Deep Dive: Software Engineering
Software engineers work with designing and maintaining the frameworks of many computer softwares, and accordingly can be seen working with codes and programs in terminals, like the engineer in the picture above from Handshake.
With the digital revolution, software engineering has became one of the most sought-after fields in the world, involving computer science and engineering principles. In this career insight article, we’ll explore the educational pathway of software engineering, the career opportunities it offers, and how we at FInE can support you on this journey.
When it comes to education, software engineering itself is often not a degree; instead, most software engineers get a degree in computer science. Based on bachelor’s requirements at Stanford and Carnegie Mellon University, students typically complete calculus I, II, linear algebra, and discrete mathematics. Notice, the major doesn’t require multivariable calculus and differential equations like other engineering majors, but rather discrete mathematics. Core CS courses include data structures & algorithms, computer systems, and software design. For a software-engineering focus, common courses are databases and cybersecurity, along with electives in artificial intelligence/machine learning, cloud computing, and human-computer interaction. Often, students may take independent courses or certifications, in many cases outside of their degree, to learn Python, Java, and C++. To further help with getting a job, students often do independent projects and internships.
As for career prospects. From tech giants like Apple and Microsoft to startups, there are many roles for software engineers. The most common roles are software developers, who build and maintain computer applications; systems engineers, who design and optimize computing infrastructures; and web developers, who create websites and their features. Other career options are data engineers (often, these have data science, not computer science, degrees) and cybersecurity analysts. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for software developers is projected to grow by 25% from 2023 to 2033. Although this is high job growth, it is important to keep in mind that this field is very competitive, with internships and jobs being extremely difficult to get as many applications have strong backgrounds, whether it be their degree, certifications, projects, hackathons, or other internships.
Accordingly, it’s essential to have support to succeed, and FInE is here to help. Through our software engineering event, participants work in teams to solve complex software engineering related problems, developing important field-related skills. For those who prefer individual challenges, FInE offers tests in mathematics, including precalculus, calculus I and II, and statistics, along with computer science. As for project experience, members may compete in the AI/ML Development, working in teams to develop an AI model to solve a particular problem, and presenting their solution. To enhance communication and presentation skills, FInE provides opportunities like the argumentative essay and prepared speaking events. Additionally, the research poster can help members explore software topics in depth and develop their portfolio. To start a FInE chapter at your school, visit our homepage and click “Start a FInE Chapter.” By joining, you’ll connect with a network of like-minded individuals and gain access to resources that can propel your career forward. Our executive team collaborates directly with chapter leaders to streamline operations and ensure members benefit from all that FInE has to offer.
Bibliography
"Software Developers: Occupational Outlook Handbook." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm.
"Bachelor of Science in Computer Science." Stanford University, https://exploredegrees.stanford.edu/.
"BS in Software Engineering." Carnegie Mellon University, https://www.cmu.edu/.
"Career Paths in Software Engineering." Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), https://www.acm.org/.
"What Can I Do with a Software Engineering Degree?" Prospects.ac.uk, https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/software-engineering.
“Day in the life: Software Engineers.” Handshake, https://joinhandshake.com/blog/students/day-in-the-life-software-engineers/.
