Technology is a crucial component of our daily lives and has provided us with so much more of the luxurious lifestyle that today we all enjoy. But do you know who works endlessly hard to deliver us these technological services? They are the unknown heroes called software developers. They operate computer programs and make your electronic devices function accordingly. Some develop applications for computers, tabloids, cellphones, while others develop the underlying systems that help run the devices or control networks.

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed greater emphasis on the need for skilled technology professionals to support organizations’ critical operations and strategic initiatives, but job seekers are facing increasing competition from a growing candidate pool for tech jobs.

TOP 10 highest paying software jobs in 2021

According to Robert Half Technology’s 2021 Salary Guide, critical technology roles are artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML) specialists, business intelligence analysts, cloud architects, cybersecurity and data privacy experts, data analytics and reporting professionals, data scientists, developers (database, full-stack, web, software, and mobile), engineers (cloud, data, DevOps, network security and software), help desk and user support professionals, and IT administrators (database, network, and systems).

In-demand IT skills and expertise include Agile and Scrum, Angular, ASP.NET, C#, cloud computing (Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes and Helm), Golang, ITIL, Java, JavaScript, Kotlin, Linux, PHP, Python, ReactJS and React Native, Ruby on Rails, SQL, virtualization and virtual, augmented, mixed and cross reality

1. DevOps Engineer

DevOps engineers are the bridge between coding and engineering. These professionals work across departments to help increase a company’s productivity by developing and improving various IT systems. DevOps engineers often need experience with coding languages, software engineering and security systems, and strong analytical, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.

See our open DevOps Engineer jobs.

2. Big data engineer

Businesses need individuals who can transform large amounts of raw data into actionable information for strategy-setting, decision making, and innovation — and pay well for people with these skills. These professionals typically create a company’s software and hardware architecture, and the systems people need to work with the data. Big data engineers usually have a degree in computer science and expertise in mathematics and databases.

See our open Big Data Engineer jobs.

3. Mobile applications developer

Just look at your phone or tablet applications, and it’s pretty easy to figure out why mobile applications developers are in demand. These IT pros need the expertise to develop applications for popular platforms, such as iOS and Android. They also must have experience coding with mobile frameworks and mobile development languages, and knowledge of web development languages.

See our open Mobile applications developer jobs.

4. Information systems security manager

Now more than ever, employers need skilled IT security professionals to help keep sensitive data and systems safe. Successful candidates for this hot job possess a technical background in systems and network security and have great interpersonal and leadership abilities. Analytical and problem-solving skills are key, as are excellent communication abilities. These IT pros also need to keep up with security trends and government regulations. Employers often request certifications such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or CompTIA Security+.

See our open Information system security manager jobs.

5. Data architect

These tech professionals are responsible for the complicated processes essential to making strategic business decisions. They translate business requirements into database solutions and oversee data storage (data centers) and how the data is organized. Ensuring the security of those databases is part of the job as well.

See our open Data Architect jobs.

6. Applications architect

These tech pros design the main parts of applications, including the user interface, middleware, and infrastructure. In addition to strong technical abilities, applications architects need to work well on teams — and sometimes manage them. Excellent communication and planning skills are required for this job. This is one of the highest-paying IT roles because just about every company wants to improve existing applications or create new ones.

See our open Applications architect jobs.

7. Data security analyst

Data security analysts must thoroughly understand computer and network security, including firewall administration, encryption technologies, and network protocols. The job also requires excellent communication and problem-solving skills and knowledge of trends in security and government regulations. A professional certification, such as a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) designation, is beneficial for this role.

See our open Data security analyst jobs.

8. Database manager

Database managers maintain and support a firm’s database environment, helping companies use data more strategically to meet their business goals. Database managers are especially needed in large organizations that have high volumes of data to manage. These pros must possess strong leadership and strategic planning skills.

See our open Database manager jobs.

