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| *Ostroff, Fair and Company>>>Technology |
Software Engineer Questions? |
1. What do I need to do to become a Software Engineer? 2. Is Software Engineering high stress? 3. What is the entry level salary like? Entry-level programmers typically aren't called Software Engineers. They're just called programmers or developers. As you progress in the career field you will earn titles like "Software Engineer" or "Software Architect" 1. You'll need a 4-year degree in a computer field, preferably with an emphasis on programming. You'll also need to pass the certification exams for your language of choice. MCPD if you choose .NET or SCJD if you choose Java, etc. 2. It can be high stress. It's a project-oriented career field, so there's a ton of meetings, deadlines, you have business leaders hovering around you wanting to see something, you'll go back to the drawing board several times, etc. It can be really annoying. Most days I want to stab anyone with the job title of "Business Analyst" or "Project Manager" 3. Salaries are excellent. Around $40K to start and you can get into the $80K/$90K range within 5 to 10 years. You'll top out around $110K. So, you're salary increases quickly but caps off quickly too. Also, it's sort of a reverse age discrimination career field. That is, the older you get the less likely people are to hire you to program. It has to do with the hot young programmers seeming more cutting edge than the gray-haired dinosaurs. It's completely unfair, but that's the way it is. So, you're going to want to get into management before you hit your late 30s/early 40s. . http://www.mybuny.com/myarticle/categori... A bachelor of science in computer science or a BSCS degree. It can be high stress. It all depends on where you work. Usually, smaller startups have to work hard and long hours, to make the business successful. Larger companies generally are not as stressful. That is just a rule of thumb, and not always true. Also, the rewards of being with a startup company that succeeds can be very great. With a large company, generally the only thing you can expect is a salary. Entry level salaries vary by location first, and responsibilities second. You can expect upper $30k/year to lower $40k/year. [EDIT]: I have to disagree with Chad's response concerning "language certification". For certain projects, that may be necessary. For the vast numbers of other software engineers (including embedded, applications, GUI, etc. . .) no certification will ever be asked for. It would pay for you to investigate what field of software engineering you would like to enter, and determine what the entry level requirements are for that field. Most likely, the BSCS will be all that is required. Hi I have a friend that was a software engineer for NASA, he was there 10 for years and the Job Bored him to death, he left with no money to try trading stocks, e was successul for 10 years. His wife now wants him out of the house, he said to me, there is no way I am going to bore myself to death again, I will do anything else but that. The Job Pays around $50k to $100k He is now starting a manufacturing Hot Dog Carts business in AZ I have another friend in Los Angeles, she is a software engineer for an aerospace company and she loves the job, pays $75K per year, that was 5 years ago, probably more now. She lost one job in Boston for mild drug use as they always check you in that type of job. Once you start to learn, you will know if it's too boring for you. you can alwayse use the experience to qualify for other jobs. Best to get a job that you know you will love if possible Have lots of friends |
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