Video
What Professional Software Engineers ACTUALLY Do
This video from the YouTube channel “ForrestKnight” discusses the actual work life of a software engineer, while disclosing its highlights and downsides.
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Software Engineer
A Software Engineer is a computer science professional who uses programming languages to build software products, develop applications and ultimately solve real world problems.
Software engineers are required to keep up to date as technologies evolve and to train their minds to respond to real-world problems. Their mathematical mind and understanding of algorithms provide them with both the technical and mental capabilities to perform complex tasks. One line of code at a time, capable software engineers walk their path as innovators within society, distinguishing themselves for their curiosity and ability to masterly pair hard with soft skills.
Software engineers are required to keep up to date as technologies evolve and to train their minds to respond to real-world problems. Their mathematical mind and understanding of algorithms provide them with both the technical and mental capabilities to perform complex tasks. One line of code at a time, capable software engineers walk their path as innovators within society, distinguishing themselves for their curiosity and ability to masterly pair hard with soft skills.
Summary
Software Engineesr are professionals in computer science. They leverage programming languages to create software products, design applications, and address real-world challenges.
Capable software engineers put effort into the creation of scalable, maintainable, efficient, secure apps, with a strong attention to user experience. They are expected to master programming languages, frameworks, databases, and APIs, alongside algorithms and data structures. They may need knowledge of pipelines and DevOps, and their code must not only be functional but also look neat.
A solid knowledge of software engineering fundamentals and logic is essential to a career in the sector. Additionally, software engineers should have the capability to think critically and analytically about problems they need to solve by identifying patterns and adopting the divide-and-conquer paradigm.
A Software Engineer will generally look forward to be employed by a company or an IT service provider. Large organisations may have an in-house IT team and department. The profession is suitable for remote work, as in many cases employees or freelancers can perform their job without needing to be on site or at the office.
There is a great demand for software engineers; nonetheless, this can prove to be a quite competitive market when taking your first career steps in the sector and aiming to attain a high level of technical proficiency in a specific skill set.
Responsibilities
Software engineers are responsible for translating business requirements into technical solutions by designing, developing and packaging softwares.
Their key responsibilities are as follows:
Their key responsibilities are as follows:
Designing & Developing Application Software. Designing and developing application softwares using programming languages like Java, C++, TypeScript. This entails considering aspects such as: efficiency, scalability, maintainability, security, and user experience.
Documentation and Deployment. Documentation ensures that the software is understandable, maintainable and can be easily transferred to other developers. Deployment is the process of making the software available to end-users - it involves executing the source code that you have written.
Testing and Debugging. Thorough testing and debugging of software to find any issues in the code, and eventually troubleshoot and fix any errors that may arise.
Collaboration Software engineers rarely work on their own, as they are always in contact with other professionals to ensure the software meets the requirements and is delivered on time.
Maintenance and Updates. Software is not static but must be kept up-to-date and functioning optimally. This involves: bug fixes, security patches, feature enhancements, technical debt reduction.
Key skills & traits
Software Engineer must be able to the develop efficient and user-friendly software applications. Their key skills are the following:
Programming Languages and Frameworks.
Advanced proficiency in one or multiple programming languages (e.g. Java, Python, C++, C#, TypeScript) and frameworks (e.g. ASP.NET, Ruby on Rails, React, Next.js) is essential for software development.
Curiosity and Lifelong Learning.
A curious mind is important to keep up to date with the latest technologies on the market. This not simply is a matter of predisposition - it requires engineers to actively invest a significant amount of time in self-learning and experimentation.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills.
Software engineers should be able to express complex technical concepts clearly and concisely to team members, clients, and stakeholders. Although typically thought of as an analytical role, interpersonal skills should not be undervalued.
Data Structures and Algorithms.
A strong understanding of data structures and algorithms is crucial for efficient code design, including components, modules, and their interactions.
Problem Solving
Software engineers must be able to solve issues - both at the time of designing technical solutions (depending on the business requirements), and in response to development problems that may arise along the way.
Adaptability
While flexibly collaborating with diverse teams, software engineers must be able to adapt to changing requirements, emerging technologies and unforeseen challenges. Most importantly, given often ambiguous requirements or technical challenges, they must be able to break down complex problems, identify potential solutions, and make informed decisions.
