{"id":291577,"date":"2024-08-06T18:16:55","date_gmt":"2024-08-06T18:16:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/?p=291577"},"modified":"2024-08-06T21:05:52","modified_gmt":"2024-08-06T21:05:52","slug":"how-to-become-a-software-engineer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/how-to-become-a-software-engineer","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Software Engineer in 2025? Your Career Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>In today&#8217;s tech-dominated world, becoming a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/4814\/software-engineer\">software engineer<\/a> is one of the most diverse career paths you can take.<\/p>\n<p>Pursuing a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/592\/computer-science\">computer science<\/a> degree and transitioning into a software engineering role can open doors to various positions such as software engineer, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/29569\/front-end-developer\">front end<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/29568\/back-end-developer\">back-end developer<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/33989\/full-stack-developer\">full-stack engineer<\/a>, cloud architect, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/34820\/devops-engineer\">DevOps engineer<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/33707\/data-engineer\">data engineer<\/a>, game developer, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/33515\/artificial-intelligence-engineer\">AI\/ML engineer<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>However, entering the field is not without its challenges. Software engineering is oversaturated with entry-level candidates and comes with hefty technical requirements. Standing out from the crowd will require significant effort and dedication.<\/p>\n<p>The good news is that there are so many courses, coding bootcamps, and certifications available to fine-tune your skills, that if you invest the time and effort, you can potentially turn this into a long and rewarding career.<\/p>\n<p>In this article, we break down everything you need to know about becoming a software engineer, including pathways how to become a software engineer without a degree.<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#dddddd;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#f7f7f7;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">\n<h2><span id=\"key_takeaways\">Key Takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Becoming a software engineer can take anywhere from a few months to over four years.<\/li>\n<li>Important skills for software engineers include, among others, coding, programming, creating algorithms, and critical thinking.<\/li>\n<li>You can enter the field through various pathways, including getting a software engineer major, attending coding boot camps, and acquiring certifications.<\/li>\n<li>Develop a strong portfolio showcasing your projects and network consistently.<\/li>\n<li>Sites like Upwork and Fiverr can help you start, but building direct client relationships is crucial for long-term success.<\/li>\n<li>An average salary in the industry is $115,301 per year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div>\n    <section class=\"toc-sticky w-100 bg-white \">\n        <div class=\"toc-sticky__container container\">\n            <div class=\"toc-sticky__open d-flex align-items-end\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\"\n                 aria-controls=\"multiCollapse1\"\n                 data-bs-target=\"#multiCollapse1\">\n                <button\n                        class=\"btn btn-primary collapse-action-btn p-1 rounded-circle\"\n                        type=\"button\"\n                >\n                    <i class=\"icon-chevron-up\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <span id=\"toc-current-title\" class=\"d-flex align-items-center\">\n                    Table of Contents\n                <\/span>\n                <span class=\"toc-main-title-permanent\">Table of Contents<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <div\n                    class=\"collapse my-3\"\n                    id=\"multiCollapse1\"\n            >\n                <ol class=\"StepProgress\">\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item current\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"key_takeaways\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"key_takeaways\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Key Takeaways<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"how_long_does_it_take_to_become_a_software_engineer\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"how_long_does_it_take_to_become_a_software_engineer\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">How Long Does It Take to Become a Software Engineer?<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"how_to_become_a_software_engineer_in_cur_year_4_ways_to_enter_the_industry\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"how_to_become_a_software_engineer_in_cur_year_4_ways_to_enter_the_industry\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">How to Become a Software Engineer in 2025: 4 Ways to Enter the Industry<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"programming_languages_to_learn_to_become_a_software_engineer\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"programming_languages_to_learn_to_become_a_software_engineer\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Programming Languages to Learn to Become a Software Engineer<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"importance_of_a_strong_portfolio\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"importance_of_a_strong_portfolio\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Importance of a Strong Portfolio<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"importance_of_networking\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"importance_of_networking\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Importance of Networking<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"software_engineer_salary_job_outlook\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"software_engineer_salary_job_outlook\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Software Engineer Salary &amp; Job Outlook<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"the_bottom_line\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"the_bottom_line\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">The Bottom Line<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"faqs\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"faqs\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">FAQs<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"references\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"references\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">References<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                    <\/ol>\n                <div class=\"toc-sticky__container__disperse\"><\/div>\n                <div class=\"toc-sticky__btn-top justify-content-center\">\n                    <button class=\"btn btn-link d-flex align-items-center\" onclick={btnTop()}><p>Show Full Guide<\/p><img decoding=\"async\"\n                                src=\"\/wp-content\/plugins\/table-of-contents\/assets\/images\/arrow-up-circle.svg\"\n                                alt=\"arrow-up-circle\">\n                    <\/button>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n    <div class=\"toc-sticky-list\">\n        <div class=\"toc-sticky__container container\">\n            <div class=\"toc-sticky__open d-flex align-items-end\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" aria-controls=\"multiCollapse2\" data-bs-target=\"#multiCollapse2\">\n                <button class=\"btn btn-primary collapse-action-btn p-1 rounded-circle\"\n                        type=\"button\">\n                    <i class=\"icon-chevron-up up\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <span id=\"toc-current-title\" class=\"d-flex align-items-center\">\n                    Table of Contents\n                <\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <div  class=\"collapse my-3\" id=\"multiCollapse2\">\n                <ol class=\"StepProgress\">\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t                                                     <li class=\"StepProgress-item current \">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"key_takeaways\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"key_takeaways\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Key Takeaways<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t                                                     <li class=\"StepProgress-item \">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"how_long_does_it_take_to_become_a_software_engineer\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"how_long_does_it_take_to_become_a_software_engineer\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">How Long Does It Take to Become a Software Engineer?<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t                                                     <li class=\"StepProgress-item \">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"how_to_become_a_software_engineer_in_cur_year_4_ways_to_enter_the_industry\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"how_to_become_a_software_engineer_in_cur_year_4_ways_to_enter_the_industry\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">How to Become a Software Engineer in 2025: 4 Ways to Enter the Industry<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <span class=\"show_moretoc\">Show Full Guide<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"programming_languages_to_learn_to_become_a_software_engineer\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"programming_languages_to_learn_to_become_a_software_engineer\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Programming Languages to Learn to Become a Software Engineer<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"importance_of_a_strong_portfolio\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"importance_of_a_strong_portfolio\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Importance of a Strong Portfolio<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"importance_of_networking\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"importance_of_networking\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Importance of Networking<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"software_engineer_salary_job_outlook\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"software_engineer_salary_job_outlook\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Software Engineer Salary &amp; Job Outlook<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"the_bottom_line\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"the_bottom_line\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">The Bottom Line<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"faqs\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"faqs\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">FAQs<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    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          \/\/ set everything outside the onscroll event (less work per scroll)\n            const target = document.querySelector(\".toc-sticky\");\n            const targetListStatic = document.querySelector(\".toc-sticky-list\");\n\n            if (!target || !header) return;\n\n            const headerHeight = header.getBoundingClientRect().height;\n            const targetHeight = targetListStatic.getBoundingClientRect().height;\n\n            \/\/ -headerHeight so it won't be jumpy\n            const stop = targetListStatic.offsetTop + headerHeight + targetHeight;\n            const docBody =\n                document.documentElement || document.body.parentNode || document.body;\n            const hasOffset = window.pageYOffset !== undefined;\n\n            const applySticky = function () {\n                \/\/ cross-browser compatible scrollTop.\n                const scrollTop = hasOffset ? window.pageYOffset : docBody.scrollTop;\n\n                \/\/ if user scrolls to headerHeight from the top of the target div\n                if (scrollTop >= stop) {\n                    pageLegendCollapse.hide();\n                    \/\/ stick the div\n                    target.classList.add(\"sticky\");\n                    \/\/target.style.marginTop = `${headerHeight}px`;\n                } else {\n                    pageLegendCollapse.show();\n                    \/\/ release the div\n                    target.classList.remove(\"sticky\");\n                    target.style.marginTop = \"\";\n                }\n            }\n\n            applySticky();\n\n            window.addEventListener('scroll', applySticky);\n        })(header, pageLegendCollapse);\n\tjQuery('span.show_moretoc').click(function(){\n\t\tjQuery('span.show_moretoc').hide();\n\t   jQuery('.ms_hidetoc').show();\n\t});\n    });\n\n    \/\/ When the user clicks on the button, scroll to the top of the document\n    function btnTop() {\n        const pageLegend = document.querySelector('#multiCollapse1');\n        document.querySelector('html').classList.remove('overflow-hidden');\n        pageLegend.classList.remove('overflow-auto');\n        pageLegend.style.height = 'auto';\n        window.scrollTo({\n            top: 0,\n            behavior: 'smooth'\n        });\n    }\n\n    const handleScrollToTitle = (id) => {\n        const el = document.getElementById(id);\n        const headerHeightDifference = window.innerWidth < 992 ? -30 : -15;\n        window.scrollTo({\n            top: el.offsetTop - 60 - headerHeightDifference - 10,\n        });\n    }\n<\/script>\n\n<h2><span id=\"how_long_does_it_take_to_become_a_software_engineer\">How Long Does It Take to Become a Software Engineer?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The answer is: It varies. It can take anywhere <strong>from a few months to over four years<\/strong> to enter such a position. The duration depends on your career path, educational background, work experience, and your ability to network and promote yourself.<\/p>\n<p>No matter how long it takes, the most important thing is that you develop relevant software engineering skills, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Coding<\/li>\n<li>Programming<\/li>\n<li>Creating algorithms<\/li>\n<li>Critical Thinking<\/li>\n<li>Creativity<\/li>\n<li>Mathematics<\/li>\n<li>Problem solving<\/li>\n<li>Communication (Written and verbal)<\/li>\n<li>Project management<\/li>\n<li>Team work<\/li>\n<li>Agile<\/li>\n<li>Software testing<\/li>\n<li>Software development<\/li>\n<li>SQL<\/li>\n<li>HTML<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"how_to_become_a_software_engineer_in_cur_year_4_ways_to_enter_the_industry\">How to Become a Software Engineer in 2025: 4 Ways to Enter the Industry<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3>Earn a Degree<\/h3>\n<p>One of the most popular ways to enter the industry is by earning a degree from a respected educational institution or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/best-engineering-schools\">engineering school<\/a>. According to Zippia, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zippia.com\/software-engineer-jobs\/demographics\/\" target=\"_blank\">73% of software engineers have a bachelor&#8217;s degree<\/a>, 20% hold a master&#8217;s degree, and 4% have an associate degree.<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#dddddd;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#F7F7F7;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">\n<ul>\n<li>A bachelor&#8217;s degree typically takes around four years to complete.<\/li>\n<li>A master&#8217;s degree can take between two to four years.<\/li>\n<li>An associate degree usually takes two years.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>The textbook software engineer degree is in computer science. However, fields such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/626\/information-technology-it\">information technology<\/a> (IT) or electrical engineering are also relevant.<\/p>\n<p>Most job openings expect applicants to have a bachelor&#8217;s degree. Nonetheless, there are many opportunities for candidates without a degree, provided they possess the right skills and work experience.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s worth noting that more senior positions may require a master&#8217;s degree.<\/p>\n<h3>Attend a Coding Bootcamp<\/h3>\n<p>Outside of formal education, attending coding bootcamps is a great way to improve your skills.<\/p>\n<p>If earning a degree is not an option or you prefer an alternative path, coding bootcamps offer a viable route to becoming a software engineer. These <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/best-coding-bootcamps\">bootcamps<\/a> are intensive courses, typically lasting three-six months, designed to teach fundamental <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/6535\/coding\">coding<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/13128\/programming\">programming<\/a> skills.<\/p>\n<p>While coding bootcamps may not provide comprehensive entry into software engineering, they equip you with essential skills that are vital for future roles in the field.<\/p>\n<h3>Get a Certification<\/h3>\n<p>On your journey to become a software engineer, it&#8217;s important to acquire certifications to demonstrate the skills you&#8217;ve learned. Gaining certification through a reputable organization like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/4575\/institute-of-electrical-and-electronics-engineers-ieee\">Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers<\/a> (IEEE) shows that you have proven expertise in your field.<\/p>\n<p>We recommend exploring some of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/2\/28606\/it-business\/it-careers\/top-5-highest-paying-it-certifications-and-how-to-get-them\">top-paying IT certifications<\/a>, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/cissip-cism-cisa-whats-the-difference-between-security-certification\/2\/34861\">CISSP<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/2\/28631\/it-business\/it-careers\/itil-certification-why-you-need-it-how-to-get-it\">ITILv4<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/585\/cisco-certified-network-associate-ccna\">CCNA<\/a>, VCP, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/2\/28664\/it-business\/it-careers\/security-certifications-from-comptia\">COMPTIA<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/29820\/certified-information-security-manager-cism\">CISM<\/a>. These certifications are highly sought after in the industry and can significantly enhance your employability and overall salary.