How to become a software developer

The most common question I get asked by non-developers about my field is, "How do I get started?" This is understandable; the space is vast with numerous programming languages, form factors, application layers, and business domains to consider. It can be challenging to know where to begin.

In this article, I’ll share insights from my own journey into software development and provide guidance on what I look for in a candidate. By the end, you should have the tools to create your own plan to forge ahead.

My Journey into Software Development

I began programming at 13 years old, roughly 30 years ago, which makes me feel ancient! At the time, a Computer Science class was a rare offering at my school. I took the class and loved every minute of it. I was fascinated by programming and knew it would be a significant part of my future, although I didn't know how. I carried my Pascal book everywhere, even reading it in the back seat of my mom’s car at the McDonald’s drive-thru.

In college, I double-majored in Computer Science and Math, primarily learning Java and gaining a solid theoretical foundation in computing. By my Junior year, I secured a Java internship through a neighbor, which I did part-time while finishing my degree. This internship turned into a full-time job after graduation.

Side projects were crucial for honing skills I didn't use in my day job. I learned PHP, MySQL, HTML, JavaScript, and CSS through freelance gigs, which also taught me valuable lessons about working directly with customers.

Getting Started in Software Development

Is it Hard to Get Into Software Development?

Software development is high-paid skilled labor, which means starting from zero on the job is uncommon due to the expense. You generally need a degree or a strong portfolio, though certifications can help in niche areas. Once you have one of these, entering the field is relatively straightforward. The software industry prides itself on being a meritocracy; if you have the necessary skills, that's often all that matters.

Job Availability and Compensation

These are volatile times, and every industry, including software, faces challenges. However, there are still numerous software jobs available. I am frequently contacted by recruiters. High-demand areas include security, AI and large language models, IoT, and data engineering. Focusing on these areas during your training can lead to high-paying jobs that you love.

Even if these areas don't interest you, software developers generally earn well. The US Department of Labor Statistics estimates that the median software developer salary (around $100k) is more than double the median salary of about $48k.

Starting Later in Life

You don’t need to have been coding since you were a kid. Technology changes rapidly, so early skills might be obsolete. What matters is your experience with current technologies and your ability to learn new ones.

You can start a career as a software developer at any age. Software development is more about problem-solving than age. However, it can take up to four years of training to attain the necessary skillset for some fields. Ageism exists in the industry, and as you get older, you may need to combat it. Young 20-somethings dominate most software companies, and depending on their personality, they might listen to you more or less based on your age.

Essential Skills for a Software Engineer

A software engineer today needs both technical skills and some people skills. You should be able to contribute to each area of the software development lifecycle: Design, Development, Testing, and Deployment.

Design

You should know how to break problems down into smaller parts, considering constraints, tools, traffic volume, and more. Sub-skills in design include evaluating open-source options, understanding UIs (user interfaces) and APIs, and performing threat modeling.

Develop

This is your core area. You should know at least one programming language and be conversant in at least three: one front-end language, one back-end language, and one deployment language. Sub-skills in development include design patterns, refactoring, using an IDE, version control (e.g., git), and defensive programming.

Test

You should have a rigorous attitude toward testing your solutions. Focus on unit testing, integration testing, and end-to-end testing. Consider the diverse user experience and test accordingly. Sub-skills in testing include Test-Driven Development (TDD), separation of concerns, fuzzing, offensive security, and chaos engineering.

Deployment

Understand how the code you write gets delivered to users. For example, code might be compiled into binaries and uploaded to a cloud provider like AWS or cross-compiled to various architectures and flashed onto ROM chips. Sub-skills in deployment include Continuous Integration (CI/CD), automation, networking, and infrastructure as code.

Don't get overwhelmed by this list! You don't need to know everything to land your first job. Focus on development first and work your way outward.

Getting a Job Right Out of College

There are a few paths to securing a job immediately after college:

Internships: Many colleges have partnerships with businesses that offer internships to students. Companies also post internship opportunities online.
Freelance Work: Start taking on gig work. This path can be challenging but allows you to start earning right away.
Networking: Build your network by posting about your projects online, attending job fairs, and making connections. Apply for jobs and go to interviews, as they provide valuable practice and networking opportunities.

Remote Software Development Jobs

I have worked remotely for nine of the last thirteen years across two jobs. I was hired for these roles because of specific skills the companies needed. Nowadays, remote work is more common, as COVID-19 demonstrated that developers can be more productive at home. Companies continue to seek remote workers to access a broader talent pool.

To increase your chances of landing a remote job, gain substantial experience and consider living in a tech hub.

Do You Need a Bachelor's Degree?

While a Bachelor's degree is not strictly necessary, I strongly recommend it. A degree provides a solid foundation and is recognized by senior developers. However, a strong portfolio can also suffice. The software industry values merit, so demonstrating your abilities can be as important as formal education.

Certifications and Qualifications

Certifications are somewhat niche in software development since the industry is unregulated. However, security certifications through SANS, networking certifications through A+, and other specialized certifications can be beneficial. Continuous learning and skills development are crucial, and certifications can provide structure for this progress.

Highlighting Skills in Resumes and Interviews

Show genuine interest in the specific job. Research the company and its technology stack. Demonstrate problem-solving, leadership, accountability, and teamwork through your past experiences. Highlight skills that align with the company's mission, values, and technical stack.

For example, if you've been coding in Java for three years, mention it. Also, discuss what fascinates you about relevant fields like cryptography or security. This demonstrates both your skill level and your passion for the field.

Building a Successful Career in Software Development

Networking and Community Engagement

Networking is an invaluable aspect of building a career in software development. Engaging with the developer community can open doors to job opportunities, collaborations, and learning resources. Attend meetups, conferences, and hackathons to meet other developers and industry professionals. Online communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and Reddit also provide platforms for collaboration and learning.

Meetups and Conferences: These events offer a chance to learn from experts, discover new tools and technologies, and network with peers. Look for local tech meetups or major conferences in your area of interest.
Hackathons: Participating in hackathons can enhance your coding skills, allow you to work on exciting projects, and help you connect with potential employers or collaborators.
Online Communities: Engage in discussions, contribute to open-source projects, and seek advice on platforms like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and Reddit. These communities are great for both learning and showcasing your skills.

Personal Projects and Continuous Learning

Working on personal projects is a fantastic way to apply your skills and demonstrate your abilities to potential employers. Choose projects that interest you and align with the skills you want to develop. Document your projects on GitHub or a personal website to create an online portfolio that showcases your work.

Choose Meaningful Projects: Select projects that are both challenging and interesting to you. This could be anything from building a personal website to developing a mobile app or contributing to open-source software.
Document Your Work: Use platforms like GitHub to host your projects and write detailed README files that explain what your project does, how it works, and how others can use it.
Continuous Learning: The tech industry evolves rapidly, so it's crucial to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies. Follow tech blogs, take online courses, and read books to keep your skills sharp.

Professional Development and Certifications

While not always necessary, certifications can enhance your resume and demonstrate your expertise in specific areas. Certifications can be particularly valuable in fields like cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data science.

Cybersecurity Certifications: Certifications like CISSP, CEH, and CompTIA Security+ can help you specialize in security.
Cloud Computing Certifications: AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure offer certifications that validate your cloud skills.
Data Science Certifications: Certifications from organizations like IBM, DataCamp, and Coursera can enhance your data science credentials.

Preparing for Job Applications

When applying for jobs, tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific role and company. Highlight relevant skills, projects, and experiences. Prepare for technical interviews by practicing coding problems, understanding data structures and algorithms, and familiarizing yourself with system design concepts.

Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to match the job description. Highlight skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position.
Prepare for Technical Interviews: Use platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, and CodeSignal to practice coding problems. Understand common data structures and algorithms, and be ready to discuss your problem-solving approach.
System Design: For senior roles, be prepared to discuss system design. Understand how to build scalable, reliable, and maintainable systems. Books like "Designing Data-Intensive Applications" by Martin Kleppmann can be helpful.

Navigating Career Challenges

The tech industry can be competitive and fast-paced. Be prepared to face challenges such as imposter syndrome, burnout, and job rejections. Building resilience and maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential.

Imposter Syndrome: Many developers experience imposter syndrome, especially when starting out. Remember that everyone has a learning curve, and it's okay to ask for help.
Burnout: Avoid burnout by setting boundaries, taking breaks, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Engage in hobbies and activities outside of work to recharge.
Job Rejections: Rejections are a normal part of the job search process. Use them as learning opportunities to improve your skills and interview techniques.

Embracing a Lifelong Learning Mindset

The Importance of Lifelong Learning

The tech industry is in a constant state of evolution, with new languages, frameworks, and methodologies emerging regularly. To remain relevant and competitive, adopting a lifelong learning mindset is crucial. This involves being proactive about learning and staying updated with industry trends.

Stay Updated: Follow tech news websites, subscribe to industry newsletters, and participate in online forums. Websites like Hacker News, TechCrunch, and Ars Technica are great for keeping up with the latest developments.
Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udacity, and edX offer courses on the latest technologies and practices. Regularly enrolling in these courses can help you stay ahead.
Certifications: Pursuing certifications in emerging fields such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity can provide a competitive edge.

