Computer Software Engineer Careers Information
Reading this right now, you are most likely using some sort of web browser running within a larger operating system; this is not to mention supporting software or any other applications you may have open if you are a digital multi-tasker like most of us! Computer software engineers make this digital landscape possible by imagining and designing the computer programs we rely upon everyday. Without them, all those expensive laptops, cell phones, and little gadgets would be little more than very expensive paper weights!
Computer Software Engineer Careers & Degrees
- Brown Mackie College: Akron, OH
Computer software engineers fall into two basic categories. Computer applications software engineers design programs intended to be implemented by the average user. Web browsers, spreadsheet and document writing programs, and email clients would fall in this category. As they design, they must always keep in mind the user and make sure the program is both efficient and as easy to use as possible.
Computer systems software engineers tend to work more with businesses and government agencies. They talk with heads of various departments and then design databases, servers, and task or company specific programs that make work and communication more efficient. Computer software engineers differ from computer programmers in that they are responsible for the design of a program while programmers convert a software engineer’s flow charts into a technical language a computer can understand. Nevertheless, many software engineers have programming skills and can code their own software if necessary.
Computer Software Engineer Careers Path
Most computer software engineers have a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, software engineering, or some other related field. Courses taken in business may also be useful for those who wish to design business related software. Some companies prefer their software engineers who work on complex projects to have a graduate degree. New software engineers may receive on-the-job training. They can also earn professional certification to show potential employers or clients as proof of their competence level. All computer software engineers should expect to stay abreast of the latest technology in order to remain competitive in the workplace.
Computer Software Engineer Careers: Compatible Personality Traits
Excellent analytic and mathematic skills, attention to detail, strong communication skills, works well with others, project oriented, creative, problem solver, multi-tasker, does well with abstract concepts.
Computer Software Engineer Careers: Salary Expectations
The average salary for computer applications software engineers is $85,430 a year, with the middle fifty percent earning between $67,790 and $104,870. The average salary for computer systems software engineers is $92,430 a year, with the middle fifty percent earning between $73,200 and $113,960. More experienced computer software engineers may be able to move up into supervisory or management positions to earn more money.
Computer Software Engineer Careers: Job Outlook
The job outlook for computer software engineers is excellent. The world is going digital and so businesses, governments, and even individuals need the services of engineers who can design the software systems and applications required to function in this new environment.
While the work of computer programmers will increasingly be outsourced to other countries with highly educated programmers who nonetheless will work for lower wages, the work of computer software engineers requires a strong creative and research component that cannot be outsourced. Those software engineers who stay up-to-date with changing technology and who are able to work well with others should have the best job prospects.
Slightly off the Footpath
Source: bls.gov/oco/ocos303.htm
