills Required

To become a software engineer one might have pursued a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent diploma in Computer Science or any other IT related fields. Apart from an educational qualification in computer systems, a person must have a specific skill set: Programming Skills

Programming skills are the foundation for software development. Here are some of them:

• Knowledge and training certification in at least one of the high level programming languages like Java, .Net, C, C++, C#, Visual Basic etc.
• Knowledge of Software Development Life Cycle.
• Good documentation skills.
• Knowledge of HTML, XML and CSS.
• Knowledge of Data Structures.
• Knowledge of Object Oriented Programming and its concepts like Inheritance, Encapsulation and Abstraction.
• Knowledge of software validation, testing and debugging.

Note: The major programming languages in the current market are Ruby on Rails, Javascript, Objetive C, Python, Java and Asp.Net. Database Skills Data is important. Data handling skills are therefore a must for every Software Engineer. Here are some:

• Knowledge of Database Management Systems like My Sql, Sql Server and Oracle.
• Knowledge of normalization in databases.
• Knowledge of basic Queries and Constraints in databases.
• Knowledge of joins and schema in databases.
• Knowledge of backup and recovery.

Note: “Big Data” is one of the major emerging database technologies in the current market. Tools like Hadoop have a great demand in the level 1 IT companies. For more information on Big Data click here. Analytical and Mathematical skills A majority of major MNCs and lower level companies conduct aptitude tests to check the mathematical and analytical skills of the candidate. Here are some skills you must have:

• Strong quantitative aptitude.
• Strong logical reasoning skills.
• Good analytical skills.

Other skills include good communication and writing skills, adaptability to any working environment, interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, listening skills etc. 

Career Outlook and Job Prospects

Software Engineering is a fast-growing career with a great future scope. Software engineers are involved in a variety of areas including software development, testing, debugging, project management etc.  They might start out with writing code but their career path can progress to senior positions like Team Leaders and Project Managers. According to the most recent statistics the overall demand for Software Engineers is expected to rise by 35% from 2013 to 2020. The reason behind this is the ever increasing usage of the Internet and the increasing complexity in data handling. Some of the major software providing IT companies in India are TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCL and Accenture. The salaries of Software Engineers may vary depending on skills and experience. Here are some job profiles related to a software engineer:

• Software Developer
• Software Tester
• Software Architect
• Software Programmer
• Senior Software Developer/Tester/Architect/Programmer
• Validations Engineer
• IT Team Leader
• IT Project Manager

Being entitled as one of the 50 Best Careers (in a survey conducted in the US), Software Engineering is an emerging career with a great future scope. If you love computers and programming, becoming a Software Engineer could be an excellent career choice for you.