Morshed The world of technology is exponentially growing at an unprecedented pace as new and latest technologies emerge in the market almost every day! As a result, computer science and software engineering are two of the most hyped-up professions today.
According to The Muse, 6 out of 15 most in-demand jobs are directly or indirectly related to software engineering! This includes:
- Web Developers
- Data Scientists
- Information Security Analysts
- Software Developers
- Information Systems Manager
- Database Administrator
Moreover, colleges around the world have observed a massive surge in entry merits as many applicants apply for degrees in computer science and related fields, making it one of the most sought-after career paths!
So why are so many people opting for this? Today, we will be taking a look at why you should choose a job in tech and what your career can look like!
- What is So Great About Software Development as a Career?
- How to Switch Your Career to Software Development
What is So Great About Software Development as a Career?
Software developers work with programming languages and related technical tools to find reliable and innovative solutions to solve problems faced in daily life!
I have already given a brief overview of the rising demand for computer science as a career and here are the reasons why you should switch your career as well (if you have interest!)
#1 No Specific Degree Requirements
The world of software engineering has observed a massive change in the recent past! The industry is filled with people who are excellent at programming but do not have a CS or SE degree.
Nowadays, a huge number of companies, including big names such as Google, Facebook, and Amazon, do not seek only degree holders in software engineering positions but are more focused on the skill set of an individual.
Hence, to shift your career, you do not need to go through college again! You can be a software engineer regardless of the career you currently have.
#2 Many Job Openings
Some popular professions, such as mechanical and civil engineering, have observed increased unemployment rates and decreasing demand. However, software development is on the safe side!
The technology business is in a booming stage, and all other businesses depend on it! There are a great number of employment openings in this field, and the competition is not yet fierce enough.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is an expected growth of around 22% in software engineer’s employment by the year 2030.
#3 The Salaries are Great
When I say companies value software engineers and developers, I mean it! Software development is now considered one of the highest-paying jobs around the world.
According to Indeed, a job-seeking platform, in the United States, an average software developer makes around 119,623 dollars annually! Other than that, software engineers in big companies also enjoy benefits such as the latest tech gadgets and insurance coverage.
#4 Project-Oriented Approach
Unlike other professions, software development adopts a very systematic, project-oriented approach.
Developers are assigned specific tasks to complete by a certain deadline, and these modular tasks contribute to creating a complete project. This makes a software engineer’s job pretty straightforward and consistent.
How to Switch Your Career to Software Development
Software engineering might look difficult at a glance, and obtaining a college degree in this field isn’t a piece of cake either. So how can you join the market as a software developer? Well, work hard on your skills!
In the software industry, your skills pave the way to success!
Employers look out for those who can get the work done regardless of their academic and professional backgrounds. You should adopt the following techniques to make your career shift in a positive direction:
#1 Work on your technical skills
Being adept at what you do is something that matters in the tech industry. A software engineer is supposed to work with code; hence, they should have a good understanding of that!
Here are some steps one should take to improve their skills:
- Choose a Programming Language: The first step towards your journey in software development should be learning a specific language. I would recommend going for Python or JavaScript, as they are easy and widely used.
- Try doing things on your own: Initially, you can use YouTube or other online platforms to learn concepts and build projects. However, it goes without saying that you must try resolving problems on your own. That’s where true learning will begin!
- Practice, Practice, and Practice: Keep yourself active in programming, and try solving as many problems as you can on platforms like Leetcode. This will make your problem-solving skills substantially better.
#2 Create a Portfolio
To make yourself a noteworthy candidate for employers, you should have worked on several projects. Personal projects are a perfect way to showcase your skills and the quality of your work.
- Start small: Go for basic projects that you can do. Try making a to-do list app or cloning a website. Look out for beginner projects on the Internet.
- Use Version Control: To blend in with the industry standard, keep yourself immersed in using Github. Upload your projects to Github so that you can easily link them to your CV.
- Publish Your Work: Use the power of social media to maximize your potential outreach! Show off your hard work by sharing your progress with friends, family, and followers.
#3 Get Certifications
#4 Revamp your Resume
To get your first job in a software development role, you need to put extra effort into your resume! Make sure to follow these steps to make your Resume shine:
- Make your Resume ATS-compliant, as most tech companies use automated systems for shortlisting applicants.
- Attach your portfolio and link the code bases of your projects.
- Include links to your certifications in your resume.
Wanting a better career with a better salary and job prospects? Now is the right time to jump into the software industry.
No matter what background you have, shifting towards software development is always an option. Make sure to keep in mind the valuable tips mentioned above and never stop practicing and improving your skills!
