How to Become a Software Engineer At Home

One way some learners opt to study software engineering is through self-teaching resources they can work with from the comfort of their own homes. Unlike in-person training, which requires commuting to and from a training facility to learn software engineering, this type of instruction takes place entirely remotely. The following sections will take a closer look at some popular at-home training methods, including free resources, on-demand classes, and live online coursework, as well as how to determine which training method is right for you.

What Software Engineer Training Method is Right for Me?

If you’re ready to learn software engineering, the good news is that many excellent training options can assist. Learners seeking at-home study options can choose from live online classes like bootcamps and certificate programs, as well as self-guided materials like free online tutorials and on-demand classes. Live online courses are an engaging and interactive way to explore software engineering. They provide learners with a way to connect in real-time with an expert instructor who has industry experience in software engineering, as well as to learn alongside a cohort of other students. Those seeking live instruction can opt for introductory-level bootcamps that focus on one programming language or tool (such as Python) or select more intensive coursework like certificate programs that provide comprehensive guidance on a range of in-demand tools and skills. Certificate study is especially useful for those interested in pursuing a career in software engineering since these program often include professional development incentives along with hands-on training. For learners who want to dictate their learning speed and complete coursework in their own timeframe, online resources like YouTube videos and online tutorials can be a great starting place. Additionally, on-demand classes are available from many top providers. These courses allow students to determine their own learning pace and complete their training as their schedule permits.

What is a Software Engineer?

Because so many businesses across different sectors rely on software for their daily operations, Software Engineers are hired to work in many industries, including retail, cybersecurity, healthcare, and finance. These professionals help their organization create, develop, and test computer systems and software applications. To succeed in software engineering, it’s essential to be familiar with a range of programming languages, platforms, and architectures, as well as their uses, to develop products like network control systems or computer games. In addition to creating their own systems, Software Engineers may also be asked to improve or test the software created by other Engineers. Those with well-developed analytical skills and good at solving problems would be a good match for this profession.

On a daily basis, the tasks a Software Engineer performs depend on their industry of employment (healthcare vs. retail, for example, will have very different requirements), as well as their place of employment and current project. Some common daily tasks Software Engineers perform include creating and maintaining software systems, writing code, studying and testing new software, ensuring software is scalable and performing at a good speed, meeting with stakeholders like security specialists or clients, and creating presentations on new software features. They also assist with tasks like researching current technological developments for use in projects, designing prototypes, locating and fixing bugs, and performing A/B testing.

Most Software Engineers are employed full-time; some work onsite, whereas others have remote positions. Lucrative freelance Software Engineering roles are also available, which provide the Engineer with the flexibility of being their own boss and selecting their own projects. Software Engineers who work full-time typically collaborate with other team members on projects, including Developers, UX and UI Designers, Managers, and those from various sales teams. Some Software Engineers focus on one component of a project, whereas others see the project out in its entirety from start to finish or even multi-task on several concurrent projects. This field is usually driven by deadlines. Most Software Engineers work a typical 40-hour workweek but may have to commit additional hours during coding sprints. 

Can I Learn to be a Software Engineer from Home?

Thanks to the range of software engineering training options that are available entirely online, now is a great time to learn this skill set from home. Students have the flexibility of deciding whether to select live training content, such as live bootcamps or certificate programs that are taught on Zoom, or work with self-paced materials like free tutorials, YouTube videos, or on-demand classes. Learners can opt for a single mode of training or combine several options to ensure they get the most out of their studies. Because of how popular the field of software engineering is, many top providers offer online training options for learners at all levels to prepare them to put their skills to use in a professional setting.

What are the Advantages of Learning from Home?

Home-based software engineering study has many advantages for learners. Rather than have to waste time battling rush-hour traffic to attend classes or spend extra money on parking and gas, students can complete all their studies from the comfort of their home space. Those who may not live near a major city where training centers are located or who lack reliable transportation to commute to class may find online study a more viable alternative than in-person training. Live online software engineering classes provide learners with the same supportive learning environment as in-person classes, such as access to a live instructor, real-time support and feedback, and hands-on, project-based training. Students can ask questions as they arise and receive immediate clarification on complicated software engineering concepts or tasks. 

