Being a software engineer means being able to apply engineering principles and knowledge of programming languages to create software solutions for individuals and businesses. Your ultimate goal is to make people’s lives easier and more efficient through technology. Learning Software Engineering skills can lead to a career that is both challenging and exhilarating, with the ability to work in almost any industry for any type of business, including government agencies, healthcare facilities, nonprofits and large and small companies.

If you are unsure that learning Software Engineering is right for you, consider reading on to learn more about the myriad uses of Software Engineering tools and techniques. Not only will learning Software Engineering open up a number of new career opportunities, but it also has a lot of potential personal uses.

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.

To become a successful software engineer, there are some technical software skills that you’ll need to master, including the following:

Coding and Computer Programming

As a software engineer, you may not be spending your days writing code, but being familiar with coding and computer programming languages is essential. You’ll want to be familiar with Ruby, Java, C/C++ and Python. It’s also beneficial to be knowledgeable about other programming fundamentals, including algorithms and data structures.

Software Testing

Technology has advanced dramatically, and the world currently lives and works in an age of automation, but it’s still important as a software engineer to know how to test and debug software. This part of the Software Engineering process is time-consuming and costly, so being skilled and adept at this task will make you incredibly valuable. It also shows that you have problem solving skills, which further increases your value to your employer.

Software Development

As a software engineer, you will be expected to lead and collaborate with a software development team, and you can’t do that effectively if you don’t know how to develop software. There are a variety of ways you can develop and hone these skills, including developing real-world programs and projects (while working for a company or as you obtain your skills in a bootcamp or class) and working with real computer systems.

Object-Oriented Design (OOD)

OOD is a software design approach that has gained popularity over the last several decades. It is defined by key principles that include abstraction, decomposition, inheritance, generalization and encapsulation. As a software engineer, understanding and knowing how to apply OOD will help you create modular, reusable and flexible software.

In addition to these technical skills, some of the soft skills that are beneficial as a software engineer include the following:

Communication Skills

More often than not, as a software engineer, you will be working with a team, which means you need to be able to communicate with them to get a job done. You may also be required to speak to individuals who don’t have the same technical knowledge you do, so being able to explain complex ideas in a simple, easy-to-understand manner can be beneficial.

Collaboration Skills

Developing and maintaining software programs requires the expertise and input of many different people. Not only do you need to know how to communicate and potentially lead those team members, but you also need to know how to motivate others to ensure they are doing their best work, know when and how to compromise and know how to accept and learn from constructive criticism.

Problem Solving

Rarely in life does anything go as planned, and that will apply to developing and maintaining software. Part of your job may also be to look for and fix any issues or bugs that crop up. Being able to problem solve is essential to career success and creating software that is beneficial to end users.

Attention to Detail

Creating and maintaining software requires a high level of attention, as well as meticulousness and precision, throughout every step of the process. Paying attention to every detail could be the difference between the software program running or not.

Professional Uses for Software Engineering

When it comes to Software Engineering, this field is incredibly diverse. There are many different roles and careers you can explore as a software engineer. Depending on how complex the software application is, a company may have several software engineers on their team. Some of the most common types of software engineers include the following:

• Front End Engineer
• Back-End Engineer
• Full-Stack Engineer
• DevOps Engineer
• Security Engineer
• Cloud Architect

There are some general skill sets that can be applied to each of these positions, as well as some more focused knowledge that is needed to ensure you’re successful in your position.

Front-End Engineer

As a front end engineer, your speciality will be focusing on user interface (UI), which includes visual elements that make whatever application you’re working on visually appealing and laid out in a way that is easy for a person to use. You will also deal with cross browser compatibility and fixing any bugs or errors that might arise. The main focus of your work is dealing with the code that will ensure the application runs on various operating systems, devices and browsers.

Some of the skills you’ll need to be successful as a front end engineer include proficiency in coding languages such as CSS, HTML and JavaScript. You’ll also need experience with front end libraries and frameworks such as jQuery, React, Vue.js and others. You’ll also need to understand responsive design and have knowledge of browser compatibility issues.

Some other skills sets you’ll need to be a front end engineer include being familiar with version control systems, the ability to work with Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and good collaboration and communication skills.

Back-End Engineer

A back-end engineer focuses on the underlying logic and performance of an application. Typically, you design and implement core logic, while also keeping scalability in mind. With this knowledge, you will integrate the software you’re working on with caches, data systems and email systems using APIs.

Skills that are beneficial to have as a back-end engineer include proficiency in one or more programming languages, including Node.js, Java, Python, Ruby, and/or PHP. You’ll also need to understand web development frameworks such as Ruby on Rails, Spring, Laravel or Django, as well as have experience with databases such as Cassandra, PostgreSQL, MySQL or MongoDB.

It’s also beneficial to be familiar with RESTful APIs, as well as know how to problem solve and debug code.

Full-Stack Developer

If you want to learn both back-end engineering and front-end engineering, then you’ll become a full-stack developer. Taking this route will mean acquiring skills that will allow you to create a web application that is fully functional.

Since being a full-stack developer means knowing both the front end and back-end of application development, you’ll need proficiency in one or more programming languages, experience with front end libraries and frameworks, an understanding of web development frameworks, familiarity with databases and knowledge of network and server architecture.

In addition, you’ll need to be able to work with APIs, as well as have skills in problem solving and debugging. It’s also incredibly beneficial if you are a good communicator and collaborator.

DevOps Engineer

As a DevOps Engineer, you’ll have knowledge about the technologies required for the creation of systems to build, deploy, integrate and administer back-end software and distributed systems. Your main focus will be managing the application infrastructure such as the servers, database systems, etc. Knowing how to use scripting languages such as Python will be incredibly useful in this position.

When it comes to the skills that will make you a successful DevOps engineer, you’ll also need experience with automation tools such as Terraform, Chef, Ansible and/or Puppet. Being familiar with cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform and/or Microsoft Azure can also be incredibly beneficial.

Some other skills that can be beneficial in this position include having an understanding of containerization technology and having knowledge of continuous integration and delivery tools, as well as being familiar with logging and monitoring tools.

It’s also helpful to have solid problem-solving skills and to be a good communicator and collaborator.

Security Engineer

If being able to fix security flaws is something that interests you, then you’ll want to look into becoming a security engineer. Your job will be to test the security of a software system as a “white-hat” ethical hacker as you attempt to “break-in” to various systems and discover issues and vulnerabilities so that they can be fixed.

Skills that are necessary to be successful in this career include the following:

• A strong understanding of information security
• Familiarity with security technologies and tools, including intrusion detection and prevention systems, firewalls, vulnerability scanning tools and security information and event management
• Proficiency in programming and scripting languages (i.e., Ruby, Python, etc.)
• Knowledge of and experience with security compliance frameworks
• Familiarity with cloud security services (i.e., AWS Security or Google Cloud Security, etc.)
• An understanding of risk assessment and threat modeling

In addition to these skills, you’ll also want to be able to problem solve and have strong analytical skills.

Cloud Architect

A lot of applications and platforms are moving into cloud servers, and as a cloud architect, you will play a pivotal role in managing a cloud-based operation and infrastructure. There are many different aspects that you’ll be responsible for, including cloud management, migration and monitoring.

When it comes to being a skilled cloud architect, you’ll have a solid understanding of cloud computing, as well as being proficient in cloud platforms, including AWS, Google Cloud Platform or Azure. You’ll also need knowledge of cloud security.

Some other skills that are necessary as a cloud architect include being familiar with cloud-native technologies, including microservices, containers and serverless computing. You should also possess network design and infrastructure skills, as well as understand compliance and regulatory requirements. It’s also helpful if you have experience with hybrid cloud and cloud migration.

Other Uses for Software Engineering

Having Software Engineering skills can be incredibly useful and help you find an in-demand, well-paying job. In addition, these skills can come in handy in other ways as well. Whether you’re looking for a career change or some ways to supplement your current Software Engineering job, there are options you can explore. Some of the other uses for Software Engineering that you might consider include the following:

IT Technician

As an IT technician, you will be responsible for installing hardware, keeping company software secure and private, performing routine maintenance and fixing any issues that might arise within the company’s software. Your job typically consists of running tests to find problems and then looking for solutions.

Video Game Designer

Having the skills to design video games is something that can be used to help you unwind after a long day at work. Not only will you be able to create something that’s entertaining for yourself, but others might find it enjoyable as well. You can explore this option as a career or something you do in your free time.

Graphic Designer

Should you decide to use your Software Engineering skills to become a graphic designer, you will be responsible for creating layouts, templates and projects for various types of media. Your designs could be used online, in print publications and/or advertisements. You will plan, develop, and produce a variety of artistic images, including logos, that will be based on client needs, specifications and budget.

Technical Writer

Believe it or not, but your Software Engineering skills can be used to become a technical writer. In this position, you’ll be responsible for creating articles, blog posts and instructional material that contain information about complex topics, including technology, Software Engineering, software operations and software systems.

System Administrator

As a system administrator, you will be responsible for monitoring and maintaining a company’s software. Typically, you lead a team of professionals who maintain and fix software systems, as well as ensure the accuracy and efficiency of IT systems. This is usually a manager-level role that requires vast computer and technology knowledge.

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!