What does it mean to “make a difference”? While it could represent different things to different people, in general, “making a difference” refers to contributing in a meaningful way that brings about improvements or favorable outcomes. It’s about leaving a positive mark on the world, promoting change, and contributing to the well-being and progress of others.
There are many ways to make a difference, and one way is through your career. While you might immediately think of careers such as healthcare or education, there are others that aren’t as obvious.
This article focuses on one such occupation, that of software engineer. We’ll explore how these professionals may make a difference, as well as how to become a software engineer, what software engineers do, and salary and job outlook. So, read on to learn about this fascinating and meaningful career.
How to Become a Software Engineer
You may have become intrigued by this occupation from what you’ve read so far; or, you might already know that software engineering is the career path for you. Now the question is, How do you become a software engineer?
Reach your education goals and explore your career opportunities
Software engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer and information technology, or a related field. While there are bootcamps that focus on software development, and some motivated individuals might be able to acquire the skills and knowledge required to enter the field, the majority of software engineers have a bachelor’s degree—or higher. Earning a degree has a number of benefits. To begin with, you might stand out more in the eyes of employers if you have a degree. In addition, those with degrees command higher salaries than those without. They also have lower unemployment rates.1
| Degree Level | Median weekly earnings | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|
| HS Diploma | $899 | 3.9% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | $1,493 | 2.2% |
| Master’s Degree | $1,737 | 2.0% |
What will I study in a software engineering degree program?
Whether you are pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering or a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in software engineering, you’ll likely encounter courses covering topics such as:
- Computer programming
- Software design
- Discrete mathematics
- Computer networks
- Databases
Programs might also include a capstone project.
Schools typically offer electives within their programs; electives might focus on areas such as artificial intelligence, computer graphics, machine learning, computer security, and game development.
Master’s programs often focus on advanced theories concepts and management. They could be ideal for those who wish to further their careers or want to dive deeper into a specific area such as security.
In addition to education, aspiring software engineers might pursue certification. Software engineering certifications affirm your skills and level of knowledge. They could help you prove your competencies to potential employers and set you apart. There are a broad range of certifications you might consider. Examples include:
- Professional Software Developer Certification, considered by some to be one of the industry standards, offered by the IEEE Computer Society
- Certified Software Engineer, offered by the Institute of Certification of Computing Professionals
- Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional, offered by cybersecurity organization ISC2
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Developer, offered by Amazon Web Services and geared toward software engineers who use Amazon Web Services platforms
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals, offered by Microsoft and geared toward those who use Azure
What Is a Software Engineer?
A software engineer is a professional who applies engineering principles to the design, development, testing, and maintenance of software and systems. The role of a software engineer involves a thorough understanding of computer science, software development methodologies, and engineering practices. Software engineers are responsible for creating efficient, reliable, and scalable software solutions to meet the needs of users and organizations. They might work with programmers to write computer code, or write the code themselves.
These professionals work in a broad range of industries, including healthcare, retail, business/IT, media & entertainment, research & development, finance, and government/defense.
Software engineers are sometimes referred to as software developers. What’s the difference between a software developer vs. software engineer? While the distinction between the two may vary depending on the industry and company, software engineers are often considered to be a type of software developer; they typically have broader roles, encompassing design architecture, system planning, and more complex problem-solving.
What do software engineers do on the job?
Software engineers help to develop, maintain, and improve software applications and systems. Their responsibilities might vary depending on the specific job, industry, and project requirements, but here are some common tasks and activities that they typically engage in:
- Designing software systems or applications
- Writing and testing code to implement a design
- Optimizing software applications to make them faster, more efficient, and scalable to meet user demands
- Creating documentation that outlines the design, implementation, and functionality of the software
- Ensuring the security of the software by implementing measures to protect against vulnerabilities and potential cyber threats
- Testing and debugging to improve the performance and functionality of the software Collaborating with team members, including other engineers, designers, and project managers
- Recommending software upgrades for existing programs and systems
Software engineer jobs
Some common software engineering jobs include:
- Applications Software Developer—Designs computer applications for consumers
- Computer Network Architect—Plans and designs communication networks
- DevOps (Development and Operations) Engineer—Focuses on combining development and operations practices to streamline and enhance the software development process.
