How to Become a Software Developer

What is a Software Developer?

Software developers work on computer, mobile and web applications, writing code for the smooth functioning of said software. Blending technical and creative skills, software development is an increasingly popular career path for graduates and career switchers alike. But how do you actually get your foot in this competitive industry?

Degree Not Required

For a lot of people, software development seems like an intimidating industry to get into, perhaps requiring a software engineering or computer science degree.

In reality, software development is a very accessible career path for anyone with an interest and a natural aptitude for information technology. Online learning platforms, flexible work arrangements and collaboration all relate to software development, meaning there are very few barriers to entry. 

When looking to become a software developer, the most important thing is having a skillset that focuses on problem-solving and a solid grasp of programming languages. The beauty of software development is that the relevant skills can be built through a variety of avenues, without necessitating a Bachelor’s degree.

How to Become a Software Developer

So how can you make that software development career a reality? Here are the steps we suggest taking, whether you’re fresh out of high school or a career changer with experience:

1. Be clear on your career goals

   To carve out a successful career, you need to be clear on where you’re going. Do you see yourself scoring a software engineer job at a huge tech company like Google? Or working freelance as a web developer? Being clear on your career goals as a junior developer will set you up for long-term success.

   You should also figure out whether you want to work as a back-end, front-end or full-stack developer so that you can start building the most appropriate skills for the position.

2. Pick up a coding language

   To get into software development, you’ll want to know your way around a handful of programming languages. Remember that complete mastery of every major language is not needed. In fact, once you thoroughly understand a particular language or stack, it’s fairly easy to pick up another one. You should therefore be looking to learn the fundamentals of programming, which you can then apply to your further learning. When choosing your first programming language to pick up, consider a popular one like Python, Javascript, CSS, PHP or Ruby.

3. Decide on a specialisation

   There are a few different types of development that you can choose to pursue. This includes web development, DevOps, mobile application development and technical stack. Explore a few different ones to figure out which one might be your calling, and hone in on this one to increase your employability and value.

4. Get certified

   While a degree isn’t necessary to enter software development, certifications are always a good idea to help you become a more competitive candidate. Employers want to see that you are constantly refining your skills and are up-to-date with the relevant software applications, operating systems and programming languages. You can choose to get certified directly from a technology vendor like Microsoft or Cisco, an education provider or a professional organisation.

5. Get experience

   Next, you’ll need some practical experience to back up your theoretical learning. Internships, coding bootcamps, hackathons and web development meetups are all great avenues, allowing you to put your skills to use in real-world scenarios. Building your own projects is also a fantastic way of flexing your newfound talents, as is contributing to open source.

6. Network

   Software development is a collaborative industry, meaning it’s important to network and consistently learn from your peers. Conferences are a great way of staying on top of the latest products, technologies and business practices, while hackathons allow you to keep your skills fresh with other like-minded people. Who knows, you might even come across a recruiter at these events!

7. Master pre-interview essentials

   Now that you’ve built the relevant skills and experience for a career as a software developer, it’s time to start preparing for the job application and interview processes. Fine-tune your resume, cover letter and online presence (namely LinkedIn, GitHub and your portfolio site). Then, all you need to do is ace your job interview!