9. Senior web developer

These IT pros gather business requirements and develop specifications for web-based applications, making web properties look consistent and attractive. They also provide technical assistance to web admins and integrate front- and back-end systems. Senior web developers typically need experience developing on PHP and Ruby on Rails sites and working with a variety of content management systems. Front-end development experience is also valued. Senior web developers need several years of experience in managing web properties.

See our open senior web developer jobs.

10. Systems engineer

Systems engineers maintain and support a company’s technical infrastructure, including system hardware and software. When a system fails, they’ll debug and reconfigure that system, if necessary. That makes knowledge of the development process critical to the job as well. Systems engineers must possess strong communication skills to translate technical information to non-technical users.

See our open systems engineer jobs.

Why choose a Software Engineering career?

1. Median pay for software engineers is in the six-figure range.

If you take all of the occupations in the U.S. and place them in a huge line based on earnings, you’ll find that the median pay is somewhere around $51,960 per year, according to the BLS.

So, if you’re looking for a career track that can quickly take you into the six-figure range, a software engineering career is one to consider. With the right education and experience, you can earn even higher, like around $145,000 per year.

2. You Enjoy Teamwork.

Some career choices are fairly solitary because they require you to work all on your own. . Which makes this career path more appealing if you fall into the second category.
Of course, being an effective team player also requires that you have some of the soft skills necessary to work effectively in teams. They share that among these skills are being empathetic, having good listening skills, and being able to accept criticism.
You don’t necessarily have to start with all of these skills, either. You can always learn them as you go.

3. The field is incredibly broad.

Another reason a software engineering career is a great choice is that the field is so broad and encompasses a variety of roles related to both computer applications and systems. This enables you to work in the area or areas that interest you most.
For instance, some software engineers spend their day’s building or rebuilding computer information systems. Others use their talents to create web pages or enhance a company’s network security. It’s up to you which direction you want to take.
You can also work in almost any industry because they all use software to some extent. Want to put your skills to use by working in a healthcare facility? No problem. Or maybe your dream is to work for a nonprofit? Yes, you can do that, too.

So much has been written about cryptocurrencies and the technology involved. Still, less than 1% of the global population has ever used digital currency (Cryptocurrency), this is according to a 2017 study conducted by Cambridge University, United Kingdom. With the slow increase rate, virtual currencies as it is alternatively called continues to make inroads into the society and has redefined the way manner we conduct and do business.

The world of money and the financial ecosystem is undergoing a huge transformation before our eyes. While cryptocurrency is slowly gaining mainstream adoption, Blockchain, the underlying era at the back of cryptocurrency may offer more capacity and unlock billions of dollars in the global markets.

The global financial system is no doubt embracing the current transition from physical currency to almost virtual currencies through the medium of technology. This wave has ushered in the birth of cryptocurrencies. There have been many attempts at creating a digital currency during the 90s tech boom, with systems like Flooz, Beenz, and Digi Cash emerging on the market but inevitably failing. In early 2009, an anonymous programmer or a group of programmers under the alias Satoshi Nakamoto introduced Bitcoin which is a form of crypto-currency.

This virtual currency has been defined in several related forms. Crypto-currency has been defined as a digital record-keeping device that uses balances to keep track of the obligations from trading and that is publicly known to all traders.

The birth of cryptocurrency as a virtual currency has been generating waving reactions in the global economy even in a developing country like Nigeria. In the light of this outbreak, there has been a lot of positive and negative discourse on the value of cryptocurrencies in the Nigerian economy. Relatively, the Nigeria government through its regulatory agencies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has attempted to place a ban on cryptocurrency, although its legal status remains ambiguous unlike in countries like Morocco and Algeria where there is a clear ban on trading in Bitcoins such that a breach attracts heavy fines.

Nigeria is one of the leading countries in the world when it comes to crypto adoption. A lot of people don’t want to miss out on the opportunities that cryptocurrency offers. This makes the number of people looking to buy bitcoin in Nigeria very high.

