How to Become a Software Engineer: A Comprehensive Guide to the Skills and Knowledge Necessary for the Field

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• [toc headings="h2,h3" title="Table of Contents"] Software engineers are in high demand. There were more than 1.6 million jobs in the field in 2021 and more than 400,000 more are expected to be added in the next decade, a 25% growth rate that's significantly higher than the overall job market. Salaries are on the rise, as well, with a median pay of $109,000 across the profession in 2021 and those with niche skills in machine learning or virtual reality earning an average salary of $160,000 or higher across the United States. For those who want to take advantage of these opportunities and start a career as a software engineer, getting trained in the key skills for the role is the first step. Let's take a closer look at what education you need to become a software engineer and take advantage of these ample job opportunities.

• What is software engineering?

• Software engineers develop, test, and deploy computer applications by applying engineering principles. This disciplined and orderly approach to software development allows software engineers to make targeted improvements to the quality, efficiency, and overall effectiveness of programs they develop. The field of software engineering is older than many people realize. The first software was created in the 1950s, though these early programs were unreliable and inconsistent. The term software engineer came into common use in the mid-1960s, when the NATO Science Committee held its first international conference on the emerging profession. Software engineering is a broader field than similar programming career paths like web development or software development. While a software developer or web developer also uses code to create applications and programs, they're typically focused on a specific aspect of the projects they work on. Software engineers, on the other hand, look at the big picture of the problems the software is designed to solve and the best way to arrive at that solution using programming languages and engineering principles.

• Types of software engineering

• Because they take a big-picture view, software engineers are involved in every phase of the software development process. This can include the initial planning of the project, the development and testing of the application, its implementation and integration, and the ongoing quality control, debugging, introduction of new features, and improvement of the program after its launch. As you might expect, there are a lot of different roles that software engineers can take in a company, and an equal variety of tasks they might undertake in an average day. Here are a few of the specific roles you're likely to encounter in the field.

• Backend engineer

• These professionals create the core components that are a part of a mobile app, website, or software program. Basically, they're the ones who design and develop the functional framework that drives the program's functions behind the scenes of components like the user interface and other features. It's an ideal role for engineers with a logical mind who are interested in the coding and functionality of software, rather than the more creative, visual aspects on the front end.

• Frontend engineer

• These engineers develop the interface that users of the program engage with to use its features and functions. This includes the graphics, text, interface layout, and other elements of the user experience. You may also see this role under other job titles specific to the type of software being developed, such as a mobile developer or web developer. All of these jobs are well-suited for engineers who are creative and have design skills along with programming knowledge and abilities.

• Full stack engineer

• Also called a stack developer, these engineers are versatile and able to develop both the frontend and backend of software programs. That capability to create both user-facing and backend architecture of the program make them very valuable for companies. Engineers with a mix of business logic, creativity, and adaptability are ideally suited to roles as a full stack engineer.

• Operations system engineer

• These engineers manage the software systems of an organization, making it one of the more collaborative and interdisciplinary roles for engineering professionals. They usually help to plan what software the company needs, then oversee its development, implementation, integration, and ongoing maintenance. Normally, this will be a more senior role within an engineering team, and are often responsible for training others in the company how to use the new program and troubleshooting issues in addition to their role in building an organization's software architecture.

• DevOps engineer

• DevOps is short for development and operations, and that's a good overview of what these engineers do. These professionals help coordinate the development and operations teams in a business, applying engineering principles to develop, deploy, improve, and maintain the software systems used by an organization. In addition to programming languages, they need to be familiar with cloud storage applications, as well as developer tools like Kubernetes, Jenkins, and Docker.

• Embedded system engineer

• Also called a software integration engineer, these professionals occupy the intersection of software engineering and electrical engineering. They work with software designed specifically for use in electronics, appliances, and other devices, such as the software systems of a car or the program driving smart TVs, wearables like FitBits and digital watches, or household appliances like microwaves, coffee makers, or vacuum cleaners. This is the ideal role for someone with technical expertise in both the software and hardware aspects of these devices, and it's closely related to hardware engineering.

• Compiler engineer

• These professionals specialize in compilers, which are programs that translate high-level programming languages like Python and Java into numerical, machine-readable code that can be processed by a computer. This is a niche role that's less common than the three types above, and is best for engineers who are detail-oriented and highly-skilled with computer programming languages like Java, C, and C++. Familiarity with hardware is beneficial, too, since compilers frequently work closely with hardware engineers.

• Data science engineer

• Also known as data scientists, these engineers use data analytics principles to identify trends and patterns in large amounts of data, then use that information to create actionable insights their organization can use to improve their systems or customer offerings. Strong math skills are key for data scientists, along with understanding of machine learning, statistical analysis, and databases like MySQL and MongoDB.

• Security engineer

• The cybersecurity side of engineering, this is another role with multiple names, including "white hat" hackers or ethical hackers. They use engineering and hacking principles to identify vulnerabilities and security flaws in a software program, then apply their engineering knowledge to fix these issues and maintain the security of the program for the end user. These professionals need strong problem-solving and analytical skills, as well as understanding of concepts like reverse engineering.

• AI engineer

• A relatively new position in the software engineering world, these professionals are increasingly in demand as more organizations use machine learning and artificial intelligence. These engineers build models that drive AI applications. Like data scientists, they work with large volumes of data, though they're less concerned with data analysis and are more interested in using that data to train machine learning models that can be converted into an application programming interface (API). In addition to coding and programming abilities, these professionals need strong knowledge of AI algorithms and development tools like PyTorch and TensorFlow.

• Fundamental skills for software engineering

• Each of the types and niches of software engineering mentioned above has its own unique set of necessary skills. Having said that, there are also some core skill sets that will be needed in just about any area of software engineering, whether you're working on a web application or designing software products to sell to customers. Here are some of the fundamentals for software developers across roles.

• Coding skills

• Something that all types of software engineers have in common is that they write, analyze, edit, or otherwise work with computer code. In the job search platform Hired's 2021 State of Software Engineering report, the most used programming languages across the engineering profession are Python, JavaScript, Java, Go, and Ruby. Other in-demand coding skills include knowledge of Redux.js, React.js, and Google Cloud and AWS environments. This does vary depending on where the engineer is in their career. For example, among mid-level engineers with 6-10 years of experience, the most in-demand languages are Go, Scala, TypeScript, and Kaitlin. The website Coding Dojo, meanwhile, identifies Python, SQL, Java, JavaScript, and C as the most in-demand languages for 2023. The engineer's role is a factor here, too. Frontend developers and web developers are more likely to need languages like CSS and HTML, for example, which aren't likely to be employed by those in backend roles. Engineers can also benefit from knowledge of development frameworks like Django and Git.

• Database management

• Engineers across areas need to work with large volumes of data, particularly those in data science and AI/ML engineering. Those who work with relational databases need knowledge of Structured Query Language (SQL) and database management solutions like Cassandra. Similar skillsets include database administration and development of database applications using Microsoft SQL Server, Access, MySQL, or Oracle.

• Data analysis

• In addition to managing the data stored in a database, engineers need to be able to make sense of this information, and that's where data analysis skills come into play. Software engineers across roles need at least a working knowledge of data analytics software based in Apache Hadoop, including platforms like Hive, HBase, or MapReduce. This allows engineers to build and improve the information systems used by other professionals.

• Knowledge of operating systems

• The applications and software designed by engineers need to run correctly on the operating system that colleagues or end users have on their computers. There are a number of operating systems out there, and which ones are most common vary between industries and organizations. For end users, Microsoft Windows and Apple's macOS are the most common for computers, while developers of mobile apps will need to have a firm understanding of Android and iOS. Engineers also often work with Linux, UNIX, and Solaris operating systems on the backend side.

• Machine learning

• While this skillset is most critical for data science and AI engineers, it's helpful for a programmer in any niche to have at least a basic understanding of machine learning algorithms, data modeling, and how these concepts apply to the development and use of software programs. As the use of artificial intelligence expands across industries, knowledge of data structures and modeling will become increasingly important, giving engineers new ways to create actionable value from the data available to an organization.

• Mathematics and statistics

• Statistical analysis is a core skill for engineers who work with big data. Algorithm structures, Boolean algebra, and other software development concepts are also based in math, so while most engineers only need to use basic mathematical equations in their day-to-day responsibilities, a math or statistics background is helpful to have on your resume as an engineer.

• Soft skills for software engineers

• In addition to the technical skills highlighted above, there are some soft skills that employers look for when they're hiring engineers for their team. Communication is at the top of this list. While engineers often work independently, they also need to prepare documentation of their work, or share information with colleagues who don't have a technical background. The ability to express high-level technology concepts in everyday language is a definite plus in the engineering field, and those in senior positions will often also be responsible for training and coordinating other engineers working on a project. Critical thinking, problem solving, and logical thinking skills are also at the top of the list for engineers. A small error can cause a big problem when you're working in a programming language. The ability to work through that issue to find its source is very beneficial for troubleshooting these errors. Engineers are often presented with novel problems, too, and need to build a technology solution to them from scratch, another area where critical thinking comes into play.

