Education for a Software Developer: What Do I Need to Know?
Working environments are changing at a very fast pace. The world is migrating from traditional working environments to more sophisticated and tech-savvy environments. To accomplish this transformation, organizations are adopting technology and using computers in their daily activities.
In fact, software development and acquisition of the latest technology has become the main style of doing business. Software developers design computer programs and operating systems that we use on a daily basis. From websites, word processors, and games, these professionals design these systems to make work easier and to help in the efficient completion of tasks.
Why should you become a Software Developer?
Versatility: One of the common myths about software developers is that they sit behind computers all day and do nothing else. However, this isn’t true as most of the software developers’ jobs are versatile. Software developers often have to work in teams and they meet often to brainstorm ideas and solve coding problems. This means that software developers have to travel a lot to get valuable feedback. Therefore, working as a software developer doesn’t mean that you will be stuck behind your computer all day long.
High demand: According to Marc Andreessen, “software today is eating the world.” Because computers are an important part of our daily lives, the software development occupation is growing rapidly. According to the BLS, the projected number of software developer jobs will grow by 24 percent by the year 2026.
High compensation: Software developers earn high salaries. Yet, most organizations can’t seem to find enough qualified software developers for their open positions. Additionally, software developers also make good money by selling their already developed software.
Brighter future: Because computers are replacing most of the jobs, the demand for software developers is going to increase.
What Education do you need to become a Software Developer?
Most software development jobs require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in software development. These programs have math requirements such as linear algebra, calculus, and differential equations. A sequence in physics is also often required. A software development track will teach you how to construct, analyze and maintain software.
Some of the topics that you will cover include computer programming, networks and operating systems among others. The capstone requirement of most programs is a senior design project. You may also be required to take part in internships to gain more experience as part of your software development program.
Why do Employers Hire Employees with Formal Education
Unlike most careers, the educational requirements for software developers are quite specific. Employers tend to hire software developers with clearly defined knowledge and skills. Although you can self-teach, most employers seek employees with traditional education in software development.
However, some companies will prefer to employ professional software developers with some experience after graduating to train them on their software and programs. Training is necessary for software developers and it tends to take more months than the average employee training programs.
Benefits of Formal Education in Software Development
Barriers to entry in software development are always changing. Understanding how to create software is a skill that is learned, but being able to consistently learn and adapt is very important for software developers. While anyone can learn how to code, there are ways that formal education in software development can set you on the path to success in this ever-growing industry.
Formal education in software development has a number of unique benefits including:
More employment opportunities: One of the clear benefits of earning a software development degree is that it is applicable to numerous jobs in different industries. The demand for competent software developers is tremendous, and you’re almost guaranteed that you’ll find a job after graduating.
Continued learning: A bachelor’s degree in software development is the standard minimum qualification for you to become a software developer. However, earning this degree will enable you to continue learning and earn your master’s degree which will equip you with higher education and software development knowledge.
Learning in-demand skills: Another benefit of pursuing a degree in software development is that you will be able to adapt. Most of the in-demand development skills change regularly, but understanding most of them will help you succeed. Some of the most valuable skills today include C, HTML, Javascript, Objective-C, PHP, Python, Ruby and SQL.
Are you interested in the field of software development? If you want to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Software Development, ECPI University offers this course of study. For more information on this exciting program, connect with a skilled admissions counselor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Software Development - Bachelor’s
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