When you start a career in IT, you are sure of one thing – you need to sweat, put in an effort in training, and have intelligence above average. A good software engineer is a fantastic Superman, right? But no.
According to the Statista website, 42.37 percent of software developers have had a bachelor’s degree, and just under 21 percent have received a master’s degree in one form or another as of 2021. In addition, just over three percent have received some doctorate.
At the same time, it is well known that a high level of intelligence gives you can solve problems faster than others, see things that others cannot see, or perhaps anticipate some issues earlier than others but does not help you write good code.
What, besides intelligence, does it take to become a good software engineer? Let’s figure it out.
1. Have a clear goal
If you dream of a software engineer career, you need to define your ultimate goal clearly. Do you want to get the maximum payment for your work? Get another higher position? Or open your own company with IT developers? You must have this goal in mind and go towards it according to the plan. Presenting the ultimate goal will help you solve problems on the way to it and not give up when difficult.
2. Choose the language and technology to study
You will undoubtedly need different skills to become a software engineer. However, you should learn at least a couple of languages and have a deeper understanding of how they will work. There is no consensus on which languages are most helpful. Talent Garden writes that in 2021 Javascript, Python, and C++ remain in the top three most popular programming languages.
3. Try not to copy someone else’s code
One of the biggest mistakes software engineers make is: copying and pasting someone else’s code into your project. The problem with copying someone’s code is that you don’t learn much, you just take some code here and duplicate it there, and you miss out on all the essential details in those pieces of code that you copy all over the place.
If you want to truly master a programming language, you need to start writing code yourself. Only in this way will you learn to be fluent in the languages, libraries, or frameworks that you use in your day-to-day work as a developer. Of course, as you get more experienced, you can relax this rule and avoid unnecessary work if it is of no use.
4. Get a degree in computer science or a related field
Undoubtedly, you will have to master at least basic knowledge of IT to start your career here.
To start a career in software engineering, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree or have completed several certified courses.
Specializing in Computer Science will provide you with the most rewarding background for software development. Interviewers will ask questions about data structures and algorithms. Thus, the theoretical knowledge gained from traditional computer science degrees will best prepare you for this.
5. Set aside time for daily learning about the latest in the IT field
The IT field is a fast-paced environment where things are constantly growing and evolving, so you also need to keep moving. IT knowledge is never enough, and you have to come to terms with it if you want to become an excellent specialist.
Forbes writes that agility and flexibility are strategic benefits for IT organizations as well as technology and capital. And no one can hardly overestimate the value of this advice.
6. Look for IT communities and developer forums
At first, as a software engineer, you will have more questions than answers. It is very important to have a source of inspiration and communicate with those who faced similar problems at the start of their careers. You should find forums and IT communities that are constantly updated with information, and developers communicate and exchange experiences and pieces of code. It is essential to stay on top of the wave and keep abreast of the latest trends and news in the area.
All schools provide theoretical concepts and ways of thinking that may be important to your success. But there is nothing better than practicing and studying the mistakes of other specialists.
7. Study the code of experienced developers
Another rewarding aspect of becoming a software engineer is learning to read someone else’s code. You can easily do this by visiting sites like the GitHub repositories and looking at the documentation.
However, sometimes the documentation goes wrong as well, but most of the source code on these sites is accurate. Therefore, by learning to read this code, you will be able to understand how a particular program works. Such experience will significantly help you in becoming a professional.
8. Create your project
The theory isn’t everything. You will need to create your practical project. This way you will not only improve your training but also find a potential employer. Plus, it will be easier for you to show the employer your specific experience with a ready-made project, and it will be easier to pass an interview.
9. Prepare for the interview
Any software development company is looking for a self-confident specialist in their field. Prepare a good resume and create your profile on job search sites. Thus, you will show yourself an open person ready for dialogue.
Also, upgrade your verbal interview skills: for this, you can ask a more experienced software engineer to interview you to practice. It will give you the confidence to do an actual job interview.
10. Submit your resume and look for your dream job
Now when you get to this step, you will already have a theoretical and practical component of your skills. You will have something to say and show in the interview, and your confidence will be supported by communication with like-minded people. Feel free to look for your dream job and submit your resume to it. After all, you are now ready!
To Sum Things Up
Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/FCHlYvR5gJI
The concept of a good software engineer encompasses key ideas:
- be flexible and capable of learning
- know in the chosen field
- apply knowledge on practical projects
- constantly learn new things
Set your own goals and go towards them. Every day compare yourself with yourself yesterday – what has changed, what have you added to your knowledge box, what problems have you learned to solve. That is how to succeed and become an outstanding software engineer. Good luck!
Author’s bio: Anastasiia Lastovetska is a technology writer at MLSDev, a software development company that builds web & mobile app solutions from scratch. She researches the area of technology to create great content about app development, UX/UI design, tech & business consulting.