ABOUT THE JOB
Software developers design and build computer programs that help organizations and equipment work effectively. I like the fact that the software developers design each piece of the application or system and plan how the pieces will work together, it’s almost like solving a puzzle and putting the pieces together to finally deliver the final product which brings a satisfactory feeling. I also like that not only do they design the codes for the programmers to create the instructions for the computers but they also teach the programmers to how to write the software code through the creation of models and diagrams (such as flowcharts.)
Important Skills and Qualities
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- Analytical skills. Computer software engineers analyze complex equipment to determine the best way to improve it. This includes analyzing all aspects of a design. Every detail counts.
- Creativity. Computer software engineers design new types of information programs. The programs include anything from games to information storage. Just like a clothes designer comes up with new models of clothing a software developer must design new programs to provide the latest technology to the customers.
- Critical-thinking skills. These engineers use logic and reasoning to clarify goals, examine assumptions, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions to problems. A SD must use every part of their brain in order to be able to solve problems quickly, just like solving math problems but in the head.
- Problem-solving skills. Computer hardware engineers identify complex problems in computer hardware, develop and evaluate possible solutions, and figure out the best way to implement them. Leadership roles must be very strong an also calm minds that are able to think clearly but quickly to solve a problem.
- Speaking skills. Engineers often work on teams and must be able to communicate with other types of engineers as well as with nontechnical team members. The majority of time you will be working with a group of people to accomplish a task and with the tight deadlines it is important you to be able to speak up and share your ideas. This will allow you and your team to make a task go by easier and faster because different ideas can be put together to come up with a solution.
Pros and Cons
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Cons
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Best Schools for Software Development Programs & Majors
Personal Overview
After having gone trough extensive research I realized that this career takes a lot of effort and a lot of responsibility but it's benefits are unbeatable. I see that I need to focus more on analytical skills and critical thinking, that means that an advanced math class would really help me enhance and improve such skills. Also there is a lot of problem solving which will require me to make an extra effort to improve my speaking skills. Right now they are very weak and I need to work on making them strong. Many schools provide computer science courses which are needed to get started in the technology majors path. The most famous schools that offer such great courses are Stanford University, University of California Berkeley and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. These are schools that are very difficult to land a spot on but if your passion is stronger than your academic performance then you can go anywhere and still become the greatest at this field.
Citations
-Bureau of labor statistics. Computer and information technology. 2012 <http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm> October, 2014
-What Is. Learn IT: Software development. January, 2013. <http://whatis.techtarget.com/reference/Learn-IT-Software-development> October, 2014.
-Stanford University. Majors and Minors- Computer Science. <Stanford.edu/majors/minors/engineering> October,2014
-University of California Berkeley. UC Undergrad Programs. <http://engineering.berkeley.edu/.> October 12, 2014.
-Career Zone. The cost of college: Results. <http://www.cacareerzone.org/colleges/costbenefit/result> October 20, 2014
-Bureau of labor statistics. Computer and information technology. 2012 <http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm> October, 2014
-What Is. Learn IT: Software development. January, 2013. <http://whatis.techtarget.com/reference/Learn-IT-Software-development> October, 2014.
-Stanford University. Majors and Minors- Computer Science. <Stanford.edu/majors/minors/engineering> October,2014
-University of California Berkeley. UC Undergrad Programs. <http://engineering.berkeley.edu/.> October 12, 2014.
-Career Zone. The cost of college: Results. <http://www.cacareerzone.org/colleges/costbenefit/result> October 20, 2014