The adoption keeps growing day by day despite the ambiguous legal status of digital assets in the country.
Nigeria doesn’t have a law that governs cryptocurrency yet, however, earlier this year, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) released a statement that appeared to be a ban on the use of bitcoin as well as other digital assets in the country. While this was perceived by many to be the beginning of the end of crypto in Nigeria, the situation however took another turn as crypto continues to bloom and flourish in the country.

The ban has had little to no effect on cryptocurrency usage in the country as many have adjusted to the current situation, crypto users have found new ways to buy BTC in Nigeria and continue their crypto trades.
On February 5, the CBN released a ruling that orders all financial institutions to stop facilitating crypto transactions and desist from transacting with entities engaging in crypto. The statement also instructed all banks and financial institutions to close accounts of individuals or entities engaging in this type of transaction.

The Benefits of Cryptocurrency in Nigeria

Nigeria has the highest GDP out of all the African countries, but 40% of its population lives in poverty. The country’s struggling economy primarily relies upon oil exports, accounting for more than half of government revenue. Lacking transport and energy infrastructure as well as neglecting to diversify the economy results in a disadvantaged population of impoverished people. The use of cryptocurrency in Nigeria is proving to be a beneficial solution to help lift people out of poverty.

Boosting Supplemental Income

The 2016 recession caused a significant strain on Nigeria’s economy and the country is still struggling to recover. In the second quarter of 2020, the country reported a 27.1% growth in unemployment. Average incomes have been declining for six years straight and experts predict there will be less than a 2% rise in income during 2021. The value of the country’s national currency, the naira, fell by 24% in 2020. This economic downturn caused some Nigerians to seek supplemental income.
A 2020 survey indicates that 32% of Nigerians participate in buying and trading cryptocurrency. In 2020, Nigeria accounted for $400 million worth of cryptocurrency transactions, ranking it third globally in trading volume. Cryptocurrency in Nigeria has so far positively enriched the lives of impoverished citizens.

Ease of Banking

Approximately 60 million Nigerians do not possess a bank account. People who do have bank accounts can only withdraw less than the equivalent of $100 due to local bank restrictions. The hurdles have led to a shift toward mobile banking and cryptocurrency investments. In 2017, reports showed that 71% of Nigerians use mobile phones for communication and internet access.

Top High Pay Crypto Jobs in Nigeria

Blockchain technology has paved way for a whole new host of exciting new jobs in the country.

1. Blockchain Developer

This is one of the jobs where demand has skyrocketed in the last decade. A blockchain developer is a person that develops, manage and secure blockchain networks and platform. It is one of the high demanding jobs that require you to have knowledge of programming and be familiar with blockchain frameworks like hyper ledger fabric. The requirement for this job is basic knowledge of JavaScript, Solidity, and development tools like Truffle, Hardhat, etc. they are not rocket science they are skills you can learn in a year and land a job in the same year.

2. Research Analyst

The research analyst oversees analyzing the market, determining the effectiveness of blockchain, identifying areas for improvement, and developing strategies for implementing such changes.
They can be called crypto analysts, they identify problems, potential risks, and solutions within the blockchain environment. The basic requirement for this job is an extensive knowledge of cryptocurrency and blockchain.

3. Crypto Legal Analyst

There will always be a need for a Crypto Legal Analyst as far as cryptocurrency and blockchain keep growing. The government is tightening the regulation against crypto users, they are bringing new regulations day in day out. The crypto legal analyst analyzes the regulation and brings in new ways to use cryptocurrency without disrupting the regulation.
They oversee the legal aspects of companies or parties that deal with cryptocurrency and blockchain. The most important requirement is a good understanding of English and communication skills, understand blockchain technology, basic knowledge of the law is an added advantage.

4. Crypto UX Designer

They create a unique and user-friendly interface that will attract people to buy Bitcoin in Nigeria and buy Bitcoin with naira. This role is very important because anything that has to do with people’s money, there are usually very careful to not make mistakes handling their money, hence the UX designer design interface that is clear and understandable to the mass and as well easy to use. If they want to instruct people to buy Bitcoin with naira, they do so in simple and easily understandable words.

