How To Become A Software Engineer?

 1. Pursue Computer Science Related Fields and Degree

This is one of the traditional ways that most of the students follow to pursue software engineering. A lot of students choose a bachelor’s degree program in computer science, they study in-depth theoretical concepts of computer science subjects which helps them to understand the principle of software engineering. Data Structures, Algorithms, Web Technology, Computer Networks, Mathematics, Database System, Programming Languages and a lot of major subjects help students to have a comprehensive understanding of software engineering and modern approaches of software development.

                                                                    

A lot of employers set the eligibility criteria of four years bachelor’s degree program in the computer science field so pursuing a degree is a great choice but you shouldn’t rely on a degree only. All those subjects are not going to give you practical exposure or working on real-time projects. You can’t say someone that you have enrolled for the course to become a software engineer until or unless you won’t have practical exposure.
To become a developer or software engineer you need to use your theoretical knowledge and concepts practically working on some real software. You need to showcase your practical skills to the recruiter and we will talk about what you should do apart from theoretical knowledge in upcoming points.

2. Learn Programming Languages

Just like people communicate with each other through languages, you also need to tell your computer what to do using a language that these computers can understand. Even if you are graduate or have a degree it’s not helpful if you don’t have a deeper understanding of any programming language using it to build software. Now you need to take the responsibility of your own education so choose any programming language as per your choice and goal and have in-depth knowledge in it.

                                                                

Ruby, Java, Python, C++, C#, Javascript are some languages you can go with. It’s not important to learn 3-4 languages simultaneously as a beginner. Start with one language and get well versed in it. Once you are experienced, you can try your hands on another language. Switching to the next language becomes easier after the first one.
Learn the syntax of the language, practice to write programs in it and get used to it. Study about the libraries, rules, features, advantages, projects that can be built and other concepts depends on specific language you choose. You can learn and practice 

3. Study Data Structures and Algorithms

An algorithm is a step by step approach to solve a specific problem, whereas data structure is the way of organizing data. These two concepts help programmers to solve the problem within less amount of time and memory. A software engineer is always expected to give the best solution for a specific problem taking care of time and memory both. They should know which algorithm and which data structure will be suitable or the best fit for a certain problem.
Consider an example of searching an element in a large set of data. You can search the element using a linear search or binary seacrh. Now you need to decide which approach is better (need to take care of time and memory management) to search the data (It depends on the number of data). We highly recommend you to focus on these two topics which are the heart of programming. Also, study mathematics if you can, because it helps you to analyze and design the best algorithm for a specific problem.

4. Enhance Your Skills

Programming is a never-ending journey so your education is not finished when you have completed your degree. It’s true that pursuing a degree helps in understanding the core principle of software engineering but you should know how to implement academic knowledge practically in the real world. You need to keep practicing and you need to keep updating yourself with software updates and new technologies. You should have the knowledge of some tools and technologies that are being used in industries.
Browse StackOverflow site for programming related queries and to learn from other programmers approach, join some communities where you can discuss and share programming related stuff, develop connections, attend meetups, watch youtube videos of technical stuff, read technical blogs and use practice sites to build your problem-solving and coding skills.

5. Design and Build Software or Projects

Most of the employers are going to ask for the hands-on experience in building software or a project. Your practical experience is more valuable than your academic knowledge or GPA. Those CS fundamentals and concepts which you have learned in your textbooks, you should know how it can be used in building some amazing software. There is no point to learn all the concepts theoretically if you don’t know how to use it practically. 

                                                                       

So, use whatever you have learned and improved your skills by building some software or projects.
You can build some personal or professional projects, you can contribute to some open-source projects and you can showcase it to the recruiters putting everything online. Your potential employer will be able to see your skills and experience through your projects.

6. Do Some Internships

Internships are the best opportunity for students to get hands-on industry experience and exposure and that’s the reason it opens a lot of job opportunities. A lot of companies offer internships for students who want to work on industry projects. In internship students’ get practical training and real industry exposure where they work on some projects or products related to their skills, they also learn how to work under a team and it helps them to adapt to the company culture.
Generally, internships are three to six months long for students and we recommend every student to go for some internship programs during their college time. Doing an internship can be really helpful in getting a full-time job offer and the same company where you are working as an intern can give you the opportunity for a full-time position once you complete your internship. You can read the link Why Internships are Important for Engineering Students or Freshers? to know it’s importance.

7. Start Looking For Job Opportunities

If you have done all the above things then it’s time to start looking for job opportunities. Create a resume, create a nice profile on different job portals, post your resume over there, check these websites on a regular basis and apply for the jobs.
                                                                             

Networking really helps in getting some referrals for the job or interviews so make connections, use personal contacts, attend meetups, conferences, seminars and expand your network. You can also visit different companies’ websites and check the job description in the career option. You can directly apply from their career option as well, if your profile will be shortlisted then the recruiter will approach you for further process.

ALL THE BEST!!!!