Software developer roles are some of the most exciting on the job market. Don’t wait to take the steps necessary to start a job in this field.
Software developers and app developer roles are becoming a larger part of the modern work force. Many people don’t even fully understand what software developers do. Simply put, you can think of software developers as the creative minds behind computer programs of all types. Whether you work for a software publisher or a privatised client, the role of software developer is an exciting one. Here are three reasons to explore a career in software development:
1. Opportunity to be creative
If you’re looking for an opportunity to show off your creative side in a professional setting and you aren’t a writer, painter, or musician, consider your options as a software developer. New software – nearly by definition – is creative because it involves creating some new kind of technology or platform. When you’re creating new kinds of software, there is rarely just one route to the correct answer.
As you learn and grow into a more experienced software developer, you’ll find yourself presented with new challenges that require totally new and creative solutions. Just because it’s a position at the forefront of technology, don’t picture yourself in front of a computer with headphones on all day. Being a good software developer involves the successful collaboration between you and other programmers. Lately, a practise known as pair-programming actually puts two software developers on the same computer so they have to work together.
2. Pretty good compensation
Because there seems to be no ceiling on the development of new technologies – including those utilised around the workplace – the members of the workforce that are able to handle new developments in software technology are in demand. According to Pay Scale, the median income for software developers in Australia is $66,189. If you find yourself working as the lead software developer at a major company, you’ll begin to take on a management role as you acquire more and more software developers on your team. If that’s the case, you can watch as your salary climbs to into six digits for the year.
3. Job security and future job opportunities
Because there is always a new form of technology being developed, there seems to be no real end to new roles as software developers. As long as you keep up with training and learn the new developments in your field, there’s no reason that you can’t always find a source of employment as a software developer. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, technology startups in Australia are growing and show no signs of slowing down. Tech startups such as these are going to need plenty of software developers.
You may be thinking that you’re pretty set on becoming a software developer at this point. But now you’re left with the overwhelming question of how to get there. The question can be an intimidating one because while there are a few things you need to do, no two software developers have had the same path to get where they are in their careers. While some have college degrees in computer science, others didn’t even attend a university. But despite all of the different twists and turns along the way, there are some things that every software developer has in common. Here are two easy steps you should take if you begin to explore software developer roles:
4. Get an education or gain experience
If you do decide to attend a university, try to focus your major and the degree you’ll earn on something related to computers. Majors in computer science, informatics, or even mathematics will show that you have the intelligence to develop the skills required to be a strong software developer. As stated earlier, just because you want to be a software developer doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to go earn a four-year degree from a university. If you decide to forgo the university experience, look for any and all ways for you to gain relevant experience. Look at app developer roles that will give you a chance to hone your coding skills. Regardless of where you end up, make sure you get to spend time in front of a computer.
5. Do work outside of work
If you’re really dedicated to developing a role as a software developer, it’s a good idea to turn it into a lifestyle, not simple a job you attend between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Since you’re going to be on the cutting edge of technologies day in and day out, try to surround yourself with like-minded people for easier collaboration. Look for technology groups that you can join. Although groups that meet in person are nice, they aren’t the only ones out there. Join an online community and learn alongside other people with very similar goals. The more you practise, the better you’ll become.