How to Become a Software Engineer?

Traditionally, the career path of a software engineer required an undergraduate degree. However, now there are several options for attaining the training and education needed to become a software engineer. Software engineer education options include:

• College Diploma: A college diploma provides many opportunities for entry-level jobs in software engineering. A college diploma program in software engineering typically takes two to three years to complete.
• Bachelor's Degree: A Bachelor's Degree is the traditional path for a software engineer. A Bachelor's program typically takes four years to complete and includes courses in mathematics, software architecture, networking, and programming languages.
• Coding Boot Camp: Participation in a coding boot camp is becoming an increasingly popular way for aspiring software engineers to become job-ready. During boot camp, students participate in a hands-on, intensive learning environment that emphasizes practical, real-world skills. Students who complete boot camp are prepared for an entry-level job as a software engineer.
• Self-Taught: It is possible to become a self-taught software engineer. Most self-taught software engineers start studying programming languages at an early age. Driven and disciplined, self-taught software engineers can become quite successful, despite lacking any formal education.

Although not generally required to begin work as an entry-level software engineer, specialty certification is an asset when looking for employment. Professional certifications demonstrate a high level of expertise in a specific area, such as a programming language. Certification usually requires the completion of a course and exam. Certifications are available through technology companies such as Oracle or Microsoft. You can also take certification courses through professional organizations, such as the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Popular options include software engineering certifications in the following:

• Web design
• Oracle
• Cybersecurity
• Cloud applications
• Microsoft Azure
• Agile
• Amazon Web Services

A Master's Degree is usually required to work in a management or leadership role. Most Master's Degree programs take two years to complete, but many programs fit around the schedules of working professionals. Students in a software engineering Master's program study mathematical modelling, software system architecture, software testing, and project management.

A Doctorate in software engineering is useful for those interested in research or teaching at the university level. A Doctorate program usually takes four years to complete. Most Ph.D. studies are highly specialized, with emphasis on topics like robotics, research methods, and software security.