99% of students are not sure of what a software engineer actually does and here’s the reason why...

Hello, students! My name is Dohn Joe, and I am a software engineer at Xortiv Sdn. Bhd., I am often asked by secondary school students what my job actually entails.

I have noticed that many students are unsure of what a software engineer does, and it is understandable considering that software engineering is a relatively new field that has emerged in the last few decades. However, it is essential for students to be aware of what a software engineer does as it is a highly lucrative and rewarding career path that offers a wide range of opportunities.

In this article, I aim to demystify software engineering and explain what software engineers do, why it is a great career path, and how students can prepare themselves for a career in this field.

What is Software Engineering?
Software engineering is like building a house. Just like a house has a foundation, walls, and a roof, software also has a structure. However, unlike building a house, software engineering is an iterative process that involves continual refinement and improvement. Software engineers use engineering principles to design, develop, test, and maintain software solutions that meet the needs of users and businesses.

One of the key differences between software engineering and other forms of engineering is that software engineering is an iterative process. This means that software engineers continually refine and improve the software they develop through multiple stages of development, including planning, designing, coding, testing, and maintenance.

What Does a Software Engineer Do?
Software engineers perform a wide range of tasks, depending on the stage of software development they are involved in. Some of the primary responsibilities of a software engineer include:

Designing and Developing Software Solutions: Software engineers design, develop, and test software solutions to meet the needs of users and businesses. This involves working with a range of programming languages and tools to create software that is efficient, reliable, and user-friendly.
Identifying and Solving Problems: Software engineers are problem-solvers by nature, and they must be able to identify and solve complex software problems. This involves analyzing software code, debugging software errors, and developing solutions that address the root cause of software issues.
Collaborating with Team Members: Software engineering is a team effort, and software engineers must be able to collaborate effectively with team members to develop software solutions. This involves communicating clearly, sharing ideas, and working together to achieve common goals.
Staying Up-to-Date with the Latest Technologies: Software engineering is a constantly evolving field, and software engineers must stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends. This involves attending conferences, reading industry publications, and experimenting with new technologies and tools.


Why is Software Engineering a Great Career Path?

Software engineering is a great career path for several reasons, including:
High Demand: Software engineering is in high demand, and job growth in this field is projected to continue to grow rapidly. This means that there are many job opportunities available, and software engineers can expect to earn competitive salaries.
Opportunities for Creativity: Software engineering is a creative field that allows engineers to use their imagination to develop innovative solutions to complex problems.
Flexibility: Software engineering is a flexible field that allows engineers to work from almost anywhere in the world. This means that software engineers can enjoy a great work-life balance and have the freedom to work on projects that interest them.
Continuous Learning: Software engineering is a field that requires continuous learning, and software engineers must stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends. This means that software engineers have the opportunity to learn new skills and technologies throughout their careers.


How Can Students Prepare for a Career in Software Engineering?

There are several steps that students can take to prepare for a career in software engineering, including:
Learn Programming Languages: Programming languages are the foundation of software engineering, and students should start learning programming languages as early as possible. There are many programming languages to choose from, including Python, Java, and C++, and students should focus on mastering one or two languages before moving on to others.
Take Computer Science Courses: Computer science courses provide students with a solid foundation in software engineering principles and practices. Students can take computer science courses online or at their local universities, and they should aim to complete as many courses as possible.
Join Coding Clubs and Competitions: Coding clubs and competitions provide students with an opportunity to practice their coding skills and learn from other like-minded individuals. These clubs and competitions also provide students with an opportunity to network with professionals in the field, which can lead to internships and job opportunities.
Participate in Open-Source Projects: Open-source projects are software projects that are freely available to the public, and students can participate in these projects to gain experience and build their portfolio. Contributing to open-source projects also provides students with an opportunity to learn from experienced developers and gain valuable feedback on their work.
Pursue Internships and Co-op Programs: Internships and co-op programs provide students with an opportunity to gain real-world experience in software engineering. Many companies offer internships and co-op programs to students, and these programs can lead to full-time job opportunities after graduation.

In conclusion, software engineering is a highly rewarding and lucrative career path that offers a wide range of opportunities. Although it may seem daunting at first, with hard work and dedication, anyone can pursue a career in software engineering. By learning programming languages, taking computer science courses, joining coding clubs and competitions, participating in open-source projects, and pursuing internships and co-op programs, students can prepare themselves for a successful career in software engineering. So, if you are interested in solving complex problems, working with cutting-edge technologies, and making a difference in the world, software engineering may be the perfect career path for you.

Xortiv Sdn Bhd

12m read

Dohn Joe

3d ago

Computer Science

Software Engineering