Exploring The World Of Software Engineering Jobs & Careers

Over the last four decades, computers have become an integral part of the workplace, where we rely on software of all kinds to help us to complete daily tasks. Everything from office paperwork to government security is now digitised, allowing for more efficient work practices and higher levels of productivity.

 

As such, a need for software engineers has arisen due to the essential role that computer technology now plays in the world economy. These employees focus on the design, maintenance and testing of various software applications, helping to keep businesses at the forefront of technological innovation.

 

There are many different opportunities on offer in the world of software engineering, where a core base of training and qualifications can be applied to numerous essential industries.

 

Read on to find out more about career opportunities in this sector, with a look at the various skills you may need for success.

What is a Software Engineer?

A software engineer is a skilled individual who develops programmes and handles computer data processing. This is achieved through the application of key engineering principles and systems.

 

In particular, this career involves developing, maintaining and implementing various software applications. These solutions are built so that employees within a company can do their job better, or so that customers can access a user-friendly interface.

 

Usually, a software engineer must write code and utilise programming skills to complete this work, where systems will need to be consistently tested and updated as technological needs evolve.

Key Responsibilities

The day-to-day responsibilities of a software engineer will vary depending on their specific career path, but most professionals in this industry will complete tasks related to the following:

• Software development - creating and maintaining various applications to ensure success.
• Meeting needs - collaborating with project managers and stakeholders to understand what software changes are required.
• Problem solving - testing and debugging software for optimal performance, and implementing creative solutions.
• Writing code - developing clean code in various programming languages, and participating in extensive code reviews.

Industries Looking for Software Engineers

Various industries rely on software engineers for the success of their businesses, where this gives career hopefuls a range of opportunities and pathways to choose from.

 

Many software engineers work in IT services for commercial enterprises, where these roles are typically situated in an office-based environment. These engineers are needed for database design, website development or administration, as well as general IT support.

 

Various specialist sectors also require functioning websites and organised data systems. For instance, online retailers require effective ecommerce platforms, whilst healthcare providers are always looking to develop new diagnostic tools and reliable customer interfaces. A software engineer could be in charge of these various responsibilities.

 

Other more senior roles could relate to banking and financial services, where these businesses need software engineers to interpret data and assess market risk factors. Governments and defence programmes also rely on software engineers for national cybersecurity, and for the delivery of essential public services.

Top Job Opportunities as a Software Engineer

As most industries nowadays rely heavily on computer technology, there are a myriad of corresponding opportunities on offer for software engineers. You should consider what aspects of engineering you’re interested in, so you can find a career that you can be passionate about.

 

Some top job options include:

Security Engineer

A security engineer, also known as an ‘ethical hacker’, will be employed to test the security of a particular piece of software, in addition to creating new security features. They work to uncover vulnerabilities in a computer system, which they will then fix, where this helps to prevent security breaches and the emergence of programme bugs.

Quality Assurance Engineer

Quality assurance (QA) engineers are responsible for assessing and writing software in order to validate the quality of a particular application. This is important to ensure systems are working correctly, where they will then compile reports to share with key stakeholders.

Computer Systems Analyst

This kind of software engineer works to modify and update a company’s technology to help make their business more efficient and successful. They will analyse the current system and make specific recommendations for improvements, advising stakeholders on the best way to achieve their goals.

Data Scientist

A data scientist’s job is to develop software that analyses information. More specifically, this may involve data visualisation, predictive modelling or statistical analysis, where these efforts help a business to understand what improvements need to be made.

Video Game Designer

A game developer or designer will have the specific task of creating new video game systems. This requires various creative as well as technical skills, where storylines must be written and then coded to achieve the desired result. Video game designers also need a strong understanding of user experience, as well as knowledge of computer gameplay.

Database Administrator

This role centres around database handling, where the administrator must ensure that these applications are fully functional and efficient. They will work to develop new systems to improve data handling, in addition to ensuring that financial or customer data can be accessed by authorised personnel.

Front-End Developer

A front-end developer ensures that a website is accessible and user-friendly. This means that they are responsible for designing and coding site pages, as well as debugging various aspects of the website as problems arise.

Key Skills & Qualifications

As with any engineering role, there isn’t a singular route to achieving job success. That being said, obtaining a relevant degree or an apprenticeship qualification can allow you to gain the key skills that you will draw on throughout your career.

Recommended Qualifications

If you’re hoping to pursue a career as a software engineer, then it is recommended that you take suitable A-Level subjects that reflect this interest. IT, maths or computer science subjects are advisable, where you may also want to consider taking a humanities alongside this, such as philosophy, art or literature. This will support you if you decide to pursue a more creative branch of software engineering.

 

Apprenticeship schemes also provide an effective route into engineering, where these can be undertaken either after or instead of A-Levels. A software engineering qualification like this usually leads directly to a job placement, helping you to learn a myriad of practical skills.

 

Before you begin an apprenticeship or degree course in software engineering, it may be a good idea to attend a programming boot camp, especially if you’re not already familiar with coding languages. These intensive courses will set you up for future learning, helping you to gain a foundational understanding of everything you need to know.

 

If you haven’t chosen the apprenticeship route, it is highly recommended that you pursue a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as computer science, IT or software development. Ensure that your course has a respectable programming component, as this is what graduate employers will be looking out for.

Essential Skills

You will naturally develop some key skills as you achieve your engineering qualifications, whilst others may need more focused attention. So called ‘soft skills’, such as good communication, are usually developed through work experience, where these are the abilities that will allow you to impress your employer and make lasting change at your company.

 

Some top skills to consider include:

• Coding - this will be listed as an essential skill for most software roles, where mastering coding languages such as C++ and Javascript will directly contribute to your employability.
• Problem solving - software engineering work can be incredibly challenging, where you will need to use creativity and technical prowess to solve difficult problems.
• Attention to detail - this is important when it comes to managing small details in a big project, where you may be required to proofread code and implement focused testing.
• Teamwork - you may be required to work alongside other software experts, so being able to share ideas and accept constructive criticism is a must.
• Communication - software engineers need to be able to work in tandem with a wider team, where strong listening and feedback skills are essential.
• Organisation - you will be required to multitask and meet important deadlines in your role, so good organisational skills are vital for success.

Mansell Recruitment Group: Find Your Dream Software Engineer Job

We’re currently recruiting engineers across a range of industries and specialisms, whether you’re looking to work in security, healthcare or video game development.

 

Mansell is a specialist engineer recruitment agency, meaning we can support you to find the role that’s right for you. We offer test engineering jobs as well as opportunities in electrical and mechanical engineering, so you can find an opening that appeals to your skillset.

 

Browse our current list of vacancies, or get in touch on 01293 404050 to find out more about what a technical recruitment agency can do for you.