Students who wish to learn software engineering through asynchronous content like videos and on-demand classes have the additional benefit of being able to establish their own learning pace. They can spend an entire weekend learning JavaScript or space their studies out for half an hour each day over several weeks. Since all content is pre-recorded, it’s up to the learner to determine their learning pace. Students can pause lessons, rewind them to revisit complicated material or rewatch entire lessons to ensure they’re fully grasping the skills being taught. Another benefit of working with asynchronous content is that it’s typically a much less expensive training option than live coursework; some is even available for free. This makes it a low-stakes way to explore software engineering.

What are the Disadvantages of Learning from Home?

While home study has several advantages, there are some drawbacks to consider before opting for this type of training. Those who want to study software engineering from home will need to be self-motivated learners who can commit to classwork, even outside of a formal training facility. On-demand content also requires that students complete their training on a schedule they establish. Since there are no formal deadlines when working with asynchronous content, learners must set aside time to regularly practice the skills they’re acquiring and complete their lessons. Additionally, since no computer lab is provided when studying at home, those who opt for this type of training will need to have a computing device with a reliable internet connection and have the most current software engineering tools installed on this device. Another challenging aspect of home study is carving out a quiet space to complete lessons. Those with other family members or roommates may struggle to find a place at home where they feel comfortable and focused on working.

What Resources are Available to Help Me Become a Software Engineer at Home?

If you’re exploring different training options for learning software engineering at home, you may not be certain which resources will be the most useful or which are in line with your ultimate educational goals. The following sections will explore several types of training materials available to students at all levels, including free online content, on-demand classes, and live programs like bootcamps and certificates, so you can select the at-home training format most suited to your learning needs.

Free Resources

Free online software engineering resources and tutorials are one way some learners opt to study this in-demand field from their own homes. Free resources like YouTube videos and online tutorials are a great way to get started learning about software engineering without having to invest a penny. This content is a good option for learners unsure whether they’re prepared to enroll in a more immersive class like a bootcamp or certificate. They can also be a good supplement to use alongside more structured classes. Free online resources provide a low-stakes way for individuals to get a feel for software engineering and explore basic concepts. 

Noble Desktop, an educational provider based in New York City, offers a range of excellent free resources for learners at all levels. The Noble Desktop Blog provides well-researched articles on a range of topics related to software engineering, such as web development, computer science, coding, JavaScript, and Python. Additionally, Noble offers a Software Engineering Learn Hub that includes free information pertaining to software engineering, such as content machine learning, data science, front end web development, and HTML/CSS. Noble’s online video tutorials are also a great way for students to learn software engineering basics without being enrolled in a live class. Noble’s Intro to Front End Web Development provides free instruction on the programming languages used to design the user-facing component of a website. Learners who want to explore core software engineering programming languages can do so in Noble’s Intro to Python Fundamentals or Intro to JavaScript seminars.

While free online resources can be a great way to learn basic software engineering concepts or find an answer to a specific question, this type of training also has some limitations. Since the field of software engineering continues to evolve quickly, content can quickly become dated. Those interested in studying through free online resources should research the provider to ensure the content they’re selecting reflects the most current software engineering best practices. Additionally, since this material is relatively short, it often provides only basic-level training. Those seeking to learn software engineering for work-related reasons may eventually need more structured coursework to help them fully master the complexity of this field.

On-Demand Classes

Some learners who wish to study from home enroll in on-demand software engineering classes. Self-paced classes are a good option for individuals who have to fit their software engineering studies alongside other commitments, such as full-time work or a busy personal life. These programs are pre-recorded and placed online. Students have the flexibility of deciding when they wish to complete coursework and how long they want to spend doing so. This flexible type of training allows students to pause lessons, rewind them, or rewatch them from start to finish to ensure the concepts are being retained. The content is made available to students upfront, which leaves it up to them to determine their pacing. Class length varies significantly, from several hours to several months. In terms of cost, on-demand content is available at various price points, from free options to subscription-based services or for-fee individual classes.

While this learning format has many benefits, it also has certain drawbacks to consider. Some learners prefer not having to adhere to a strict class schedule with formal homework deadlines. Others, though, may find it difficult to complete their studies without specified deadlines or the support of peers who are learning alongside them. Since the content is pre-recorded, no instructor is present for lessons, which can pose challenges for some students, especially those who are new to software engineering and may need additional help or clarification. For these reasons, asynchronous study is most suited for self-motivated learners who can budget the time needed to devote to their studies without falling behind.

Live Online Classes and Bootcamps

If you want to study software engineering in the live online environment, there are many excellent live online software engineering training options available around the country for aspiring learners, including bootcamps and certificate programs.

Live Online Bootcamps

Software Engineering bootcamps are another way some learners opt to learn this skill set. These live programs are available in person at a designated training facility, as well as in the live online format using a teleconferencing platform. Bootcamps typically require only a few sessions to complete and deal with a specific software engineering topic, such as JavaScript frameworks and libraries, Python programming, or HTML and CSS. Bootcamp attendees can complete one or more courses to fill a skills gap and then put this training to immediate use in their current career or to pursue an entirely new professional direction. They are a good study option for individuals like entrepreneurs who are interested in creating their own digital products. Bootcamp study usually costs less than $2,000 for a class.

Live Online Certificates Programs

Pursuing a software engineering certificate or certification is another method of instruction some home learners can select. Certificates offer comprehensive, live instruction aimed at taking students from beginner-level software engineering skills into more advanced skills that are needed to pursue a job as a Full Stack Web Developer or Software Engineer. Certificate programs often comprise multiple bootcamp courses, which makes them a longer and more robust form of study. These classes typically require several weeks or months to complete, depending on whether the student opts for full-time or part-time training. Certificates often provide students with more than real-time, hands-on lessons; they also include perks like 1-on-1 mentoring sessions, career coaching, and assistance with compiling professional portfolios. The price range for certificate study varies from several thousand dollars to more than $10,000, depending on the program’s length and focus.

While live online training is the most engaging way to study software engineering from the comfort of your own home, this type of training has some potential drawbacks learners should consider. Learners must have a quiet study space with a strong internet connection at their home where they can complete lessons without distractions. For those who live with other people or lack reliable internet, this form of training can be challenging. Additionally, live coursework is usually a more expensive way to learn software engineering than on-demand content since it provides learners with real-time access to an instructor. This may make this type of training prohibitive for some individuals.

How to Find Software Engineer Work at Home

Software Engineers don’t only work in offices; some opt to work remotely for their company or as Freelance Software Engineers, where they get to be their own boss. Those interested in finding software engineering employment from home will need to be self-motivated individuals capable of wearing many hats and finding the motivation to independently complete work. These individuals can enjoy the flexibility that corresponds with working remotely, such as deciding which hours to work, choosing where to work, and, in freelance cases, choosing which projects to take on and how many hours a week to commit to work. To pursue freelance or remote software engineering jobs, prospective job applicants will need to have the same training in software engineering as they would for in-house roles. In addition to knowledge of programming languages, web development, and other relevant skills, those seeking freelance opportunities must also be able to handle the business side of operations, which means budgeting for time off and purchasing health insurance, securing new gigs, and self-promoting services to ensure income remains steady. The following paragraphs will take a closer look at remote software engineering job responsibilities, as well as how to find work in this capacity.

Freelance Opportunities

Generally speaking, Freelance Software Engineers will need to wear many hats. In addition to completing daily tasks that their current client requires, these individuals must also perform other roles that are apart from engineering. Freelance work isn’t the same as a steady, 40-hour week of in-house employment; instead of a boss assigning a project, it’s up to the Freelancer to line up their own work. Some projects are easier to come by, especially for those who already have a solid reputation in this field and a client base willing to provide recommendations. Others who are newer and less established may find it harder and more time-consuming to continuously seek out new work. This process involves having a current resume and cover letter, an up-to-date LinkedIn profile, and a professional portfolio that’s ready to share with prospective clients.

Once a Freelance Software Engineer establishes a relationship with a client, the next thing they will have to do is negotiate a contract. Each new freelance project will require this step. The Freelance Software Engineer will have to agree to (or negotiate) a pay rate, a timeframe within which the project will be complete, and the general requirements they must perform to be paid. This contract may also include information pertaining to when payment will be sent and how it will be delivered. They will then need to remain in contact with the client as often as necessary during the work process. Some clients may prefer to have regular progress updates, whereas others may find it sufficient to allow the Software Engineer to work independently so long as they can be trusted to meet the deadline.

Finding Remote Jobs as a Software Engineer

Those who opt to pursue a remote career in software engineering can choose from the same career paths they would for in-house jobs. These careers are available in a range of industries, including healthcare, cybersecurity, or finance. They can apply to be a Front End or Back End Engineer or opt to explore a career in full stack engineering. These individuals may choose to seek remote employment with an electronic product manufacturing company or computer systems design firm. Others can explore career options in application development offices or for software publishers. 

