Software Engineer
Careers Explorer:
Apply scientific and mathematical principles to develop computer software and solve problems.
Overview
Software Engineers research, design and write new software programs and computer operating systems.
You’ll create, maintain, audit and improve systems to meet particular needs, testing both hard and software systems to diagnose and resolve system faults.
The role also involves writing diagnostic programs and designing and writing code for operating systems and software to ensure efficiency, as well as making recommendations for future developments.
Software Engineers often manage the support systems required to effectively run an organisation, and the role can also require you to communicate effectively and translate the needs of different teams into systems developments.
Top 5 Tasks
- Develop information systems
- Write and test code, refining and rewriting it as necessary
- Evaluate the software and systems that make computers and hardware work
- Create technical specifications
- Maintain systems.
Salary
Typical graduate software engineer salaries start from £18,000 a year, while the average annual salary for a software engineer is between £25,000 and £50,000.
At senior or management level, software engineers can earn £45,000 to £70,000, and bonus schemes may also be available.
Am I Suited?
- Technical competency
- Maths geek
- Logical thinker
- Commercial awareness
- IT geek
Occupations within software development are in demand and that demand looks set to increase much faster than the average for other occupations, thanks to the expanding need for new applications on smart phones and tablets.
Qualifications
To get into this profession, you’ll typically need to complete a university course, college course or apprenticeship in a relevant subject, such as software development or software engineering.
Progression
