Software Developer
What is the work like?
As a software developer, or engineer, you would design and build computer programs that help organisations to work more efficiently, provide better services for their customers and staff, and enhance computer-based products. For example, your work could include:
- programming computer controls used in industrial and manufacturing machinery
- building administrative and financial databases and reporting systems
- developing software found inside home entertainment equipment (known as embedded controls).
On a typical project, a senior programmer or business analyst would break down the client's requirements and draw up development plans. Based on these plans, you would create the software needed to meet the client's demands, using various development methods. One of the most common – the 'waterfall process' – includes the following steps:
- programming a test version of a piece of software
- testing installation and compatibility issues
- checking test results and fixing technical problems (known as bugs)
- installing a full version and carrying out final checks before going ‘live’
- maintaining and supporting systems once they are up and running.
Certain jobs may involve replacing an entire IT system but more commonly, you would integrate existing ‘off-the-shelf’ programs into an existing set-up by modifying the programming code.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You would normally need a degree or BTEC HNC/HND to become a software developer. You could choose from a variety of subjects, including:
- computer science/studies
- information technology
- software development
- software engineering
- business information systems.
Several universities are now offering the Information Technology Management for Business (ITMB) degree, which has been developed by e-skills and employers to meet specific industry needs, for example project management skills and business awareness. For more details, see the e-skills UK website.
If you have a non-IT related degree you may still be able to apply for graduate trainee schemes with companies, or take a postgraduate IT conversion course.
As well as qualifications, you would need a working knowledge of some of the main programming languages and operating systems. Common examples include:
- Java, C++, Smalltalk and Visual Basic
- Oracle, UML (Unified Modelling Language), Linux and Delphi
- .NET frameworks (such as C# (C-sharp), ASP and VB).
The developer.com website has information and links to resources covering programming languages.
See e-skills UK, the British Computer Society, Institute for the Management of Information Systems and the Institution of Analysts and Programmers for more details about careers in the IT sector.
What further training and development can I do?
You could continue to develop your skills by taking professional development courses with industry bodies, for example:
- e-skills UK Graduate Professional Development Award, developed with higher education institutions and employers, covering key skills required by the IT industry
- British Computer Society Certificate, Diploma and Professional Graduate Diploma (options in software development and engineering)
- Institute for the Management of Information Systems programmes, including options in Contemporary IS Development
- Institution of Analysts and Programmers (IAP) offers membership grades and professional development courses.
You could also take training courses offered by software development companies. Some examples include:
- Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) and Certified Applications Developer (MCAD)
- Sun Microsystems Java Certified Programmer (SCJP) and Developer (SCJD)
- Oracle PL/SQL Developer (databases).
You can find more information about professional development options on the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) website. This has been developed by professional bodies and employers and allows IT professionals to identify career skills and development pathways.
Where can I go for more information?
New Mill Road
Orpington
Kent
BR5 3QG
Tel: 0700 002 3456
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN1 1HJ
36 Culmington Road
London
W13 9NH
Tel: 020 8567 2118
London
SW1E 6DR
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries for graduate software developers are between £19,500 and £24,000 a year.
- Experienced developers can earn between £25,000 and £38,000.
- Software developers with management responsibilities can earn up to £45,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your working week would be between 37 and 40 hours. Overtime and weekend work may be necessary to meet deadlines or to minimise disruption to a client's business.
You would spend a lot of your time working at the client's premises. This may mean working away from home, depending on their location.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- an expert knowledge of hardware, software and programming languages
- the ability to interpret and follow technical plans
- a logical approach to problem solving
- an understanding of Computer Aided (Assisted) Software Engineering (CASE) tools
- excellent communication and customer care skills
- the ability to work with people at all levels, including non-technical staff
- good project management skills
- the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
- good teamworking skills
- an appreciation of the client's business demands
- an understanding of confidentiality and data protection issues.
What opportunities are there?
You can find work as a software developer across the whole range of business and industry, public services, utilities, defence and research.
Prospects are very good, as this type of work makes up almost a third of all employment opportunities in IT. Industry body, e-skills UK, predicts that this will grow between now and 2014. Database, multimedia and artificial intelligence software development skills are particularly sought after.
With experience, you could become a senior or lead developer, with responsibility for supervising development teams, monitoring and reviewing colleague's work, project management, strategic planning and product research. You could also move into related areas, such as systems design, IT architecture and business systems analysis.
Self-employment may be another option, working on a sub-contract or consultancy basis.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading:
ITJobsWatch
ComputerWeekly
Computing Careers
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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