- Mobile Developer—Write code for smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices
- Information Security Analyst—plan and implement security measures to protect computer networks and systems
- Program Manager—Oversees and coordinates the development of computer programs and software projects
- Computer Systems Analyst—Analyzes current computer systems and designs ways to improve on them
- Systems Software Developer—Specializes in creating and maintaining the foundational software that enables computer hardware to function
- Front-end Engineer (web developer)—Develops the user interface for the “front end,” or user-facing, side of a website or app
- Back-end Engineer—Designs, implements, and optimizes non-user-facing functionality
- Full-stack Engineer—Is fluent in both front- and back-end engineering
- Game Developer—Designs and implements gaming systems
Software engineer salary and job outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for software developers* is booming, projected to grow 25% between 2022 and 2032—a rate that is much faster than average2. In 2022 there were 1,795,300 software developers; that number is projected to increase to 2,246,500 in 2032. As you might expect, California had the highest number of software developers in 2023. The next four states were Texas, New York, Washington, and Virginia.5
In addition to being an in-demand occupation, software developers earn more than twice the salary of the average worker, with a median annual salary of $130,160 (the median annual wage for all workers is $46,310).
Where do software developers earn the highest salaries?
Data from the BLS for 20235:
| State | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $173,780 |
| Washington | $159,990 |
| Maryland | $150,740 |
| New York | $150,020 |
| Massachusetts | $146,580 |
Salaries and job projections of related professions
| Computer Network Architect6 | |
|---|---|
| Median annual salary, 2023 $129,840 | Job growth, 2022–2023 4% (as fast as average) |
| Computer Systems Analyst7 | |
|---|---|
| Median annual salary, 2023 $103,800 | Job growth, 2022–2023 10% (much faster than average) |
| Information Security Analysts8 | |
|---|---|
| Median annual salary, 2023 $120,360 | Job growth, 2022–2023 32% (much faster than average) |
| Web Developers9 | |
|---|---|
| Median annual salary, 2023 $92,750 | Job growth, 2022–2023 16% (much faster than average) |
How Software Engineers Make a Difference
The digital age is in full swing, and, let’s face it—we are dependent on technology in many areas of our lives. As such, we generally have no choice but to trust it. However, breaches in security, the hacking of personal information, and the unethical usage of technology are prevalent—and worrisome. Software engineers could make a difference by implementing systems and security measures to help mitigate and prevent these negative repercussions of technology at both the personal and institutional levels.
How software engineers help keep personal information safe
Software engineers use a combination of approaches to safeguard personal information. They develop secure coding practices, use encryption techniques, and secure authentication processes. Regular audits and code reviews are conducted to identify and address potential security gaps, and the implementation of timely patches and updates helps mitigate emerging threats.
Transparency is also an important aspect of security. Users should be able to access and understand privacy policies and customize these policies, giving them greater control over their personal information.
How software engineers protect valuable data at all levels
Beyond safeguarding personal information through best practices in software development, software engineers may also be responsible for protecting computer systems, networks, and data from theft, damage, unauthorized access, or other malicious attacks. This practice is known as cybersecurity, and it plays a crucial in maintaining the security and functionality of both individuals and organizations.
Cybersecurity involves a range of measures, technologies, and best practices designed to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. Cybersecurity aims to safeguard digital assets and mitigate risks associated with potential cyber threats, such as malware, phishing attacks, ransomware, and data breaches. This field encompasses various disciplines, including network security, information security, and operational security.
Cybersecurity is also an integral part of protecting our nation from cyber threats and enhancing overall security. The Department of Homeland Security, established in 2002, plays a lead role in improving the nation’s cybersecurity resilience. Two agencies within the department are especially involved in these endeavors: the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Cyber Safety Review Board (CSRB).
CISA coordinates cybersecurity efforts across federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, as well as with private sector partners. This coordination ensures a unified and effective response to cyber threats. It gathers and analyzes cyber threat intelligence to provide timely and actionable information to government and private sector partners. CSRB investigates and analyzes the details of cybersecurity incidents, aiming to understand the methods used by attackers, the extent of the impact, and any vulnerabilities that were exploited.
Conclusion
Software engineers are indispensable in shaping a safer and more secure online environment. If you are interested in helping to protect personal information and data, mitigate cybersecurity threats, and promote ethical data practices, then pursuing a degree in software engineering might be a first step to a meaningful career. Click below to learn more!
*The Bureau of Labor Statistics defines software engineers as being a type of software developer.
Sources:
1. https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm
2. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm#tab-6
3. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm#tab-5
4. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm
5. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes151252.htm#st
6. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-network-architects.htm
7. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-systems-analysts.htm
8. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm
9. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm