Obtaining skills to become a software engineer could be a great choice when it comes to a career that is economical, engaging and educational. As a software engineer, you will be responsible for developing, building, maintaining and repairing software solutions and applications for a variety of companies and individuals. Whether you’re just getting into this field or you’re looking for a career change, finding the right training format is essential.

Once you’ve decided to learn Software Engineering, the next important question is deciding how it is you plan to learn these skills. Most students find that they learn better when they receive guided training, and there is no shortage of available options for students to receive guidance in their Software Engineering training. To learn more about the different Software Engineering training options, and what advantages and disadvantages they carry with them, read on.

What is Software Engineering?

Software Engineering is a branch of computer science that focuses on the creation, enhancement, testing and maintenance of software. 

As a software engineer, you will be responsible for creating programs, operating systems and applications. Some of the career paths you might consider exploring include designing and developing computer games, operating systems, network control systems, middleware and business applications, among others.

There is a strong demand for software engineers, which means you can have an incredibly lucrative career. There are also numerous industries that need software engineering, so you’ll be able to work for a company that you find interesting and challenges you to be your best.

What Can You Do with Software Engineering Skills?

As a software engineer, one of your main jobs will be to develop software and applications that transform businesses and people’s lives. That sounds like a tall order, but with the right skills and knowledge, it will be a challenge you happily undertake. Some of the things you can do with Software Engineers skills include the following:

Programming

As a software engineer, you will have programming skills that will allow you to develop software, automate processes and design algorithms. Learning coding and scripting languages can be incredibly useful during this process and give you the skills and knowledge you need to work in a variety of different industries, from healthcare to government to nonprofits and places in between.

Software Development

Software development is tied to programming, and with this skill, you will be able to create a variety of different products that can be used by companies and individuals to make their lives easier or more entertaining. Depending on what interests you, with the right skill set, you can create games, websites or apps, among other software products, for public use.

Software Testing

Developing software is the first step in the Software Engineering process. You then need to make sure your creation actually works and behaves as intended. Having skills in software testing allows you to identify and fix any issues that might arise.

Debugging

This skill goes along with software testing. Once you find issues or problems, you then need to know how to fix them. Having an understanding of code flow is particularly useful in making sure your software runs smoothly. It’s also beneficial to have some problem-solving skills, as this will help you think about issues and problems (and how to fix them) in new and creative ways.

Database Administration

From websites to apps to accounting to other types of software, keeping a business running means keeping their technology running. If you have database administration skills, you’ll be able to keep your employer’s software organized and maintained—and potentially create new software to improve the company’s effectiveness and efficiency.

Documentation and Communication

As a software engineer, you’ll have a lot of technical skills that will be highly valued by others because you’ll be able to develop software that makes life easier. However, having documentation and communication skills will take you to the next level.

With documentation skills, you’ll be able to create manuals or other types of writing that includes clear descriptions of the software’s features, its functionality and how it should be used.

No matter what company or industry you work in, you will find yourself needing to explain complex ideas to individuals who don’t have the same technical understanding you do, and that’s where communication skills come in handy. Having the skills to convey information in simple, easy-to-understand terms will make you an incredibly valuable employee.

Why Training Format Matters

The use of technology isn’t going to fade any time soon. In fact, on a daily basis, people rely on technology to keep them moving forward. Whether they are making medical appointments, checking their bank account, shopping for essentials or just playing games, technology plays a huge role in everyone’s lives. With that, the need for software engineers to meet the technological demands of people and companies is going to continue to rise. Thus, if this is a field you’re interested in entering, getting trained is essential.

Every person learns differently, so finding the right training format ensures you are successful. The last thing you want is to walk away feeling like you didn’t learn anything—that can be incredibly frustrating and make you feel like you’ve wasted your time and money. To ensure you don’t become disheartened with the training process, it’s important to understand how you learn best and what training format options are available to you. 

There is no one-size-fits-all training solution, and there are lots of options to choose from. Make sure you choose the one that will ensure your current and future success.

Types of Training Formats

The most common types of training formats for Software Engineering include in-person, live online and on-demand classes. You can also look for free courses. The following dives deeper into each type of training to help you find the format that will work best for you.

Live In-Person Classes

If you thrive in a traditional class environment, then taking a live in-person class might be the best training format for you. Some of the benefits of taking a live in-person class are that you have direct access to the instructor and classmates. You’ll be able to interact and collaborate with others to get answers to questions and understand exactly what’s going on. A live in-person class also means you’ll get direct feedback and have fewer distractions.

Some of the downsides to a live in-person class is that the schedule isn’t flexible. To get the most out of this class, you’ll have to attend at a specific time and place, which could be problematic if you have other responsibilities you have to take care of during the day. You also have to find a way to get to the classes, which means commuting, and that could take up more of your valuable time.

Live Online Classes

Online learning is a bit more flexible, as you won’t have to worry about commuting to and from class. Some of the other benefits of live online classes for Software Engineering is that you may have a more diverse class because people can connect from anywhere around the world. With different students attending, you’ll be exposed to a wider range of perspectives while you learn.

Some of the drawbacks to live online classes is that the schedule isn’t super flexible. You still have to log-in at a certain time during the day to access the information. In addition, you may not be able to interact with your fellow classmates or with the instructor as much as you would like. You may also be exposed to distractions when logging in from home or other locations. You might also experience connectivity issues that make it hard to get and stay online.

On-Demand Classes

On-demand classes are a great option if you have a super busy schedule and can’t attend in-person or live online classes. You’ll be able to balance your home and work life without having to follow a strict class schedule. You’ll be able to learn Software Engineering at your own pace.

While on-demand classes are flexible and informative, you don’t have the ability to interact with instructors or other students. If you don’t have a lot of self-motivation and are prone to distractions, you may also lose interest and fall behind in your studies.

Free Courses

The thought of being able to access free courses in Software Engineering is appealing to a lot of people, and there are resources out there that can get you the skills and information you need to be successful in this field. However, some drawbacks to taking free courses is that you may not get all the information you need to be a successful software engineer.

A lot of free courses are introductory courses. While learning the basics is important, you may not be able to advance much beyond those initial classes. You also don’t know how often the curriculum is updated, so you might be learning information that is no longer relevant. If you are confused and have questions, you may not be able to get in touch with anyone to get answers.

Depth of Training Formats

In addition to deciding what type of class will work best for you, you’ll also need to decide the depth of training you want to undertake. It’s possible to learn skills for Software Engineering in a shorter amount of time by enrolling in a bootcamp. This could be beneficial if you have already had some computer training. However, if you’re new to this field or you want to gain more experience or expertise, then you’ll need to consider attending a certificate program.

Certificate Programs

In general, a certificate program is a non-degree program that can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, and they are geared toward students who are looking for training that will then lead to immediate employment. Certificate programs may or may not have admission requirements, and sometimes they can be used as continuous training within a profession.

You can obtain a Software Engineering Certificate from Noble Desktop in 20 weeks. You have the option of taking this class in-person or online, and you’ll learn front end development, JavaScript development and Python development with Django, as well as put together a portfolio of projects that you’ll be able to show to potential employers so that they know that you have the right skills. Included with this program is one-on-one mentoring, so you’ll have a live person you can talk to should any questions arise.

Training Bootcamps

Training bootcamps typically are topic-focused programs that teach a specific skill that is currently in demand. They are generally shorter than a certificate program, so you’ll obtain new knowledge in less time. More often than not, students sign up for bootcamps to gain a new skill or enhance their existing knowledge base to either pursue a new career or advance their current one.

When it comes to bootcamps that will provide you with Software Engineering knowledge, Noble Desktop has numerous options to choose from. You can check out their selection of Coding Bootcamps, as well as sign up to learn more about Python. If you’re thinking about going into Cybersecurity, there’s a bootcamp that will provide you with the skills you’re looking for.

Introductory Courses

An introductory course is designed to teach students foundational knowledge and skills within a particular subject. Typically, these classes are taken by individuals who have limited experience or background within that particular subject. If you’ve never taken a computer course in your life but want to learn Software Engineering, you’ll need to start with an introductory course.

An example of an introductory course that you might consider taking from Noble Desktop is a coding class. Since coding is the foundation for Software Engineering and a lot of other computer-related careers, this is a good place to start. After passing the introductory courses, you can then continue your education by exploring bootcamps or enrolling in a certificate program.

Learn Software Engineering Skills with Noble Desktop

Making the decision to obtain Software Engineering skills can be incredibly lucrative and rewarding. Whether you’re a beginner, have some computer skills or are a professional, there are still skills you can learn to transition into or excel further in this exciting and profitable industry. To get started, Noble Desktop offers a wide range of online and in-person classes that will fit your schedule and budget.

Whether you’re looking to become a certified software engineer or want one or two classes to round out your skill set, you’ll find exactly what you need at Noble Desktop. Register for classes today to ensure you have the career of tomorrow!