What Does a Software Engineer Do

You know, what’s the most fascinating achievement that we’ve come across? Of course, it’s technology! Today, we’re laced up with technology all around us, whether you want to entertain yourself (smart TV), make a phone call (Mobile), or monitor your home (cameras). It’s everywhere! But, not to forget, if these devices are the ultimate achievements for us, then their software is the real soul that makes things go beyond our imagination. Software decides the path and core functionality that users will require for any function, and that’s what software engineers do. Now, before we move on, let’s understand the basics first.

What is a Software Engineer?

They are the ones who are responsible for creating all of the applications that we use in our mobiles, the operating system with which we interact every day, the network architecture by which we connect all our smart devices to access internet connection, and so on. Their job is to create software, tools, and other solutions that require computer science, engineering principles, and programming skills for the end product.

Note: The Software “Engineers” and “Developers” are the two different domains where developers are responsible for using computer-engineering principles whereas the developers are responsible to deal with the design and implementation of an application.

Besides this, software engineers are required to be well versed in the following segments:

• Strong command of computer science
• Should be able to use debugging tools
• Ability to tackle complexity
• Analytical Skills
• Good with Mathematics
• Strong communication skills

When everyone is running towards becoming a software engineer, one must understand that the path is not that simple. One must have the caliber to tackle complexities and new challenges that they might face every day during each task. One must understand that learning should never be stopped and has to be proficient and proactive to look out for the latest trends and technology and should practice harder to brush up their skills.

Since the demand for software engineers is high, they’re highly active at freelancer portals as well and work as part-time engineers for different roles and responsibilities.

Roles and Responsibilities of Software Engineers

The major role includes working on engineering principles for software development and making modifications to an ongoing project (in terms of architecture, design, or testing), testing also includes UAT (user acceptance testing). Besides this, the major role of a software engineer rotates around system and application development.

That was a brief about the roles of a software engineer, now let’s check and see some of the major highlights in terms of their responsibilities.

• Should be able to develop solutions by gathering information, feedback from users, the case study of system flow, and overall processes
• Able to develop information systems by developing, designing, maintaining, and installing software solutions.
• Should be familiar with SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle)
• Should be able to deliver documentation and demonstrate different solutions for developing flowcharts, code comments, and layouts.
• Deliver and meet the standards for engineering structures and handle complexity to maintain the flow
• Maintain the privacy of confidential pieces related to any project

However, the software engineers are also proficient in some of the specific areas that include cloud, operating system, system design, database, and app design.

Skills Required to Become a Software Engineer?

The required skill sets in software engineering may vary in different organizations like any programming language like Python, Java & C++, etc. That said, it’s barely useful for SE to possess a broad list of skill sets because when you go out there in the market all of the companies are relying on different programming languages.

Besides this, since coding is very technical and should have a precise knowledge of codes, the software engineers are required to have these major skill sets:

• Time management
• Creative thinking
• Strong analytical skills
• OOD (Object-Oriented Design)
• Testing and debugging
• Logical thinking

How Much a Software Engineer Does Earn?

Software engineering is not as easy a task to play as it sounds, it requires a lot of dedication, patience, and rigorous practice. But the bright side of becoming a software engineer is that it offers great pay and that’s why the average pay of software engineers has been characterized briefly, let’s take a look:

Within India

• Average Salary for Beginner’s Level – Between INR 2,80,000 to INR 3,50,000  
• Average Salary for Advanced Level – Between INR 5,00,000 – INR 8,00,000
• Average Salary for Experts – INR 10,00,000 and above

Foreign Countries

• Average Salary for Beginner’s Level – Between USD 15,000 – USD 28,500
• Average Salary for Advanced Level – Between USD 35,000 – USD 80,000
• Average Salary for Experts – USD 1,10,000 and above

How to Become a Software Engineer?

You’ll be required to initiate this journey by finishing off your graduation first (preferably from a CS background). In other fields that include IT, ECE, or any non-technical background students can also transition their careers if they wish to start their journey into software engineering. Well, as we all know almost 10+ Lakhs of students enroll themselves every year and that’s what makes it even more promising and high in demand but the path towards becoming one is a different story.

To get a strong grip you will be required to start with the basics as soon as you have the basic ideas of programming languages (could be C, C++, etc.). Make sure to channel yourself in the right direction in order to prepare yourself for different certifications (related to IT), Internships and ensure to work dedicatedly while working on college projects (both minor and major).

Note: However companies like Apple, Google, Linkedin, IBM, etc. have removed the bar of being a B.Tech student for getting job and they believe in hiring the self-taught programmers just like "Steve Wozniak", co-founder of Apple who was a brilliant self-taught programmer.

These are the foundation of creating a strong portfolio that makes you a potential candidate for most employers.

Do companies Really Need Software? What is the scope?

Today, in the era of a digital world, where everything is about making things digital has a very good scope in this industry and has been successful for decades with the latest technologies (such as ML, and AI) which are trending these days are likely to grow more folds in the upcoming time. Working in the field has always been praised and still holds the credibility of being one of the highest-paid jobs in the world today and it’s not limited to any particular domain, you might find it all around (in almost all sectors) that you know.

Must Read

• Software Developers vs Software Engineers
• Top 50+ Software Engineering Interview Questions and Answers
• Software Engineers Career Path

Conclusion

Software engineering is at the heart of the digital world we live in today. From apps on our phones to smart home devices, it’s the software that makes everything work. Software engineers are the brains behind these systems, using their skills in programming, problem-solving, and design to build, maintain, and improve technology. While the path to becoming a software engineer requires dedication and constant learning, it offers great job opportunities, high salaries, and the chance to work across various industries. With the growing need for tech solutions, the demand for skilled software engineers is only going to rise.