5. Marketing Specialist

The purpose of a coin is incomplete without it being used. There is no point in creating something that won’t be in use by the consumer. Hence, this is where the importance of the marketing strategist comes to play. The marketing strategist showcase the usage of a product, in this case, a cryptocurrency e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc. so that people will buy Bitcoin with naira.
They work directly with the development team to make an informed decision with marketing the product. They are usually the ones behind the increased adoption of a coin. They can for example bring Bitcoin marketing to Nigerians so that there will be an increase in the number of people that will buy Bitcoin in Nigeria.

6. Full-stack Engineer

A full-stack developer is a web developer or engineer who works with both the front and back ends of a website or application – meaning they can tackle projects that involve databases, building user-facing websites, or even work with clients during the planning phase of projects.

The phrase full-stack evolved from a technical descriptor meaning the full set of primary technologies that comprise a complete technical solution. It typically means the database and operating system (back end) up through and including the user interface (front end).

As Apple Stores begin selling the new iPhone 13 range, iPad mini 6, and iPad, Apple has released a series of images from Beijing showing the first buyers.

On Wednesday, Microsoft hosted its most recent Surface product event. The company unveiled updated versions of its products, including the Surface Pro, Surface Go, and foldable phones. Here’s a rundown of everything Microsoft unveiled at the event.

Surface Laptop Studio

The Surface Laptop Studio is a portable computer inspired by the Surface Studio all-in-one computer. To make inking and sketching more immersive, a hinge is provided that allows you to pull the display over the keyboard. Microsoft also boasts that the Surface Studio is the company’s most powerful laptop to date. Intel’s 11th-generation H35 CPUs and Intel Xe graphics are used in the laptop. It’s also compatible with NVIDIA’s RTX 3050 Ti GPU. Users can pre-order the Surface Laptop Studio. It costs $1,600 and will commence shipment on October 5th.

Surface Duo 2 dual screen android device

The new Surface Duo 2 includes several new cameras, 5G capability, near-field communications for mobile payments, and stereo speakers, all of which were absent from the previous generation. It also has the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor used in other premium phones such as Samsung’s most recent Galaxy smartphones.

When the Surface Duo 2 is opened, two 5.8-inch screens appear, which may be used together. For example, you might run one program on one screen and another on the other. Alternatively, you may use the 8.3-inch area to extend a single app across both displays.

Surface Pro 8 and slim pen 2

The Surface Pro 8 comes with a 13-inch PixelSense display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, and Intel’s newest 11th-generation CPUs. The Surface Pro’s thick display borders have also been reduced by Microsoft. The Surface Pro 8 is available for pre-order now and will cost $1,100 when it goes on sale on October 5th, it goes on sale.

Microsoft also unveiled the Slim Pen 2 with the Surface Pro 8. The $130 stylus has a haptic motor that, according to Microsoft, makes it seem like you’re writing on paper rather than on glass. The Surface Adaptive Kit is another new attachment that includes a selection of add-ons that make it simpler to find certain keys, identify ports, and open your laptop or its kickstand.

Surface Pro X

Microsoft has introduced a new Wi-Fi-only version of its Surface Pro X tablet, which was initially released with LTE cellular capability in 2019. It’s the first version to only include Wi-Fi, and it’ll cost $900.

However, with Windows 11 coming out next month, it will enable the tablet to emulate 64-bit apps and execute them.

Surface Go 3

Intel CPUs are used in the new Surface Go 3. The base model has a Pentium Gold 6500Y CPU, which is an upgrade over the 4425Y in Go 2, while the more costly models have Core i3 CPUs from the 10th generation. The latter processor, according to Microsoft, is 60% quicker than the Core m3 it previously provided with the Go 2. Pre-orders for the complete Surface Go 3 family are now open, with the basic model priced at $400. It will be available on October 5th, along with all of Microsoft’s other Surface PCs.