Development Methodologies / Version Control
Familiarity with various software development methodologies (e.g. Agile, Waterfall) helps software engineers streamline projects and deliver high-quality work. On the other hand, version control systems, like GitLab, allow different software engineers to collaborate and track changes to code.
Analytical / Critical Thinking
Analytical and critical thinking are important skills for software engineers - they underpin the ability to design, develop, debug, and optimise software effectively.
Education & qualifications
When looking for a job as a software engineer, a university degree in a related subject (for example, Information Technology, Computer Science, or Software Engineering) generally is required. Any additional certification in IT, apprenticeship or internship experience can be beneficial to show that you possess knowledge of specific technologies.
A strong GitHub repository usually is a great indicator of a good software engineer. Like for any role, requirements may slightly vary between employers.
A strong GitHub repository usually is a great indicator of a good software engineer. Like for any role, requirements may slightly vary between employers.
Lifestyle
Software engineering is a popular choice for those looking forward to a remote career, as many companies do not require physical presence on-site or in an office. Generally, being a software engineer is not considered a stressful job. The role offers the opportunity to achieve work-life balance.
95%
Remote SuitedHighly suitable for remote working. Some companies may require full or partial presence in the office. Often, freelances or self-employed are fully remote.
30%
StressfulSoftware engineering is generally not considered stressful. Working freelance may add some stress.
80%
Work Life BlanceGreat opportunities for work-life balance, especially when fully remote. Some employers offer flexible working hours. During intense project phases, software engineers may need to put in extra hours to meet deadlines.
Our collection of reviews from industry professionals have scored being a software engineers as 4.5 out of 5 on average.
40/hrs
WeeklyTypical working hours for an employer are a standard 40 hours / week. Self-employed or freelancers have more control over hours worked.
Salary data
The average salary for a software engineer in the UK is £52,500. Entry level software engineers can expect to make around £31,000 per year, with more senior engineers pulling in £57,500 or more.
An intermediate web designer can charge £26.60 / hour as a freelancer, and expert software engineers or contractors may have higher rates than this.
An intermediate web designer can charge £26.60 / hour as a freelancer, and expert software engineers or contractors may have higher rates than this.
£31,000
Entry
£52,500
Average
£57,500
Senior
Career path
The career path of a software developer is not as rigid as you might expect. Software engineers may come from a different field of IT, being able to contribute their unique experience to the industry. Alternatively, they can be self-taught.
Junior Software Engineer
Entry to a junior position is likely to be from a BSc in Information Technology or in Software Engineering. However, some employers may hire candidates who hold A-levels in Coding, Maths, or Physics. Even for a junior position, it is likely that you will need to prove your coding ability in the relevant language.
Senior Software Engineer
Promotions will involve more responsibilities — for example, having more decision-making authority on architecture design, and conducting code reviews. A Software Engineer may specialise in any one of various different languages or frameworks. As a more senior Software Engineer, they may be well positioned to pick up freelance work.
Lead Software Engineer
Some teams will have a Lead Software Engineer, who spearheads the development team. The Lead Engineer will likely be less involved with coding in favour of other responsibilities - for example, acting as a point of contact for external stakeholders, answering technical or architectural questions and unblocking software engineers in their team.
Despite more focus on 'big picture,' a Lead Software Engineer may continue to take on various coding tasks - with many Lead Engineers continuing to leverage their expertise and take on the most complex coding tasks.
Despite more focus on 'big picture,' a Lead Software Engineer may continue to take on various coding tasks - with many Lead Engineers continuing to leverage their expertise and take on the most complex coding tasks.
Entry into a junior position is likely to be from a BSc in Information Technology or in Software Engineering. However, some employers will hire candidates who hold A-levels in Coding, Maths, or Physics. A strong GitHub repository and working experience, which may well come from an internship, an apprenticeship or freelance work, can also be important.
Promotions will involve more responsibility — for example, having more decision-making authority on architecture design, and conducting code reviews in a more senior position, or leading a team in a Team Manager role.
Moving laterally, a software engineer may transition into:
Promotions will involve more responsibility — for example, having more decision-making authority on architecture design, and conducting code reviews in a more senior position, or leading a team in a Team Manager role.