• Degrees and education for software engineering

• Having a college education is necessary to build a career in software engineering for the vast majority of people. In 2022, 73% of currently-employed software engineers held a Bachelor's degree, while 20% held a Master's degree. Only 4% had an Associate's degree as their highest education, and only 1% secured a role with only a high school diploma. While you'll only need a Bachelor's degree to land most software engineering roles, a higher level of education does usually translate to higher earnings. The median salary increases by nearly $10,000 for engineers with a Master's degree compared to those whose highest education is a Bachelor's degree. Those with a Doctorate saw a similar increase in earnings, with a median annual salary of $116,342, compared to $107,227 for those with a Master's level of education. Software engineers have more flexibility when it comes to the specific type of degree they earn and what courses they take during their studies. You can earn a degree in software engineering at many universities, and this curriculum gives students a thorough foundation of the methodologies, processes, and current industry best practices. Other degree options include computer science, mathematics, information technology, and similar STEM fields. Consider your career goals when choosing a degree program. A more general technology degree like computer science can be a more flexible option for learners who aren't sure yet which kind of technology career they want to have. On the other hand, if your commitment to software engineering is high, going that route with your education will give you the most thorough training for your chosen career track. For a beginner who wants to learn the basics of software development, a coding bootcamp can be a good starting point. These programs teach programming beginners how to use common programming languages in a professional context, and most also come with career advice, resources, and connections to companies currently hiring. While not every employer will consider a bootcamp to be equivalent education to a college degree, these programs do have some advantages. They're significantly cheaper than a 4-year degree program, for one thing, typically costing around $15,000-$20,000 for the entire course. They can also be completed in as little as 12 weeks, and often are fully or primarily online, so they're easier to fit into the average person's schedule. Best colleges has a list of the best software engineering bootcamps if you're considering this option.

• Software engineering certifications

• Taking college classes is just one way to learn the skills and knowledge you'll need to succeed as a software engineer. There are several certifications you can earn that can help you make faster career progress by verifying your existing skills or adding new ones to your toolbox. The best engineering certifications are those that give students hands-on experience in addition to classroom learning. Many include a training course or self-guided study materials. To get certified, professionals typically need to pass an exam, usually a multiple-choice style test with 150-200 questions that must be answered in 3-4 hours. Here are the three certifications that are most in-demand currently for software engineers.

• Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP)

• Offered by: IEEE Computer Society Cost: $395 for IEEE members, $495 for nonmembers This advanced certification is one of the most in-demand among software engineer employers. Two years of professional experience are recommended before taking it, though this isn't a prerequisite. CSDP certification demonstrates proficiency in the design, construction, and testing of engineering projects. The IEEE also offers an Associate Software Developer certification for early-career professionals who want to demonstrate their basic knowledge of software development.

• Certified Software Engineer (CSE)

• Offered by: The Institute of Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP) Cost: $394 The CSE certification from the ICCP is earned by taking three exams: Information Systems Core, Software Engineering, and Object-Oriented Analysis and Design. Between them, these tests verify you have the full range of knowledge and skills you'll need in a software engineering career. Professional experience is required to qualify, on a sliding scale from two to five years depending on the level of certification you're looking for.

• Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP)

• Offered by: (ISC)2 Cost: $599 CSSLP certification demonstrates an engineer's ability to follow cybersecurity best practices in their engineering projects by identifying vulnerabilities and safeguarding against breaches. It covers eight security domains in total across all phases of the SDLC from design to deployment. The three certifications above are all broadly applicable to the profession of software engineering. You can also get certified in using specific platforms and languages that are commonly used by software engineers. These options include:

  • AWS Certified Developer - Training and verification in the use of Amazon Web Services to create and deploy cloud-based apps.
  • C Certified Professional Programmer - Verifies your ability to use this popular programming language for software engineers. There is a similar certification in the C++ derivative of the language.
  • Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect - Demonstrates expertise in building cloud or hybrid applications in the Azure cloud computing platform.
  • Oracle Certified Master (OCM) - An advanced certification in database administration using Oracle software, hardware, and cloud-based applications.
  • Salesforce Administrator - Demonstrates proficiency in creating and managing Salesforce implementations.

• Finding your path to a software engineering career

• There are multiple paths you can take to acquire the full set of skills and knowledge you'll need to succeed as a software engineer. For those just starting their careers, getting a four-year degree in a relevant field is the most reliable way to land your first role. On the other hand, if you already have some experience in an IT or tech role, a coding bootcamp or certification course is a faster, more affordable way to either gain these skills or prove that you have them to employers. Whichever way you go, there are plenty of jobs to go around in this growing profession.