Advantages of Being a Software Developer

Can you imagine your life without mobile phones, healthcare facilities, transport systems or electricity? Neither can we. Technology has emerged as a crucial component of our daily lives and has provided us with the luxurious lifestyle that today we all enjoy. But do you know who works endlessly hard to deliver us these technology services? These are the unknown heroes called software developers that operate computer programs and make your electronic devices function accordingly. Some develop applications for computers, tabloids, cellphones, while others develop the underlying systems that help run the devices or control networks.

Who are software developers?

Software developers design and execute entire software programs and are responsible for managing, operating and function its performance. Without them, you wouldn’t be able to use mobile apps, play video games or your homework research on computers. They provide assistance and support to technicians, engineers, and technologists and share their knowledge and expertise with them.

They have a big hand in supporting; cyber operations gather and analyze data intelligence, provide customer services to patients and the list goes on. Without them, the entire technical world would collapse.

They are skilled in C++, ASP.NET, SQL, Java, Python, Ruby Javascript, API design, data management, C, C++, C#, Perl, and PHP, and know how to develop robust codes for business. Following is a quick overview of some of the key work they do:

• Help build infrastructure for millions of client files
• Reduce security breaches for customers
• Build data storage solutions for several high volume businesses
• Operate, maintain and improve performance of software development life cycles
• Implement designs, including experimentation and multiple iterations
• Prepare detailed reports concerning projects specifications and activities
• Consult regularly with customers and clients on project status, proposals and technical issues
• Evaluate interference with hardware and software
• Provide networking and desktop support

Top advantages of becoming a software developer

High market demand

As the world is becoming more digital and technology dependent day by day, the demand for software developers is drastically increasing.  Computers and digital technology have emerged as a crucial part of our daily lives, and this field is rapidly expanding. New and emerging industries are highly dependent on technology, and the reliance on mobile technology is surging at a fast pace.

The best part is that almost all industries require software developers, so you have the flexibility to choose to work in your favorite industry. You can pursue careers in a vast variety of industries such as technology, healthcare, automotive manufacturing, green energy, remote sensing, finance and aeronautics, military, and the list never ends!

Future scope

Our future is projected to embrace artificial intelligence, robots, enterprise solutions with custom programming languages for data handling, statistical and analytical analysis, operating and functioning, cyber security and the list goes on. New large-scale space missions are expected to initiate that require assistance from software developers. That will not just open up opportunities for software developers but also for millions of engineers that will be dependent again on software developers for support, technical guidance, and integrate solutions and innovative ideas with one another.

High pay salary

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment growth for software developers is expected to increase by 19% between 2014 and 2024, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. In fact, software developers are ranked #2 in Best Technology Jobs and #13 in The 100 Best Jobs. In US they have an unemployment rate of 2.0% and have a high pay rate with most companies offering bonuses, paid leave, free medical facilities and many more. Silicon Valley has become a tech-hub, where capital-backed technology investments are booming into startups, offering even entry-level candidates up to $100,000 per year.

Here’s a quick overview for companies with highest paying salary for software developers:

• eBay $113,549
• Oracle $116,514
• Microsoft $116,967
• Intel $117,643
• Amazon $118,121
• Yahoo $125,366
• Apple $138,300
• Google $164,683
• LinkedIn $170,839
• Facebook $177,014

Interactive work environment

It is a great pathway that involves collaboration with teamwork, meeting with clients, discussing issues with clients, product managers, testers and working with programmers and engineers. Yes, that means you don’t have to sit all day in front of your screen. Instead, you will have a complete balanced work-life. Offices are designed with cozy, high-quality computer laboratories that provide a comfortable work environment. Most work at least 40 hours a week or even more depending on the number of projects and deadlines.

Do you want to become a software developer?

Have you recently discovered an interest and passion towards software development and you think it’s too late to pursue a career in this field? Don’t lose hope, it’s never too late! No matter how old you are and even if you completed your education years ago, you could still achieve your dream of becoming a successful software developer.

In fact, 44% of software developers in the US have no related academic qualification for being a developer. Statistics have shown 41% have a Bachelor degree in Computer Science, 12% have a Master’s degree in related field, and only 2% have a Ph.D. in the relevant subject.

How can you become a software developer without relevant academic qualification?

With passion, true commitment, and clear goals nothing can stop you from becoming a software developer. It will be a little tougher than people who have relevant academic background and experience but doable! Firstly you will need DIY training that is simply available online. Teach yourself how to self-code by taking online lessons and courses. They are 100% reliable and user- friendly. Following is a list of useful self-teach code resources that we recommend:

• code.org
• codeacademy.com
• w3schools.com
• Codeproject.tv
• pluralsight.com/training/products/individual

For beginners, it will take a bit longer, but once you get used to the programming languages, you wouldn’t want to stop learning it. Next improve your skills by building a great portfolio by volunteering for non-profit organizations, small startup companies and contribute to be an open source. Keep practicing and start reading other people’s codes.

Find an online community by creating your website or blog to inspire others with your achievements and accomplishments. Make a game, a chat program or an app and keep practicing. Congrats you have officially become a software developer! It’s hard to believe, but yes it is that simple.

Finally, now you can choose how you want to use your software skills in the market and bring change to people’s lives. The options are myriad.

Academic qualifications that will land you a software developer job

Having a degree in Computer studies/science or IT related field is the most traditional way of perusing a career in software development. After your graduation, and even during graduation hunt for internship opportunities even if they are unpaid. A good internship experience will look robust on your CV and increase the chances of landing you a high salary job in one of the most well-known corporations. Entry-level CS major candidates in the US had an average of $60,594 per annum in 2011, which increases eventually as you gain experience.

Where can you work as a software developer?

1. WORK FOR A LARGE CORPORATION

You can work for a large corporation; in any industry or field you can think off. Worry not! Large Corporations will be super impressed by your self-learning and training. In fact, nowadays companies dig beyond qualifications and academic degrees.  They focus on things you have done outside your degree and search for skills that include engineering, technology, operational analysis, critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, mathematics, customer service, time management, people’s management, and most importantly your passion.

Most companies require specific technology skills so make sure you have many as possible such as follows:

• IIS
• JIRA
• VMWare
• SharePoint
• Citrix Server
• Remote Desktop
• Rational Robot
• SQL/Oracle databases
• Rational TestComplete
• MS Office Technologies
• Windows Operating Systems
• Rational Jazz Suite (RRC, RTC, RQM)

2. WORK AS A FREELANCER

You can also work as a freelancer, which provides you with an open choice to work with your favorite technology. It offers great work flexibility, but you will always need to keep an eye on the current market and development trends while using your business, accounting, marketing, critical thinking and time management skills at work.

3. STARTUP

If you are interested in starting up your dream company, being a software developer will be an excellent skill that will help revolutionize and set up your startup company.  It prepares you with excellent skills as a developer to work in a new, exciting and fast-paced startup environment.

Final Thoughts

An opportunity to work as a software developer will offer you a lucrative career with a high salary, flexible opportunities, a high market value and a bright future. We dare you to find a better career pathway! It’s a win, win for you no matter what. If you enjoy working with computers and are highly passionate about computer programming, then congrats you have found the right career pathway. So stop reading and get started to embrace your bright future!