Moving laterally, a software engineer may transition into:
- a Front-end Developer (focusing exclusively on frontend development)
- a Back-end Developer (focusing exclusively on backend development)
- a Full-stack Developer (focusing equally on frontend and backend development)
- a Web Developer (focusing exclusively on web development)
- a Mobile Developer (focusing exclusively on mobile development)
- a Freelance Software Engineer (working for themselves)
Additionally, a Software Engineer may transition into any similar careers.
History of the profession
Being a software engineer is a relatively recent specialism. Although we can trace the concept of software to the 1940s, it is only since the 1980s that the job entered the mainstream - and only since the turn of the 21st century that it has exploded in popularity.
Reviews
We would like to share with you some insights from professionals from the software engineering industry, to help you understand whether a career in this area would be a good fit for you.
Software Engineer
Brian
After 5 years of experience as a software engineer, I could not be any happier of my career choice. I never stop getting amazed by this job, and the many trajectories it can lead to. I have recently started a new role in the space industry, and am thrilled to find out how software engineering can serve the needs of this sector.
💰£60,000Annual
salary
salary
💼40Weekly hours
🏝️80%Remote suited
🤷♀️15%Stressful
⚖️80%Work life balance
Senior Software Engineer
Andrew
I feel so creative and energised when I think about coming up with software architecture, while experimenting with the latest technologies and contributing to open-source projects. I feel I am part of such a supportive community and that the world really is my oyster!
💰£67,000Annual
salary
salary
💼40Weekly hours
🏝️85%Remote suited
🤷♀️10%Stressful
⚖️85%Work life balance
Freelance Software Engineer
Jane
My favourite part of being a freelancer in this industry is being able to support clients both in the UK and in the US. I have the best experience getting access to 2 totally different markets. The work I do for my US clients provides me with a fresh pair of eyes to assist my UK clients in the best way possible.
💰£80,000Annual
salary
salary
💼50Weekly hours
🏝️95%Remote suited
🤷♀️10%Stressful
⚖️95%Work life balance
If you have experience in the field of software engineering, leaving a review can help others decide whether this career is for them.
Similar careers
The following job profiles are closely connected to the role of Software Engineer. You can expect a Software Engineer to collaborate with such professionals, transition or be promoted to similar positions.
Resources
Would you be interested in embarking on a Software Engineer’s career? We have put together a set of resources, that we hope you will find useful as you learn and prepare for your professional journey.
Article
Software Developers vs Software Engineers: Roles, Skills, and Paths Unveiled
The learning platform Multiverse discusses apprenticeships in tech, identifying the main differences between the Software Engineer and the Software Developer job profile.
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Podcast
#146 From Failing Programming Class to Senior Software Engineer with Tadas Petra
This podcast from “freeCodeCamp Podcast” inivites Tadas Petra, software engineer and Senior Developer Advocate at Agora.io, to discuss his personal experience becoming a software engineer.
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Video
What I Wish Knew Before Becoming A Software Developer
This video from the YouTube channel “Jeremiah Peoples” gives a fresh insight into the experience of a university drop out who has managed to start a successful career in software engineering.
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Article
Career Change at 38: Transitioning to Software Developer in 6 Months & Scouted by Google!
This article from the learning platform ‘ZTM’ presents Caroline Chan’s success story about transitioning to a career in software engineering at 38 years old.
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Podcast
#142 The Reverse Engineering Method to Becoming a Hireable Software Developer
This podcast from “Develop Yourself” by Brian Jenney suggests a way to simplify the process of becoming a hireable software engineer.
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Book
Beginning Software Engineering
This book by Rod Stephens takes readers through the main principles of good software engineering.
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Book
Software Engineering
This book by Ian Sommerville offers a handbook on software engineering’s main concepts.
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Course
Software Development from A to Z — Beginner’s Complete Guide
This course from the learning platform “Udemy” is created by Karoly Nyisztor to introduce beginners to the fundamentals of a career in software engineering.
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Course
Software Development and IT — Complete Guide to Key Concepts
This course from the learning platform Udemy is created by Kamil Kulik to provide beginners with an overview of concepts in software engineering.
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Specialisms
There are plenty of specialisms for software developers. One obvious thing to note is that there are hundreds of programming languages which can all be considered as specialisms. Rather than list all of those here, you can find some of the broad specialisms outlined below.