Embracing New Technologies

Being adaptable and open to learning new technologies is a hallmark of a successful software developer. While it's important to have a strong foundation in one or two languages, being versatile and able to pick up new tools and languages as needed is equally important.

Versatility: Develop a strong understanding of fundamental concepts which can be transferred across languages and frameworks. For example, understanding object-oriented programming principles can help you learn both Java and Python.
Experimentation: Don't be afraid to experiment with new technologies. Create small projects or contribute to open-source projects to gain hands-on experience with new tools.

Building a Strong Professional Network

Networking Strategies

Building a strong professional network can significantly impact your career trajectory. Effective networking can lead to job opportunities, mentorship, and collaboration.

Professional Organizations: Join professional organizations such as the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) or IEEE Computer Society. These organizations offer resources, conferences, and networking opportunities.
Social Media: Platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter are valuable for connecting with industry professionals, participating in discussions, and staying informed about job openings and industry trends.
Local Meetups: Attend local tech meetups and user groups. These events provide opportunities to meet fellow developers, share knowledge, and collaborate on projects.

Mentorship and Guidance

Seeking mentorship from experienced professionals can provide valuable insights and accelerate your learning and career growth.

Finding a Mentor: Look for mentors within your organization, at networking events, or through professional organizations. A good mentor can provide guidance, feedback, and support as you navigate your career.
Being a Mentor: As you gain experience, consider mentoring junior developers. Mentoring can enhance your leadership skills, provide new perspectives, and contribute to the growth of the tech community.

Enhancing Soft Skills

Communication Skills

Strong communication skills are essential for collaborating effectively with team members, stakeholders, and clients.

Clarity and Conciseness: Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. This is especially important when communicating with non-technical stakeholders.
Active Listening: Develop active listening skills to understand others' perspectives, ask relevant questions, and provide meaningful feedback.

Team Collaboration

Effective collaboration within a team is crucial for the success of software projects.

Team Dynamics: Understand the strengths and weaknesses of your team members and leverage their skills effectively. Promote a collaborative and inclusive team culture.
Conflict Resolution: Develop skills to handle conflicts constructively. Focus on finding solutions that benefit the team and the project.

Time Management and Organization

Good time management and organizational skills are essential for balancing multiple projects and meeting deadlines.

Prioritization: Learn to prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency. Tools like Eisenhower Matrix can help in effective prioritization.
Productivity Tools: Use productivity tools like Trello, Asana, or Jira to manage tasks, track progress, and collaborate with team members.

Navigating Career Transitions

Changing Specializations

The tech industry offers a wide range of specializations. Changing specializations can be a strategic move to align with your interests or to pursue high-demand fields.

Assessing Interests: Reflect on your interests and strengths to identify areas you are passionate about. Research emerging fields to understand their growth potential.
Acquiring New Skills: Enroll in relevant courses, pursue certifications, and work on projects in your new area of interest to build the necessary skills.

Moving into Leadership Roles

As you gain experience, you may aspire to move into leadership roles such as team lead, manager, or architect.

Leadership Skills: Develop leadership skills such as decision-making, strategic thinking, and people management. Seek opportunities to lead projects or teams to gain practical experience.
Continuous Learning: Leadership roles require a different skill set. Consider pursuing courses or certifications in management and leadership to prepare for these roles.

Embracing Diversity and Inclusion

Importance of Diversity

Diversity and inclusion are crucial for fostering innovation and creating inclusive products that serve a diverse user base.

Inclusive Culture: Advocate for and contribute to an inclusive culture within your organization. Promote diverse hiring practices and create a welcoming environment for all team members.
Bias Awareness: Be aware of biases in your work, from hiring practices to algorithm design. Strive to create equitable solutions that benefit a diverse range of users.

Personal Growth

Engage in continuous learning and self-reflection to understand different perspectives and challenge your own biases.

Education: Educate yourself on diversity and inclusion through books, courses, and workshops. Understand the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in tech.
Allyship: Be an ally to underrepresented groups by supporting their initiatives, amplifying their voices, and advocating for equitable practices.

Looking Ahead

The future of software development is filled with opportunities and challenges. By embracing lifelong learning, building a strong professional network, enhancing soft skills, navigating career transitions, and promoting diversity and inclusion, you can build a fulfilling and successful career in this dynamic field. Stay curious, keep learning, and remain adaptable to thrive in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

With a commitment to continuous improvement and a proactive approach to your career, you can navigate the complexities of the software development industry and achieve your professional goals. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards are well worth the effort.