<\/p>\n<p>Investing time in getting multiple software engineer certifications can make a significant difference in your career prospects, especially if you don&#8217;t have a degree. These validate your knowledge and skills and can significantly enhance your credibility and competitiveness in the job market.<\/p>\n<h3>Gain Practical Experience<\/h3>\n<p>Once you have some form of software engineer training under your belt, it&#8217;s time to start gaining practical experience. After all, employers want to see that you can reliably build and maintain software products under pressure.<\/p>\n<p>One of the best ways to gain practical experience is by applying for software engineering or software development internships at reputable companies. Even if these internships are unpaid, they demonstrate that you&#8217;ve invested time in learning your craft and developing skills on the job.<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#dddddd;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#F7F7F7;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">\n<p>You can also gain experience by working in the freelance market, completing paid projects for third-party clients as an independent contractor.<\/p>\n<p>If you choose the freelance route, sites like <strong>Upwork, Fiverr, <\/strong>and<strong> Freelancer<\/strong> are great starting points to land initial projects.<\/p>\n<p>For long-term success and fair compensation, you&#8217;ll want to eventually conduct your own outreach and build direct relationships with clients. This approach ensures you are adequately compensated for your expertise and efforts.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"programming_languages_to_learn_to_become_a_software_engineer\">Programming Languages to Learn to Become a Software Engineer<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When becoming a software engineer, there are several <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/24815\/programming-language\">programming languages<\/a> you might want to learn, depending on the areas you want to specialize in. Popular languages like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/3533\/python\">Python<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/3929\/javascript-js\">JavaScript<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/1892\/hypertext-markup-language-html\">HTML<\/a>\/<a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/26268\/cascading-style-sheet-css\">CSS<\/a>, C, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/26184\/c-plus-plus-programming-language\">C++<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/32308\/go-programming-languages\">Go<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/32592\/swift-programming-language\">Swift<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/26272\/c-sharp\">C#<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/1245\/structured-query-language-sql\">SQL<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/3927\/java\">Java<\/a> are excellent starting points.<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#dddddd;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#F7F7F7;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">\n<p>Rather than trying to learn all the programming languages available, focus on one or two that align with your interests, so you can become more proficient and effective in using them.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"importance_of_a_strong_portfolio\">Importance of a Strong Portfolio<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Building a strong portfolio is essential for demonstrating your expertise in real-world environments. A comprehensive portfolio of past work allows you to show prospective employers and recruiters that you have experience working on quality projects.<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#dddddd;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#F7F7F7;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">\n<p>In your portfolio, aim to provide a clear and concise summary of each project you contributed to, detailing your role and the project&#8217;s results (if applicable).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h3>Showcasing Projects on GitHub<\/h3>\n<p>Sharing your projects on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/github\">GitHub<\/a> is an great way to showcase your contributions. After all, the quality of your work can speak for itself.<\/p>\n<p>It is not uncommon for companies to inquire about GitHub projects in interviews, so regularly updating your projects can be the difference between receiving a job offer or not.<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#dddddd;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#F7F7F7;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">\n<p>Original projects built with clean, readable code that others use and are well-documented demonstrate your ability to create functional software.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h3>Creating a Personal Website<\/h3>\n<p>Having your own <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/5411\/website\">website<\/a> isn&#8217;t a must have for getting into software development, but it is an effective way to build your personal brand. It provides another platform to showcase your skills and projects to prospective employers.<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#dddddd;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#F7F7F7;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">\n<p>Taking the time to develope a website can be particularly useful if you&#8217;re seeking freelance or contract work, as it increases your visibility and allows you to display your past work.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"importance_of_networking\">Importance of Networking<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When working to become a software engineer, it&#8217;s a good idea to consistently network. Engage with others in your industry by attending events, talking to classmates, joining relevant groups on platforms like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/4941\/facebook\">Facebook<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/31604\/reddit\">Reddit<\/a>, and participating in discussions on industry forums.<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#dddddd;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#F7F7F7;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">\n<p>Networking can not only help you build valuable connections that enrich your social life but also provide entry points to roles and projects throughout your career.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"software_engineer_salary_job_outlook\">Software Engineer Salary &amp; Job Outlook<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Now that you know how to become a software developer or engineer, let&#8217;s look at the type of salary you can expect. According to Glassdoor, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/software-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm\" target=\"_blank\">a software engineer in the U.S. can earn an average salary of $115,301 per year<\/a>, with potential earnings reaching up to $205,000 per year.<\/p>\n<p>What about the overall job outlook for the field? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the outlook for software developers remains promising. There are projected to be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/computer-and-information-technology\/software-developers.htm\" target=\"_blank\">153,900 openings each year for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers from 2022 to 2032 in the U.S<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The BLS also expects employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers to increase by 25 percent over the decade, which is above the average for all occupations.<\/p>\n<p>That being said, the tech industry is notoriously oversaturated, and securing entry-level software engineering positions can be challenging if you&#8217;re not dedicating time to developing your skills and actively networking, especially if you don&#8217;t have a software engineer degree.<\/p>\n<p>Likewise, the impact of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/190\/artificial-intelligence-ai\">AI<\/a> on the industry is still uncertain. Many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/34948\/large-language-model-llm\">large language models<\/a> (LLMs) are already capable of producing code, and their abilities are expected to improve in the future. This suggests that there could be potential for disruption in the industry due to automation.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"the_bottom_line\">The Bottom Line<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Being a software engineer has the potential to be a rewarding career path for those who<\/p>\n<p>are willing to put the time in to learning the right skills. Investing time and money in your software engineer education will help you to build your employability so that you stand out from other candidates.<\/p>\n<p>Keeping those skills up-to-date as new technology emerges is essential for being in a position to solve key business problems going forward.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"man_faq_sec\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\"><\/time><section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">Is it very hard to become a software engineer?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Becoming a software engineer can be a difficult process, but if you take the time to learn how to code and work on other core skills, it&#8217;s an obtainable goal.<\/span><\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">What is needed to become a software engineer?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You don\u2019t need a degree to become a software engineer, but it helps. Getting a degree in computer science and relevant work experience remains a reliable way to find work in the current job market.<\/span><\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">How long can it take to become a software engineer?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can take anywhere between a few months to four years to become a software engineer, depending on the career path taken and your overall abilities.<\/span><\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">What qualifications do you need to study software engineering?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are no formal software engineer requirements, but if you want to do a computer science degree you will most likely need a high school diploma and basic knowledge of mathematics and IT.<\/span><\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<div class=\"reference-content\">\n<div class=\"reference-heading reference-content-collapsible-heading\">\n<h2><span id=\"references\">References<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"reference-content-body\">\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zippia.com\/software-engineer-jobs\/demographics\/\" target=\"_blank\">Software Engineer Demographics and Statistics [2024]: Number Of Software Engineers In The US<\/a> (Zippia)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/software-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm\" target=\"_blank\">How much does a Software Engineer make?<\/a> (Glassdoor)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/computer-and-information-technology\/software-developers.htm\" target=\"_blank\"> Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a> (Bls)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In today&#8217;s tech-dominated world, becoming a software engineer is one of the most diverse career paths you can take. Pursuing a computer science degree and transitioning into a software engineering role can open doors to various positions such as software engineer, front end or back-end developer, full-stack engineer, cloud architect, DevOps engineer, data engineer, game [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":286576,"featured_media":291638,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[607],"tags":[],"category_partsoff":[],"class_list":["post-291577","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-career-paths"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.2 (Yoast SEO v24.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Become a Software Engineer? 2025 Career Guide<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to become a software engineer: from education paths and essential skills to portfolio building, salary expectations, and job outlook.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Become a Software Engineer in 2025? 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