Those who work in a freelance capacity can find all types of software engineering jobs. Some organizations hire these individuals to finish projects that are already underway. In some instances, freelancers are brought on board to fix software issues or perform debugging. Usually, Freelance Software Engineers work on a project-by-project basis and perform tasks like troubleshooting any problems that arise with an existing application or creating an entirely new website from scratch for a client. Currently, approximately 180,000 individuals in the US are employed as Freelance Software Developers. They are more likely to work for private rather than public companies.

How Will Remote Work as a Software Engineer Differ from Onsite Work?

Some employers allow those who work for them to perform their software engineering responsibilities remotely from their homes. Because job-related tasks in this field are largely performed through computer-based technology, remote employment options are common. Remote employees typically have the same job requirements as they’d have in-house, such as completing projects, writing code, testing and debugging software, and attending meetings. They often are assigned the exact same projects as they would be in the office. These individuals perform work tasks remotely, often using a teleconferencing platform to attend live meetings. Because their organization employs them, they still receive the same benefits as they would working in-house, such as access to healthcare, paid time off, and job training. The main difference between onsite and offsite work is that with offsite employment, the employer doesn’t require them to come to the office and instead has okayed them to work in a remote capacity, either some or all of the time.

Freelance software engineering jobs differ from remote software employment in that these professionals serve as their own bosses. Freelancers enjoy many perks that come along with this role. They can select which projects they want to work on at any time, which allows them more creative freedom than those who work in-house. These professionals may opt for one large project that takes several months (or even longer to complete) or select several shorter projects that require only weeks of time and can be worked on simultaneously. Freelancers also have the ability to decide when and where they’d like to work. Whether they wish to write code at the local coffee shop or from the comfort of their own home, the bottom line for these professionals is that they complete the tasks they’ve agreed to do and adhere to the timeline provided by their client. However, with this flexibility comes certain concessions, such as no benefits or paid time off. It’s essentially up to the Freelance Software Engineer to continue finding work and budgeting for variables like healthcare or days off.

Securing steady freelance work can present challenges that aren’t a concern when working full-time for an in-house employer. While freelance employment can be a great way for the individual to take ownership and control over their work, it also means that they are tasked with continuously finding new work. Some people may find the stress of constantly having to apply for new work to be undesirable since there is no guarantee projects will be steadily available. Others, though, prefer this flexibility and are able to build on their reputation to gain referrals for new work. Freelance Software Engineers also negotiate their pay rates on a per-project basis, which allows them to opt for work that adequately compensates them and turn down other projects. However, when work options aren’t coming through, they may need to settle for lower-paying gigs to pay bills.

Learn the Skills to Become a Software Engineer at Noble Desktop

Those interested in pursuing a career in software engineering can receive hands-on training by enrolling in one of Noble Desktop’s in-person or live online software engineering courses. Noble currently offers a Software Engineering Certificate that provides hands-on training in front end and back end web development. Participants in this rigorous program begin by exploring how to use HTML to mark up webpages, CSS to style them, and GIT for version control. The second part of this program teaches core JavaScript programming skills, such as data types, variables, DOM, and loops. Instruction is provided on using the React library to create a fully working desktop application and deploy it to Amazon Web Services. Next, those enrolled explore Python concepts like its basic syntax, custom functions, sorting algorithms, and dictionaries. Learners then progress into object-oriented programming, APIs, and database querying with SQL. By course completion, participants will be familiar with Django and Django REST. In addition to comprehensive in-class training, this certificate includes 12 1-on-1 mentoring sessions for all students, which can be devoted to professional portfolio development, resume work, or LinkedIn profile updates.

Noble also offers a Python Developer Certificate that prepares students for a career as a Python Developer. This intensive course teaches concepts like Python programming basics, as well as how to use Django and Django REST for web development. All participants leave this course with a professional portfolio that highlights their best work from the program. As a prerequisite, students should have prior knowledge of basic CSS and HTML coding. It’s also helpful, though not required, to have experience with an additional programming language prior to enrolling. This certificate includes four 1-on-1 mentoring sessions.

Learners who want to become proficient in front end and back end web development can enroll in Noble’s Full Stack Web Development Certificate. This program will prepare students to create and maintain various web applications. Through project-oriented instruction, those enrolled explore how to code websites, program their visual appearance, and create the infrastructure that helps them function. Instruction is provided in coding languages like JavaScript and HTML/CSS. Students also work with the MERN tech stack, server environments like AWS, and APIs. All participants leave with a portfolio to share with prospective employers. Ten 1-on-1 mentoring sessions are provided along with tuition.