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
From launching rockets to revolutionising AI, software engineers are behind the world’s biggest innovations.
They designed the algorithms that power Google Search, built Tesla’s self-driving technology, and created the systems behind Amazon’s personalised shopping experience. Whether it’s developing life-saving medical software, shaping the future of gaming, or engineering the next big social media platform, software engineers turn ideas into reality—one line of code at a time.
They designed the algorithms that power Google Search, built Tesla’s self-driving technology, and created the systems behind Amazon’s personalised shopping experience. Whether it’s developing life-saving medical software, shaping the future of gaming, or engineering the next big social media platform, software engineers turn ideas into reality—one line of code at a time.
This is a career of endless possibilities. Work for the world’s most innovative companies, launch your own tech startup, or freelance from anywhere. Whether you're designing cutting-edge apps, securing global networks, or pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence, a career as a Software Engineer puts you at the heart of the future.
Summary
A career as a Software Engineer is your gateway to building the future. Whether you're developing sleek mobile apps, crafting powerful AI-driven systems, or designing the software behind space missions, this is a role that thrives on innovation and problem-solving.
In this field, creativity meets logic. You’ll write clean, efficient code that brings ideas to life—balancing technical precision with creative problem-solving. From mastering programming languages and databases to working with cutting-edge frameworks, software engineers blend technical expertise with strategic thinking. You’ll also collaborate with designers, product managers, and fellow developers to create seamless, user-friendly software.
And the best part? The flexibility. Work from anywhere, in any industry—tech giants, startups, gaming studios, finance, cybersecurity, or even space exploration. The demand for skilled software engineers is skyrocketing, meaning you’ll always be in demand, with opportunities to specialise, lead teams, or launch your own projects.
This career is more than just coding—it’s about building the digital world we all rely on. Whether you're solving global challenges, driving innovation, or creating the next viral app, a career as a Software Engineer is a journey of constant learning and limitless potential.
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
Anyone can become a Software Engineer—no formal degree required! While some employers may look for qualifications in computer science or engineering, what really matters is your ability to write clean code, solve problems, and build working software. Many great engineers are self-taught, having started with online courses, tutorials, or building personal projects out of curiosity and drive.
Success in software engineering is built on skills, not just credentials. Whether you’re freelancing, working at a startup, or aiming for a tech giant, what sets you apart is your ability to write scalable, maintainable code and contribute to real-world applications. A strong portfolio, GitHub profile, or list of projects often carries more weight than a degree.
Lifestyle
Software engineering offers flexibility, remote work, and strong job security. Many companies allow fully remote or hybrid roles, making it ideal for those seeking location independence.
The job is generally low-stress, though industries like finance, gaming, and startups may involve tighter deadlines. Work-life balance is strong, with many employers offering flexible hours and 28 days of paid holiday in the UK. Freelancers have full control over their schedules but no paid leave.
With high demand, competitive salaries, and diverse career paths, software engineering provides stability, independence, and opportunities for growth.
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
Software engineering offers a diverse and flexible career path, with opportunities to work in startups, global tech companies, or as a freelancer. While many enter the field through traditional university degrees, alternative routes such as coding bootcamps, self-directed learning, and industry certifications are increasingly recognised.
Junior Software Engineer
Entry-level role focused on learning, writing code, and contributing to small projects.
Mid-Level Software Engineer
More responsibility, independent problem-solving, and mentoring junior developers.
Senior Software Engineer
Leads projects, makes architectural decisions, and optimises software performance.
Technical Lead / Engineering Manager
Oversees teams, manages development processes, and aligns technical strategy with business goals.
Principal Engineer / CTO
High-level leadership, setting long-term technical vision and driving innovation.
While some companies require formal qualifications, many focus on technical skills and experience. A strong GitHub portfolio, industry certifications (AWS, Google, Microsoft), or contributions to open-source projects can often be just as valuable as a degree. Software engineers can also specialise in fields like AI, cybersecurity, DevOps, or game development, allowing for a highly customisable career path.
With high demand, competitive salaries, and the flexibility to work remotely, software engineering offers an exciting and adaptable career with opportunities for rapid growth and specialisation.
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
Software engineering offers a wide array of specialisms, each catering to different interests and skills. Here's an overview of some key areas and why you might find them fulfilling