6 answers
Alexis
Student
Branson, Missouri
1
Question
Asked
260 views
What are genuine questions I should ask a software engineer to get to know more about the computer science industry?
I have the opportunity to job shadow a software engineer at a bank. I want to know the real questions, not just the stereotypical questions to help me understand the challenges and rewards that come along with studying Computer Science.
Login to comment
6 answers
Victor R
Business Transformation Director
11
Answers
Millbury, Massachusetts
Updated
Victor’s Answer
Hi Alexis!
First off, congratulations! Landing a job shadow with a software engineer, especially at a bank, is a phenomenal opportunity. It is incredibly smart that you want to move past the generic questions (like "what programming languages do you use?") to uncover the real day-to-day realities of the job.
High-Level Question Types to Consider
*The "Expectation vs. Reality" Questions: These help you understand the gap between studying Computer Science in a classroom and actually doing it for a living.
*The "Future-Proofing" Questions: These explore how the industry is changing and what you should focus on to stay relevant.
*The "Process & Frustration" Questions: These reveal the actual challenges of the job. You want to know what happens when things break, not just when things go perfectly.
Here are some highly specific, thoughtful questions you can ask your host to get a true feel for the challenges and rewards of the field:
School vs. The Real World
"How much of the math and theory you learned in your Computer Science degree do you actually use on a day-to-day basis?"
"What is a soft skill (like communication or time management) that you use constantly, but wasn't taught in your college coding classes?"
The Day-to-Day Reality
"Beyond just typing code, what does the actual rhythm of your day look like? I'd love to know how you balance heads-down coding time with things like code reviews, troubleshooting, and communicating with other teams."
"What happens when you hit a wall and get completely stuck on a problem? What is your actual process for getting 'unstuck'?"
Looking to the Future
"With AI coding assistants getting so smart, how do you see the role of a software engineer changing by the time I graduate from college?"
"Technology changes so fast. How do you find the time to learn new languages and tools while keeping up with your regular workload?"
freeCodeCamp's Developer News: While freeCodeCamp is famous for teaching people how to code, their "News" section functions like a massive blog written by real software engineers. It is packed with articles about what the tech industry is actually like, including pieces on overcoming imposter syndrome, how to prepare for interviews, and what junior developers actually do on their first day.
O*NET OnLine - Software Developers Profile: For the hard facts, this free government database is the best place to look. You can view a detailed breakdown of the daily tasks a software developer handles, the exact technology tools they use, and realistic salary expectations based on where you live.
YouTube ("Day in the Life" Tech Vlogs): Honestly, this is a great place to start. Search for "Day in the life of a software engineer at a bank" or watch creators like Mayuko, who makes highly realistic, non-glamorous videos about the tech industry. It is the closest thing to a virtual job shadow you can do right from home!
One Final Networking Tip: Since working at a bank is just one slice of the tech world, use this job shadow to expand your network! At the end of the day, don't be afraid to ask your host if they can connect you with peers in other fields. You could say something like: "I have learned so much about software engineering in finance today. Do you happen to have any friends or former colleagues working in different industries—like gaming, retail, or a startup—who might be open to a quick 15-minute chat with me?" The tech world is highly connected, and most engineers are more than happy to introduce a motivated student to their network.
First off, congratulations! Landing a job shadow with a software engineer, especially at a bank, is a phenomenal opportunity. It is incredibly smart that you want to move past the generic questions (like "what programming languages do you use?") to uncover the real day-to-day realities of the job.
High-Level Question Types to Consider
*The "Expectation vs. Reality" Questions: These help you understand the gap between studying Computer Science in a classroom and actually doing it for a living.
*The "Future-Proofing" Questions: These explore how the industry is changing and what you should focus on to stay relevant.
*The "Process & Frustration" Questions: These reveal the actual challenges of the job. You want to know what happens when things break, not just when things go perfectly.
Here are some highly specific, thoughtful questions you can ask your host to get a true feel for the challenges and rewards of the field:
School vs. The Real World
"How much of the math and theory you learned in your Computer Science degree do you actually use on a day-to-day basis?"
"What is a soft skill (like communication or time management) that you use constantly, but wasn't taught in your college coding classes?"
The Day-to-Day Reality
"Beyond just typing code, what does the actual rhythm of your day look like? I'd love to know how you balance heads-down coding time with things like code reviews, troubleshooting, and communicating with other teams."
"What happens when you hit a wall and get completely stuck on a problem? What is your actual process for getting 'unstuck'?"
Looking to the Future
"With AI coding assistants getting so smart, how do you see the role of a software engineer changing by the time I graduate from college?"
"Technology changes so fast. How do you find the time to learn new languages and tools while keeping up with your regular workload?"
Victor recommends the following next steps:
Utkarsh Singh
Service
3
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Utkarsh’s Answer
Hi Alexis ,
Here are genuine, high-value questions a student can ask during a job shadow at a bank to understand the real tech industry:
The Reality: "What percentage of your week is actually spent writing new code versus debugging legacy systems, doing security compliance, or attending meetings?"
Banking Constraints: "How do the strict data privacy and security regulations of a bank impact your creative freedom and how fast you can deploy software?"
The AI Shift: "With the rise of AI coding assistants, how has your day-to-day workflow changed, and what skills should a CS student focus on now?"
Dealing with Pressure: "Can you walk me through a time when a critical system crashed or went down? How did the team handle the pressure to fix it?"
Industry Truths: "What is a harsh reality about working as a software engineer that university professors or tech influencers never tell you?"
Growth: "Besides technical coding skills, what specific soft skills make an engineer stand out and get promoted in a corporate environment?"
Here are genuine, high-value questions a student can ask during a job shadow at a bank to understand the real tech industry:
The Reality: "What percentage of your week is actually spent writing new code versus debugging legacy systems, doing security compliance, or attending meetings?"
Banking Constraints: "How do the strict data privacy and security regulations of a bank impact your creative freedom and how fast you can deploy software?"
The AI Shift: "With the rise of AI coding assistants, how has your day-to-day workflow changed, and what skills should a CS student focus on now?"
Dealing with Pressure: "Can you walk me through a time when a critical system crashed or went down? How did the team handle the pressure to fix it?"
Industry Truths: "What is a harsh reality about working as a software engineer that university professors or tech influencers never tell you?"
Growth: "Besides technical coding skills, what specific soft skills make an engineer stand out and get promoted in a corporate environment?"
Yamuna Indrasen
Business Analyst, Software Engineer
15
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Yamuna’s Answer
As a software engineer, I see this as a fantastic chance for you to learn and grow. It's wonderful that you want to ask meaningful questions. If I were you, I'd use this opportunity to find out what a typical day is like, the challenges engineers face, and the key skills needed beyond just coding. Understanding how teamwork and problem-solving fit into the job and discovering the most rewarding aspects can be very insightful. You might also want to ask which computer science topics are most useful in real work, what surprises people when they start in the field, and what they wish they had known as students. These questions can give you a clearer and more honest view of studying computer science and working as a software engineer. Your thoughtful approach already sets you on a strong path.
Sean Williams
QA Test Engineer
11
Answers
Marana, Arizona
Updated
Sean’s Answer
Hey Alexis, when you start, be direct and ask the questions you really want answers to. For example, if someone asked me about the benefits, I would say I love solving puzzles. Coding or writing new software gives you a similar challenge, like finding the right pieces to create a unique picture. There are more benefits than just pay or job security. The key is to find something you truly enjoy doing. Not just thinking "this is fun," but feeling excited to dive into coding and tackle challenges. The challenges vary; sometimes it's the people, the processes, or small bugs in the code. Remember, you have a chance to learn from others, so don't worry too much about your questions. Being open is a great way to get real insights. Enjoy your journey and best of luck in the future!
Allan Thompson
Volunteer
25
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Allan’s Answer
First, try to repeat back what the software engineer (your mentor) is tell you in your own words to be sure you understand what was said and to assure him or her that you understand what was said. Then, if you have a chance, try to ask a related question.
If the conversation is moving fast, just try to take notes. Later you can organize you questions on your own time and tell your mentor you have some questions. Again, repeat to let your mentor know what you have understood and then ask some more questions. Ask for related references and materials so you can learn more on your own time. Try to build a rapport with your mentor so he or she knows that this is not a waste of their time or yours. Build your confidence during this process so you are comfortable interacting with your mentor and others you meet.
If the conversation is moving fast, just try to take notes. Later you can organize you questions on your own time and tell your mentor you have some questions. Again, repeat to let your mentor know what you have understood and then ask some more questions. Ask for related references and materials so you can learn more on your own time. Try to build a rapport with your mentor so he or she knows that this is not a waste of their time or yours. Build your confidence during this process so you are comfortable interacting with your mentor and others you meet.
John Gaughan
Software Engineer
2
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
John’s Answer
One thing I don't see mentioned much is the soft skills.
Ask your mentor about how they interact with other people at the bank. What challenges do they encounter, and how do they work through them?
I find one of the more difficult aspects of the career to be dealing with people. Usually it is not a problem, but sometimes it is. When a client is paying a lot of money for a service they can sometimes be demanding or even rude if things do not go their way. Learning how to navigate that business relationship and turn a negative into a positive can be difficult: I recommend leaning on your mentor to share their experience.
This is true regardless of whether the customer is external such as another business, or internal as it likely is working as a software engineer at a bank.
Ask your mentor about how they interact with other people at the bank. What challenges do they encounter, and how do they work through them?
I find one of the more difficult aspects of the career to be dealing with people. Usually it is not a problem, but sometimes it is. When a client is paying a lot of money for a service they can sometimes be demanding or even rude if things do not go their way. Learning how to navigate that business relationship and turn a negative into a positive can be difficult: I recommend leaning on your mentor to share their experience.
This is true regardless of whether the customer is external such as another business, or internal as it likely is working as a software engineer at a bank.