Surface Adaptive Kit

Microsoft is developing a Surface Adaptive Kit for disabled individuals. With keycap labels, bump labels, port indicators, and device openers, the package makes Microsoft’s range of laptops and tablets more accessible.

The keycap and bump labels make it simpler to discover ports and cables as well as identify essential keys. A pull tab and ring are included in the opener support to provide users more options when opening a laptop lid or manipulating a Surface kickstand. The kit was developed in collaboration with individuals with disabilities to ensure that it meets a wide range of needs.

WhatsApp continues with its experiments on Android. So, after the more or less important news of recent weeks, here is also the cashback for payments made on the instant messaging platform. At the moment the function is in beta testing only in India, a country where WhatsApp Pay has been available for some time (the other is Brazil, but there are hopes that the service will soon be available to other markets). The affected version is 2.21.20.3.

Thus, after introducing the shortcut button for payments, WhatsApp returns to the same theme and implements the function that allows you to receive a cashback after just 48 hours. The intent is clear: to promote the internal payment platform. It is as always WABetaInfo to have discovered the news, then specifying how it is not yet possible to know if this “prize” will be made available only for the first payment made via WhatsApp Pay or if it will work for all transactions.

The service is in testing in India and is valid only for UPI (Unified Payments Interface) payments, a payment system in the country to facilitate interbank transactions. The extent of the cashback to Brazil will depend on how the instrument is valued in the Asian subcontinent. Who knows that there will soon be news for other countries as well.

WhatsApp, like many other instant messengers and social platforms, actively fights against the inappropriate behavior of its users; so that individuals do not create discomfort for others. If earlier in WhatsApp it was possible to report a user; now in the beta version of WhatsApp for Android, there is an opportunity to report specific messages.

The new feature gives users the ability to choose which messages they want to forward to WhatsApp for review; to determine whether inappropriate behavior has occurred. Judging by the screenshots published by WABetainfo; the fresh beta version of WhatsApp allows you to inform the messenger team about specific messages from both individual and group chats. You can also file a complaint about messages from your business account.

Thanks to the new feature, after a user complains about a certain message; the previous five messages will be sent to the WhatsApp moderation service; which will help the messenger team correctly understand the context and decide whether to block the account. The new feature will soon be available; in the stable versions of WhatsApp for Android and iOS.

Popular social audio app, Clubhouse, launched a feature on Thursday that allows users to virtually wave at friends inside its audio-only chat app to indicate that they are available for a private conversation, in an effort to expand beyond public rooms with thousands of listeners. The feature is now available for all users on iOS and Android.

The company said in a tweet “There are over 700k rooms opened every day on Clubhouse. Yes, that includes the big moments you see in the news — but it’s also lots of lovely, small rooms between friends. So, we built a new feature to make those casual chats even easier! Say hello to Wave.”

With Wave, users can simply press a waving hand emoji to welcome others to a live audio room. When they receive their invitation, they can opt to join your call and be placed in an audio room right away.

What they are saying

The company said in a blog post: “To send a Wave, swipe right on the Hallway or tap the dots icon at the bottom left of the screen. Then tap the wave button next to the person you’d like to chat with. They’ll get a notification that you said hello, and know that you’re open to chatting. If they are too, they can join a private room with you — open just to the people you waved at. You can keep it to one social circle, introduce friends from different groups to each other, or open the room up more broadly and make it for everyone.”

What you should know

Clubhouse was formerly an invite-only app available solely to iOS users, but since an Android version was released, users no longer have to wait to be invited.

TECNO Mobile recently established an official security response center (SRC), a platform for cooperation and exchanges between TECNO and security industry experts, researchers, and organizations. This remarks a strategic move that reiterates TECNO’s consistent commitment to security and helps upgrade TECNO’s security ecosystem to a higher level.

