Logo

Navigation
  • Home
  • Services
    • ERP Solutions
    • Implementation Solutions
    • Support and Maintenance Solutions
    • Custom Solutions
    • Upgrade Solutions
    • Training and Mentoring
    • Web Solutions
    • Production Support
    • Architecture Designing
    • Independent Validation and Testing Services
    • Infrastructure Management
  • Expertise
    • Microsoft Development Expertise
    • Mobile Development
    • SQL Server Database and BI
    • SAP BI, SAP Hana, SAP BO
    • Oracle and BI
    • Oracle RAC
  • Technical Training
    • Learn Data Management
      • Business Intelligence
      • Data Mining
      • Data Modeling
      • Data Warehousing
      • Disaster Recovery
    • Learn Concepts
      • Application Development
      • Client Server
      • Cloud Computing Tutorials
      • Cluster Computing
      • CRM Tutorial
      • EDI Tutorials
      • ERP Tutorials
      • NLP
      • OOPS
      • Concepts
      • SOA Tutorial
      • Supply Chain
      • Technology Trends
      • UML
      • Virtualization
      • Web 2.0
    • Learn Java
      • JavaScript Tutorial
      • JSP Tutorials
      • J2EE
    • Learn Microsoft
      • MSAS
      • ASP.NET
      • ASP.NET 2.0
      • C Sharp
      • MS Project Training
      • Silverlight
      • SQL Server 2005
      • VB.NET 2005
    • Learn Networking
      • Networking
      • Wireless
    • Learn Oracle
      • Oracle 10g
      • PL/SQL
      • Oracle 11g Tutorials
      • Oracle 9i
      • Oracle Apps
    • Learn Programming
      • Ajax Tutorial
      • C Language
      • C++ Tutorials
      • CSS Tutorial
      • CSS3 Tutorial
      • JavaScript Tutorial
      • jQuery Tutorial
      • MainFrame
      • PHP Tutorial
      • VBScript Tutorial
      • XML Tutorial
    • Learn Software Testing
      • Software Testing Types
      • SQA
      • Testing
  • Career Training
    • Career Improvement
      • Career Articles
      • Certification Articles
      • Conflict Management
      • Core Skills
      • Decision Making
      • Entrepreneurship
      • Goal Setting
      • Life Skills
      • Performance Development
      • Personal Excellence
      • Personality Development
      • Problem Solving
      • Relationship Management
      • Self Confidence
      • Self Supervision
      • Social Networking
      • Strategic Planning
      • Time Management
    • Education Help
      • Career Tracks
      • Essay Writing
      • Internship Tips
      • Online Education
      • Scholarships
      • Student Loans
    • Managerial Skills
      • Business Communication
      • Business Networking
      • Facilitator Skills
      • Managing Change
      • Marketing Management
      • Meeting Management
      • Process Management
      • Project Management
      • Project Management Life Cycle
      • Project Management Process
      • Project Risk Management
      • Relationship Management
      • Task Management
      • Team Building
      • Virtual Team Management
    • Essential Life Skills
      • Anger Management
      • Anxiety Management
      • Attitude Development
      • Coaching and Mentoring
      • Emotional Intelligence
      • Stress Management
      • Positive Thinking
    • Communication Skills
      • Conversation Skills
      • Cross Culture Competence
      • English Vocabulary
      • Listening Skills
      • Public Speaking Skills
      • Questioning Skills
    • Soft Skills
      • Assertive Skills
      • Influence Skills
      • Leadership Skills
      • Memory Skills
      • People Skills
      • Presentation Skills
    • Finding a Job
      • Etiquette Tips
      • Group Discussions
      • HR Interviews
      • Interview Notes
      • Job Search Tips
      • Resume Tips
      • Sample Resumes
 

Career Track: Computer Software Engineers

By Exforsys | on July 6, 2005 |
Career Tracks

Job Description:

Computer Software Engineers are responsible for a multitude of tasks that are evolving and changing as quickly as technology. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, professionals in this career are the ones that are “responsible for applying the principles and techniques of computer science, engineering and mathematical analysis to the design, development, testing and evaluation of software and the systems that enable computers to perform their many applications.”

There are basically two sub categories of software engineers, which include:

  • Computer Applications Software Engineers
  • Computer Systems Software Engineers

Applications Software Engineers are responsible for analyzing the needs of the user and then designing, constructing and maintaining the applications or software. Professionals in this career use programming languages such as C, C++, Java, Fortran and COBOL. Many Software Applications Engineers are responsible for developing both packed systems and systems software as well as creating customized applications. Computer Systems Software Engineers are responsible for “coordinating the construction and maintenance of a company’s computer systems while planning for future growth.” Most Software Engineers work closely with coworkers as well as customers to ensure their products meet needs and expectations.

Opportunities for advancement and industry outlook:

The career outlook for Software Engineers is strong. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, this profession is projected to be one of the fastest growing occupations between 2002-2012. College graduates with at least a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering and practical work experience will have little trouble finding placement. The only downside is that the increase in offshore contracting may impact this profession as well as others in the IT industry. Employers will continue to search out professionals with strong programming, systems analysis, interpersonal and business skills. Adding these to your resume would be a plus.

Advancement opportunities within the industry continue to grow as professionals add to their experience. While entry level engineers will more than likely be tasked with testing and verifying designs, more experienced engineers will be involved in designing and developing actual software. The next step on the career ladder is project management. Once supervisory skills have been established, the door opens to positions like Information Systems Manager, or possibly Chief Information Officer. Many successful engineers open their own consulting firms.

Educational Requirements:

Most employers require a bachelor’s degree and extensive knowledge or experience with a variety of systems and technologies.

Usual degree concentrations are computer science, software engineering, or computer information systems. For some positions, graduate degrees are required. While program certifications are recommended, they are not considered sufficient for most software engineering jobs unless accompanied by a degree. Also recommended are strong analytical skills and an attention to detail.

Potential Salary:

(According to the U.S. Dept. of Labor)

Position
Salary Range (2003)
Median annual earnings of Computer Applications Software Engineers
$70,900
Median annual earnings of Computer Systems Software Engineers
$74,040
Starting salary offers for graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering
$51,343
Starting salary offers for graduates with a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering
$64,200
Starting Salaries for Software Engineers in Software Development
$64,250 – $97,000

Industry Certifications:

Recommended professional certifications include:

  • CIW Associate
  • CIW Professional
  • CIW Security Analyst
  • CIW Web Developer
  • MCAD.NET
  • MCDBA
  • MCSD.NET
  • RHCE
  • SCP J2SE
  • « « Career Track: Quality Assurance (Testing)
    .NET Assemblies » »

Author Description

Avatar

Editorial Team at Exforsys is a team of IT Consulting and Training team led by Chandra Vennapoosa.

Free Training

RSSSubscribe 401 Followers
  • Popular
  • Recent
  • Role of a Copywriter

    December 12, 2006 - 0 Comment
  • Career Track : Database Administrator Oracle

    June 29, 2005 - 0 Comment
  • The Role of a Family Counselor

    October 14, 2006 - 0 Comment
  • Duties of a Business Analyst

    November 17, 2006 - 0 Comment
  • Responsibilities of an Office Manager

    December 12, 2006 - 0 Comment
  • Career Track: Application Developer

    June 29, 2005 - 0 Comment
  • The Role and Responsibilities of an Actuary

    October 15, 2006 - 0 Comment
  • Claims Manager Career Responsibilities

    November 20, 2006 - 0 Comment
  • Duties and Responsibilities Related to Being a Retail Store Manager

    September 26, 2006 - 0 Comment
  • Career Track: SQL Server Database Administrator

    June 30, 2005 - 0 Comment
  • Responsibilities of an Office Manager

    December 12, 2006 - 0 Comment
  • Role of a Copywriter

    December 12, 2006 - 0 Comment
  • Career Counselor Responsibilities

    December 1, 2006 - 0 Comment
  • The Role of a Commercial Artist

    November 23, 2006 - 0 Comment
  • Computer Manager Career Responsibilities

    November 20, 2006 - 0 Comment
  • Claims Manager Career Responsibilities

    November 20, 2006 - 0 Comment
  • Duties of a Business Analyst

    November 17, 2006 - 0 Comment
  • Duties of a Banker

    November 17, 2006 - 0 Comment
  • The Role of a Construction Manager

    November 5, 2006 - 0 Comment
  • The Role of a Computer Operator

    October 31, 2006 - 0 Comment

Exforsys e-Newsletter

ebook
 

Related Articles

  • Responsibilities of an Office Manager
  • Role of a Copywriter
  • Career Counselor Responsibilities
  • The Role of a Commercial Artist
  • Computer Manager Career Responsibilities

Latest Articles

  • Project Management Techniques
  • Product Development Best Practices
  • Importance of Quality Data Management
  • How to Maximize Quality Assurance
  • Utilizing Effective Quality Assurance Strategies
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • DMCA
  • Trademark Information
  • Contact Us
© 2022. All Rights Reserved.IT Training and Consulting
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Reject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Necessary Always Enabled