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How many years of experience will I need to work in a government building for software development?

In the 11th grade

computer-science computer-software software
Thank you comment icon Well, you need at least 3 years of experience in one of a programming language in this field. Emmanuel Mudegu
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Karina’s Answer

Hey Myya, I understand you're curious about becoming a software developer. There are various ways to achieve this goal. One of them is through online bootcamps, which are a great way to learn at your own pace. Another is through self-learning, which can be incredibly rewarding.

However, if you have the chance to pursue an undergraduate degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering, it could provide you with a comprehensive set of skills that are highly valued in this field.

Don't worry if you don't have a resume yet, it's never too late to start one! Highlight any software development projects you've worked on and the skills you've acquired. This will showcase your abilities and dedication to potential employers. Remember, every step you take brings you closer to your dream job. Keep going, you've got this!
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Nicholas’s Answer

For most government software engineering positions they require a 4 year degree, but there are many internship opportunities available both directly with the government and with government contractors, such as Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, etc.

If your goal is to be a software engineer for the government, I would recommend starting a computer science, computer information systems degree and a community college or four year school and immediately start applying for internships. It is a great way to get a feel for the industry and make contacts. Also the vast majority internships in the federal space are paid!
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Jenna’s Answer

Hi, Myya!

Rather than think of the amount of years of experience or higher education necessary to work for the government as a software developer, you could try thinking about what you need to get there as sets of skills. The first set of skills you will need would be in software development. The second of skills you will need would be in applying to jobs.

There are a surprising number of ways to learn the skills to be a software developer. There are plenty of schools that offer degrees. There are also coding bootcamps. But it is entirely possible for a motivated person to learn software development without paying for a degree or bootcamp certificate. There are many great learning resources online. I did a very short bootcamp, but then I realized I needed to learn a lot more. So I found teachers who had YouTube channels and purchased inexpensive courses they created online. My favorites were Brad Traversy of Traversy Media, Mosh Hamedani from ProgrammingWithMosh, and Ben Eater who built a computer from scratch on his YouTube channel. And I spoke with many software developers at tech events in my city and online.

The underlying skills needed to become a software developer are loving learning and being a strong learner with study and practice skills, as well as reading and online research skills. You need mental or intellectual stamina, so simply the ability to think in a relaxed and focused way for a long amount of time. This is the stamina that lets you enjoy doing puzzles, for example sudoku, or reading books for long spans of time. It also helps if you are organized, able to communicate clearly in writing, and if you work well with other people. You will need your own computer and generous, focused time to learn.

The skills you need for applying to jobs include building a network of people who know you and might know about good jobs for you (or know someone else who would know, so they can connect the two of you), finding job listings, understanding how your existing skills would allow you to do the job being described, creating a resume and a LinkedIn profile that someone else can read and understand why you would likely do well in a job they are looking to fill, interviewing, and completing coding challenges. I practiced these skills at local tech meet-ups and through platforms like Merit where people provide tech mentorship.

There are enough skills listed here that you will need time, people, and plenty of practice to gain these. And you will need a little bit of money, mostly so you can have a computer, a few learning resources, and the time you need to learn. But if you can get a sense of what skills are required to work where you want to work, then it is possible to make a surprisingly fast and successful move to a job like the one you want.

~Jenna
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Pallavi’s Answer

If you believe you meet the extra citizenship requirements often associated with government jobs, don't hesitate to explore opportunities on this website: https://www.usajobs.gov/. Be proactive in your search for a government career.
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Kodi’s Answer

The answer to your question is "it depends." I know it's not the best answer but it really is the only answer. Sometimes there are open positions that are looking Jr Developers and you could be a fresh college graduate or a bootcamp graduate and have zero work history as a software engineer. And on the other some government positions may require you to have more experience as well as a certain level of security clearance.

So the best thing you can do is if you are interested in going to college, is get your undergraduate degree in Computer Science. That will give a great foundation and knowledge needed for a Jr Developer role in any company whether it's government or not. You could also go the online or in-person coding bootcamp route. I changed careers from teaching to software engineering and went to a bootcamp. I currently work for a company that is a government contractor. I only had 1.5 years of experience before I got my current role. I don't have to work in a government building I work from home but I was able to get a security clearance through my job. But if I was in High School and wanting to become a software engineer I would go the Computer Science degree route instead of bootcamp (just my personal opinion). I think it is still easier for CS degrees to break into the tech industry than it is for bootcamp grads at the moment (also just a personal opinion from experience).

With all that said focus on developing your skills and finding which route would be best for you and continue to put in the work and dedication and I bet you will find yourself in the role that you want. You got this and I wish you all the best!
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Ricardo’s Answer

It really boils down to the specific needs of where we're located. From my own journey, I began dabbling in coding at a government agency during my final year of school as a way to give back to the community professionally. Interestingly, some of my peers even landed developer roles right after graduation. Others, however, kicked off their careers immediately after finishing their studies. So, it's clear that the application process is heavily influenced by the unique skills or experiences required. With the rapid pace of change in IT and software, there are always new technologies and skills popping up that aren't necessarily covered in school. Because of this, it's often necessary to pursue additional training, take a course, or find your own path to acquire these skills.
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david’s Answer

Good question. I realize that, with much publicity on computers and government, that you might believe that the government only hires highly experienced computer specialists. But that isn't true. Like other businesses, the government also hires recent graduates and other persons who show talent and potential. Once you finish your education, do not hesitate to apply for government jobs or elsewhere. Never, ever, prejudge your qualifications, as opportunities are always there. I wish you the best,
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