TECNO SRC has launched a bug bounty program to encourage external security researchers to submit vulnerabilities detected to the security team, and reporters are entitled to get an up to $7,000 reward based on the evaluation of the impact of vulnerabilities. More than 45 models under TECNO Mobile’s four smartphone lines -PHANTOM, CAMON, SPARK, and POVA are listed for the bug bounty program.

Stephen Ha, general manager of TECNO said: “ At TECNO, our first priority is offering the most secure mobile experience to our users. SRC is of strategic significance for TECNO to create a comprehensive upgrade of TECNO’s security ecology. Through SRC, we have gone one solid step further on mobile security protection for our users in over 70 global emerging markets.”

John Peng, head of the security department said: “We understand that under the current social circumstances, users’ privacy and information security are vital. TECNO has been continuously executing diversified plans in terms of enhancing our product security. By cooperating with international security professionals through the establishment of SRC, we are sure that we  can provide users a more secure mobile user experience.”

Starting from coding, application, and firmware, the security department carries out security management and audits at each stage of product design, development, testing, and release. This is to ensure that all software installed on each device can pass a series of rigorous security checks, including the tests of TECNO security scanning platform, Google Play Protect, GMS BTS, and VirusTotal. In addition, TECNO has been regularly sending 90-day security patch updates to users to ensure product safety and protect user equipment from malicious software.

Moving forward, TECNO plans to reach cooperate with the international vulnerability public testing platform and continue to build a robust security ecosystem to offer the secure mobile experiences that users in over 70 emerging markets can trust.

For more information about TECNO Security Response Centre and bounty program, please visit: https://security.tecno.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of TECNO Mobile.

Software engineering is a field that is vital to computer technology as a whole. Without the software to run the computer hardware, that hardware becomes a clump of plastic, silicon, and metal – perhaps useful as an overpriced paperweight.
In the strictest sense, software engineering is an application of engineering principles to the design, development, and implementation of software. Because software engineering is a unique, scientific, and technically-driven field, special training and formal degrees are required.

By getting a degree in software engineering, graduates can work in several software engineering jobs such as creating video games, developing internet applications, running computer networks, or implementing computer security measures for an organization.

Software Engineer Salaries

The market demand for qualified software engineers has created an arms race for the top talent. Salary research from ComputerWorld, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Robert Half International all reveal the same thing: Companies are willing to pay a premium to acquire top talent, with some annual salaries pushing northward of six figures.
A person working as a Software Engineer in Nigeria typically earns around 333,000 NGN per month. Salaries range from 170,000 NGN (lowest) to 513,000 NGN (highest). therefore, software engineering jobs are significantly lucrative in Nigeria.
This is the average monthly salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Software Engineer salaries vary drastically based on experience, skills, gender, or location.

Steps to Becoming a Software Engineer

Software engineering is an ever-changing profession, one that adapts as new technologies are developed. Because of its shifting nature, there are multiple entry points into the profession. Although no single path to becoming a software engineer exists, the steps below outline the general path to employment.

Step 1

Get an Education
Completing a formal education is the first step toward becoming a software engineer. Prospective students can select from both traditional and nontraditional training programs to gain the education necessary to pursue entry-level positions. Some options include:

Associate Degree (Two Years):

Although employers typically prefer candidates with a four-year degree, an associate degree can open the door to software engineering entry-level jobs in the field. Students may choose to pursue majors in several related areas, such as software engineering technology or software systems engineering. The curriculum focuses on the core principles of software engineering, programming languages, and modern approaches to software development.

Bachelor’s Degree (Four Years):

A bachelor’s degree in computer science, or a related field, is the traditional minimum degree preferred by employers. Bachelor’s degree programs expose students to a broader curriculum, one that provides a foundation in mathematics and computer science. Students develop a comprehensive understanding of programming, software architecture, and software testing. They may also take specialized courses in application areas, such as networking or embedded systems.

Coding Bootcamp (8 to 12 Weeks):

Coding boot camps are a relatively new educational path for aspiring software engineers or developers. These programs typically last between eight and 12 weeks and place students into a hands-on, immersive learning environment. Upon graduation, students should be ready for entry-level careers as software engineers or developers.

Step 2

Do an Internship
Completing a software engineering internship provides students with real-world experience. Technology companies may offer internships for students with a bachelor’s or master’s degree who are seeking to expand their skills in specific areas, such as Java, XML, or SQL. Internships typically last between three and six months and allow students to work on specific projects or products related to their skills.

Step 3

Pursue a Specialization
Generally speaking, there are two specializations within software engineering: applications and software/systems development. However, distinct areas of practice exist within each of these areas. Software engineers may choose to become experts in a single programming language or type of development. Below is a list of example specialty areas to consider:
· Web development
· DevOps
· Mobile development
· Technical stack (e.g., Python, Ruby)

Step 4

Pursue Entry-Level Career Opportunities
After earning a computer science or related degree or completing a Bootcamp program, the next step is to seek out entry-level employment. Because of the demand, software engineering has been rated one of the best entry-level careers available, according to Forbes. Although the dream job may be at Google, prospective software engineers can start with a small, local job hunt because, in the profession, experience is a critical commodity for career advancement.

Step 5

Get Certified
Although some certifications have lost their luster, they remain an integral part of the tech industry. Software engineering is precise and technical, and gaining certification verifies an applicant’s knowledge and abilities. Along with experience, certification can improve a person’s marketability in technology vendors (e.g., Microsoft, Cisco, and Oracle) as well as professional organizations (e.g., IEEE) and are tailored to specific areas of practice.

Step 6

Attend Conferences
Innovation drives change. That means software engineers need to stay abreast of the latest developments in both the general profession and their specialty. Attending conferences is a great way to network with other engineers and learn about new products, business practices, and technologies. Popular conferences for software engineers include the International Conference on Software Engineering and the International Conference on Automated Software Engineering.

Step 7

Earn a Graduate Degree
A graduate degree offers the opportunity to qualify for management and leadership positions in the industry. In addition, there is more to engineering than just programming. Software engineering calls upon interdisciplinary skills such as critical thinking, cost analysis, and project management — skills that can be enhanced in a master’s program in computer science, computer engineering, information science, or software engineering.

Software Engineering Bachelor’s Degrees

For students fresh out of the University (or shifting over from another career) who want to maximize their professional potential in software engineering and give themselves the best chance of finding ideal post-graduate employment, the bachelor’s in software engineering is worth pursuing. Most entry-level software engineering positions will require this four-year degree. Some more advanced positions may require a master’s degree in software engineering. In that case, a bachelor’s degree could be a prerequisite to admission.
Four of the typical classes that can be found at most software engineering bachelor’s degree programs are described below:

Object-oriented software development

Students will take an advanced programming language to solve common computer problems and tasks.

Computer security

Students receive an overview of computer security. Ethical, legal, and practical considerations will also be discussed.

Project management

Techniques and methods for designing and developing software projects on schedule and a budget should be covered in this class.

User interface

By applying the concepts of human communication methods, students should learn how to create user-friendly software that can communicate with people.

Components of a Successful Software Engineering Career: Skills, Tools, and Technology

Skills

Software engineers are expected to have a broad knowledge base and skill set in multiple proficiencies, including both nontechnical and technical areas.

Nontechnical Skills

Because software engineers work with non-engineers such as vendors, customers, and other team members, employers value individuals who possess nontechnical skills. A good software engineer should be a:

• · Collaborator
  · Able to leverage the input of others to devise solutions.
  · Team player
  · Works effectively in group settings.
  · Creative thinker
  · Able to develop new approaches to development.
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  · Problem-solver
  · Understands complex issues and knows how to use technology to solve them.
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  · Communicator
  · Can speak in both technical and non-technical terms to a variety of audiences.

Industry-Specific Skills

Software engineering requires a comprehensive technical skillset and knowledge base that ranges from understanding business requirements to testing products. Below is a list of the core software engineering competencies from the National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies.