A STEM career offers the opportunity to explore various fields and specialties. One of these includes a career in software engineering. In today's world technology consumes a large part of our lives and is almost everywhere. Software engineers and software developers are not the same although they sound similar. The key difference between the two is that software engineers build software and are responsible for making sure applications are functioning, while software developers focus more on discussing what the client wants and designing it working more on the front or back end of the system.
In high school it is important to start showing colleges you are interested in this career by taking relevant courses. These could include AP Computer Science and AP Calculus or other computer science related courses. Get involved in extracurriculars like robotics club or coding club, these will not only show colleges that you are interested but will give you early experience on how computer engineering works. If you need more experience, summer programs and internships are always great to join. Many colleges offer summer programs for engineering and computer science like CalTech’s Da Vinci Camp and MIT’s Research Science Institute. In college you can pursue a major in software engineering, computer science, computer engineering, or another related field. You will be required to take many math courses, and computer programming related courses. You should continue to make yourself look interested in this career by joining more related activities outside of class like coding competitions, clubs, and other related activities. If you plan on getting your masters (which is not necessary for many entry level positions) maintain a high grade point average because it will be useful to landing more higher paying jobs and increase your chances of getting higher positions.
A career in software engineering includes more than just code, it includes designing, testing, programming, and maintaining software applications. Engineers use various programming languages like Python or JavaScript to support and solve problems that meet the needs of their business. Work can include coding, debugging, collaborating with teams, researching new technologies, and improving software. The environment of a software engineer typically includes group work where collaborating with other engineers occurs most of the time. Their day to day work includes solving problems in software systems, designing and maintaining software, making software efficient, and writing and testing code. When you are a software engineer you deal with real world problems that people face and learn to fix them. This requires a combination of communication skills, problem-solving skills, being detail-oriented, and being good with technology. The average salary for this job is around $130,000.
Interview :
Q: What is your name and how long have you been working as a software engineer?
A: My name is Bibi Javeria and I have been working as a software engineer for 15+ years
Q: What were some challenges you went through when trying to become a software engineer?
A: There were quite a bit of challenges I faced that seemed unexpected. For me going through the process of getting my degree in software engineering was less complicated but one of my biggest challenges was trying to find a job in computer engineering so I could stay in the country and work with a valid visa and be able to earn money to pay off my student loans. These challenges can be different for everyone, especially since I came to a new country as a student to get my degree in computer engineering during recession time (2008-2009) not knowing as an immigrant if jobs would be available on work visa.
Q: How did you overcome those challenges?
A: I overcame these challenges by applying and interviewing to as many jobs as I could. I stayed determined in the face of failure and stayed consistent. Not giving up was a major strategy to overcoming my challenges.
Q: What is the software engineering work environment like?
A: The companies have a diverse work environment. You get to work with people from different backgrounds and parts of the world, you get to learn about your coworkers' cultures and perspectives because this career offers global work experience as you can work from anywhere, and anytime. My work environment is very diverse as I work for meta. While it is definitely challenging and fast paced, working in headquarters has its own perks like multiple cultural food options for free, salon access, laundry service, gym, and gaming center for when you want to relax after or during work, to establish a work life balance.
Q: What are some things you like about being a software engineer?
A: I like the ability to have a positive impact on people. Working for these companies I help so many people everyday. My old company (Natera) I used to work for was a clinical genetic testing company that specialized in cell-free technology for genetic testing specifically for women's health, cancer, and organ health. Working for this company I knew I was helping so many people out there that were struggling with their health and this made me feel good about having such a positive impact. My company that I work for now (Meta) works with helping small businesses and creators start up and grow. I get to help small businesses and creators with the essentials to starting their ideas and goals. I like knowing that the work I do has such a huge positive impact on so many people.
Q: What made you decide to become a software engineer?
A: This was a field where I did not really expect to work in, but after realizing how diverse and welcoming this career was I wanted to pursue it. There are so many different aspects to this career and anyone can do it if they have the passion.
Q: Do you have any advice to members of Girls Get STEM on how to become a software engineer?
A: It is easy to say you want to do something and harder to actually do it. My number one advice is to never give up when you are feeling doubtful because it will get better if you keep moving forward and keep trying. Trust yourself to know that you are doing the right thing by staying determined. It is okay to fail because the experiences you gain from these failures are more rewarding than getting it right the first try. These experiences help you learn and grow as a person. It will not be easy but if you have the passion you will find a way and will get through it.
Resources
Buddies, Science, and Science Buddies. “Computer Software Engineer | Science &Amp; Engineering Career.” Science Buddies,
3 Oct. 2024, careerdiscovery.sciencebuddies.org/science-engineering-careers/math-computer-science/computer-software- engineer.
“Software Engineer Salary.” Levels.fyi, www.levels.fyi/t/software-engineer. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
Staff, Coursera. “What Does a Software Engineer Do?” Coursera, 10 Jan. 2025, www.coursera.org/articles/software-engineer.
written by Aalia Syed
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