8 answers
Inaaya
Student
Las Vegas, Nevada
1
Question
Asked
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What should I start doing for a better chance at the career of my choice?
I want to be something of a software engineer.
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8 answers
Jeff Weisser
Training Program Manager
12
Answers
New Britain, Connecticut
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Inaaya -- In addition to the great advice above I'd also recommend trying things related to software engineering but aren't software engineering specifically. Maybe freelance in graphic design for websites or validating AI responses. There may be better examples out there but my point is it'll give you a broader idea of the options available to you and you can decide if you really want to be a software engineer or maybe you discover something you're actually MORE interested in.
If you end up realizing, "heck yes, software engineering is my jam!" you'll have a broader set of skills and experiences you can bring to the table.
If you end up realizing, "heck yes, software engineering is my jam!" you'll have a broader set of skills and experiences you can bring to the table.
David Gregory
Systems Administration
4
Answers
Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi! Embarking on a journey to become a software engineer, my interest is in game development, is an exciting with numerous opportunities. Here's a roadmap to guide you:
Foundational Knowledge: Start with a grasp of the basic principles of computer science. Websites like Harvard's CS50x on edX offer a comprehensive introduction.
Languages & Tools: Get familiar with popular programming languages such as Python, Java, JavaScript, C#, and C++. Platforms like LeetCode and HackerRank can help sharpen your coding skills.
Game Development: If you're passionate about game development, delve into engines like Unity or Unreal Engine. Regularly participate in game jams, especially on platforms like itch.io. This not only hones your skills but also helps you build a portfolio.
Specialization: Beyond game development, the software engineering field is vast. Explore areas like web development, mobile app development, AI, or cloud computing.
Projects: Engage in hands-on learning. Craft personal projects, contribute to open-source platforms like GitHub, or partake in hackathons. Whatever you make, try to save it to GitHub and use it as your portfolio. It is a great resource when applying to jobs.
Networking: Engage with the community. Join local or online tech meetups, webinars, or seminars. Platforms like Meetup.com or tech conferences can be resourceful. https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirsatvat/ from linkedin has a database of jobs, resume helpers, etc for software engineers, programmers, developers, sys admins, etc.
Formal Education: While many succeed through self-taught paths, a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or a related field can provide structured learning and increased opportunities.
Stay Updated: Tech, and especially game development, evolves swiftly. Keep abreast of industry shifts by reading tech blogs, news, and updates.
Soft Skills: Beyond technical prowess, attributes like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are invaluable in software and game development teams.
Foundational Knowledge: Start with a grasp of the basic principles of computer science. Websites like Harvard's CS50x on edX offer a comprehensive introduction.
Languages & Tools: Get familiar with popular programming languages such as Python, Java, JavaScript, C#, and C++. Platforms like LeetCode and HackerRank can help sharpen your coding skills.
Game Development: If you're passionate about game development, delve into engines like Unity or Unreal Engine. Regularly participate in game jams, especially on platforms like itch.io. This not only hones your skills but also helps you build a portfolio.
Specialization: Beyond game development, the software engineering field is vast. Explore areas like web development, mobile app development, AI, or cloud computing.
Projects: Engage in hands-on learning. Craft personal projects, contribute to open-source platforms like GitHub, or partake in hackathons. Whatever you make, try to save it to GitHub and use it as your portfolio. It is a great resource when applying to jobs.
Networking: Engage with the community. Join local or online tech meetups, webinars, or seminars. Platforms like Meetup.com or tech conferences can be resourceful. https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirsatvat/ from linkedin has a database of jobs, resume helpers, etc for software engineers, programmers, developers, sys admins, etc.
Formal Education: While many succeed through self-taught paths, a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or a related field can provide structured learning and increased opportunities.
Stay Updated: Tech, and especially game development, evolves swiftly. Keep abreast of industry shifts by reading tech blogs, news, and updates.
Soft Skills: Beyond technical prowess, attributes like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are invaluable in software and game development teams.
Greg Moler
Director of Cloud Delivery
3
Answers
New Haven, Connecticut
Updated
Greg’s Answer
hey there!
software engineer has quite a number of roles surrounding it even if specifically being a programmer isnt what ends up ticking
there are a lot of free programming websites codeacademy, coursera, khan, udemy etc... that you can use to start cracking into the coding world
not sure if the front end like the UI and presentation/usability of the software is something that interests you, or you can do more of the backend which is where the core of the software runs
but a lot of software can be 50% planning/design or more! so there are a number of other roles around software development like business analysts who understand the industry/business specifics that drive the requirements. there are testers who help verify the software is free of bugs, sometimes those people help make manuals/tutorials of the software
so you dont always need to be a programmer to help develop software
software engineer has quite a number of roles surrounding it even if specifically being a programmer isnt what ends up ticking
there are a lot of free programming websites codeacademy, coursera, khan, udemy etc... that you can use to start cracking into the coding world
not sure if the front end like the UI and presentation/usability of the software is something that interests you, or you can do more of the backend which is where the core of the software runs
but a lot of software can be 50% planning/design or more! so there are a number of other roles around software development like business analysts who understand the industry/business specifics that drive the requirements. there are testers who help verify the software is free of bugs, sometimes those people help make manuals/tutorials of the software
so you dont always need to be a programmer to help develop software
Keyston Rice
Supervisor
180
Answers
Lawrence, IN
Updated
Keyston’s Answer
If you're aiming to become a software engineer, start by learning the basics of coding on your own. There are plenty of online resources and courses available. Practice, practice, practice – that's how I got to where I am today as a supervisor, even without college. Hard work and dedication can take you far.
Samantha Carson-Meza
Talent Development Program Manager
5
Answers
Leander, Texas
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
Hello Inaaya,
To boost your odds in landing your dream job, I strongly suggest you dive into the world of networking. The advantages of networking are immense. It's a golden opportunity to mingle with professionals in your desired field, and gain insights about their daily tasks or the attributes they value in a potential team member.
I completely understand if you're a bit reserved, as networking can initially seem daunting. But don't worry, there's a simple starting point - LinkedIn. When reaching out, remember not to jump straight into what you need from them. Instead, connect your request to something about them. This shows that you've invested time in understanding their background, which people usually appreciate. Additionally, consider researching networking socials or events in your vicinity.
I hope this guidance serves you well. Wishing you all the best on your journey!
To boost your odds in landing your dream job, I strongly suggest you dive into the world of networking. The advantages of networking are immense. It's a golden opportunity to mingle with professionals in your desired field, and gain insights about their daily tasks or the attributes they value in a potential team member.
I completely understand if you're a bit reserved, as networking can initially seem daunting. But don't worry, there's a simple starting point - LinkedIn. When reaching out, remember not to jump straight into what you need from them. Instead, connect your request to something about them. This shows that you've invested time in understanding their background, which people usually appreciate. Additionally, consider researching networking socials or events in your vicinity.
I hope this guidance serves you well. Wishing you all the best on your journey!
Linda Farragher Byrne
Engineering Manager
4
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Linda’s Answer
Software engineering is a great career to get into, it pays well, it's fun and it's an opportunity to have a big impact even if you are early in your career.
I would say that the best way to prepare for a career as a software engineer is to find out if you would like it, even the best paying job in the world can seem awful if you don't actually enjoy writing code.
The main part of a software engineer's day is writing code and it's easy to find out if if you like writing code you can start with a simple tutorial and then use that to build it into something more. For example if the tutorial shows you how to draw a thing, could you change the code and rotate that drawing.
Good luck with the future!
I would say that the best way to prepare for a career as a software engineer is to find out if you would like it, even the best paying job in the world can seem awful if you don't actually enjoy writing code.
The main part of a software engineer's day is writing code and it's easy to find out if if you like writing code you can start with a simple tutorial and then use that to build it into something more. For example if the tutorial shows you how to draw a thing, could you change the code and rotate that drawing.
Good luck with the future!
Brett Pongratz
Software Developer
5
Answers
Maple Grove, Minnesota
Updated
Brett’s Answer
Earning a degree from a university or technical college is a great step, but don't forget about the power of personal projects. They can be a fantastic way to enhance your resume and provide interesting talking points during an interview for an entry-level role. These projects demonstrate your genuine interest in the field, as well as your ability to learn and initiate tasks independently. This can significantly increase your chances of securing a position in the tech industry.
There's a wealth of resources available for finding projects. If you're looking for a comprehensive guide, Google's Python programming course is an excellent place to start. This free course provides a simple and understandable approach to coding with Python.
Alternatively, you can find a multitude of easy code projects online. For instance, you could create a basic calculator app, build a straightforward one-page website, or even develop a social media bot.
Engaging in these projects will not only refine your skills but also give your resume a significant boost. This is particularly beneficial if you're just starting out and don't have much tech job experience.
There's a wealth of resources available for finding projects. If you're looking for a comprehensive guide, Google's Python programming course is an excellent place to start. This free course provides a simple and understandable approach to coding with Python.
Alternatively, you can find a multitude of easy code projects online. For instance, you could create a basic calculator app, build a straightforward one-page website, or even develop a social media bot.
Engaging in these projects will not only refine your skills but also give your resume a significant boost. This is particularly beneficial if you're just starting out and don't have much tech job experience.
prabhu velayutham
VP Engineering
2
Answers
Superior, Colorado
Updated
prabhu’s Answer
If you're aiming to become a software engineer, the first step is to master the art of problem-solving. Begin your journey with code.org, a platform that makes learning the fundamentals of programming enjoyable. After that, delve into a more structured programming language, such as Javascript. The most crucial aspect of learning software programming is constant practice. I highly recommend seeking out an open-source project that aligns with your interests and start making contributions. This will provide you with invaluable real-world experience as you work on a large-scale project and collaborate with other experts in the field.
sign up for code.org
solve missions in code.org
learn javascript
signup for github.com
pick an opensource project and contribute
prabhu recommends the following next steps: