Software Development Career Options You Might Not Have Considered!
Information and communications technology (ICT) has revolutionized the way people conduct their day to day activities and interrelate. There is a need for reliable and secure software applications to enable meaningful interactions between humans and computer systems. For this reason, software development has become one of the most useful skills in various sectors.
Specializing in Software Development in your Computer and Information Science degree could qualify you for many careers. The most popular one is a software developer, and you may be aware of what it involves. Primarily, the job of software developers is to create programs that enable users to execute specific tasks on computers.
Apart from software developer, here are five more software development careers you can land.
Mobile Application Developer
The number of active mobile devices today is more than 4.6 billion. According to research, American adults spend more than 90% of their internet time on their favorite mobile apps. There’s no doubt that the demand for mobile applications in the business world is growing fast.
To become a mobile application developer, you require excellent skills in smartphone and tablet platforms such as iOS and Android. You must also be adept at using various operating systems for computers.
Some of the programming languages needed include C++, HTML, Java, Objective-C, PHP, and MySQL. App developers work hand in hand with computer analysts.
As a mobile application developer, you will create and implement apps according to the needs of your clients. It will also be your role to maintain the source code.
At times, app developers create prototype applications and guide the development team when developing the final product. Your roles as a mobile application developer may vary with your role or company.
Web Developer
Web developers build websites. They are responsible for the appearance of the site as well as technical aspects like speed and the amount of traffic a site can accommodate. Sometimes they create web content with advanced functional features.
Below are some responsibilities of a web developer:
- Coding in languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP
- Performing graphic design
- Presenting design specifications
- Troubleshooting website problems
- Maintaining and updating websites
Web developers can take over the non-interactive designs of web designers and use a suitable programming language to make them functional websites. They require a mix of graphic design and coding skills. Full-stack developers are web developers capable of both front-end and back-end development.
Cloud Application Developer
Modern business organizations are adopting cloud computing due to benefits like flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Cloud applications are computer systems hosted on the web, developed by cloud software developers.
Cloud software engineers, sometimes called program architects, also determine how cloud systems should work and guide programmers in coding. They oversee and maintain the systems to ensure their availability to users round the clock.
Cloud developers require exceptional computer programming skills. Most of them enter the field with a bachelor’s degree in Computer and Information Science.
Teamwork and perfect communications skills are vital in cloud application development. The developers often work on different matters or applications at a time. Therefore, they must possess advanced computer and programming skills and the ability to prioritize issues.
Software Tester
New software often comes with errors and vulnerabilities. Software testers look for bugs and other concerns that would affect the usability of applications. They use the software and report any problems they identify.
Software testers often have similar competencies as software developers, and they work in collaboration. Knowledge of programming languages is necessary for you to define the reasons behind the software issues you find.
A qualified software tester should analyze software and compare it to existing programs on the market. By so doing, they can make recommendations on the areas that need improvement. Communication skills are essential, as the tester has to communicate technical terms smoothly with programmers and other non-IT staff.
Software Analyst
Software analysts or computer systems analysts check whether programs meet user needs and requirements. Before the release of a software product, they analyze it to ensure everything is up to standard. They serve as quality control officers in the development team.
You can become a software analyst if you major in software development in a recognized university. Core skills for this field include programming and knowledge of computer systems and hardware. You may need to understand your end user’s working environment to arrest every potential usability problem beforehand.
Learning Software Development
Taking a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science in a reputable institution is an excellent path to gaining professional software development skills. It's advisable to enroll in a university with an organized, structured, and systematic education model.
With a higher education degree, it’s generally easier to find a job. You are sometimes likely to earn more than comparable candidates without degrees.
Are You Interested in Becoming a Software Developer?
If you want to study software development in a formal setting, ECPI University offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Software Development at an accelerated pace. For more information about this exciting opportunity, connect with a helpful admissions officer today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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