How Long Does it take to Become a Software Developer

Computers are becoming more integrated into our world every day, and more and more professionals are looking to become a part of its growth. Let's take a closer look at what kind of training and the amount of time it takes to become a software developer.

An Early Start

The work of a software developer involves the creation and assessment of computer codes that create software applications, which are then used in computer systems to fulfill a variety of purposes. Although many software developers start their interest when they're quite young, there's no requirement that you have to be a coding savant as a teenager.

If you are attracted to the world of coding, there are lots of ways you can become immersed in this field. There are plenty of tutorials online that explain the process of code-building in simple terms that anyone can understand. Go through these tutorials to find out about coding in deeper detail, and then decide if this field is something you want to be a part of.

Education Needed to Become a Software Developer

A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for becoming a software developer. Within the course of your degree program, you will learn about computer fundamentals, various programming languages, software engineering, computer architecture and data structures.

Once you've earned the basic degree, you can pursue further specialization in a particular field as an applications engineer or a systems developer through certification courses. Remember, everything you complete in college can go into your portfolio. Do your best on every class, test, and assignment.

Training for the Job

Externships are a great way to gather experience as a software developer that will also help you after graduation. There are many companies that offer externships, coding boot camps, and open-source projects. Gaining this real world experience can be helpful when assembling your portfolio. The more projects your portfolio contains, along with certifications and recommendation letters, the easier it will be for you later.

Growing Your Skills

Once you have the basic foundational knowledge, you can expand your skillset and collect more tools for your digital tool bag. In order to reach that stage, you will have to prove that you possess the qualities of a good software developer and leader, which include:

Enthusiasm for Coding

In order to become a good developer, you not only need to have coding knowledge, but also enthusiasm for the job. You will spend several hours creating each individual line of code, and investing so much time to coding is only possible if you are truly passionate about it.

Troubleshooting Faulty Software

A large part of your job will be to re-check code that you or a member of your team built. You should be able to do a quick but also thorough job of checking the software code and correcting the errors that may prevent it from running properly.

Learning while Working

Technology is evolving constantly, and simply knowing how to write code in a single language is not enough. You will need to do regular research to find out about the latest programming languages on the market and what advantages they offer. You'll also need to be aware of the additional aspects of coding, such as version control systems, unit testing, open source software, etc.

Working without Supervision

A lot of the work you do as a coder will be incomprehensible to other members of your company. You may even be allowed to stay at home while finishing the project since most of it can be completed using only your computer. 

Communication Skills

Again, because yours is a highly technical field, you will often have to explain parts of the software you're working on and it's capabilities to company members who will be looking for an easy-to-understand explanation as to why a piece of software can or cannot perform a particular task. Coders also usually work in groups, and need to communicate effectively in order to maintain a good synergy and complete the work in time.

Developing a Network

While earning your software development degree, make an effort to collaborate with other students. Ask for one-on-one time with your instructor. Stay behind and chat with guest speakers. You never know which connection could turn out to be invaluable. Building a network of like-minded professionals in your industry could help you stay informed, keep updated with the latest trends, and find opportunities down the road. 

How Long Does it Take To Become a Software Developer?

Honestly, it depends on many variables. How early do you discover you're interested in software development? Do you choose a traditional degree program for your education and take 4 years in school or do you take an accelerated program and earn your degree faster?

The road to becoming a software developer, like the road in life, has many twists and turns. The speed at which you progress through it is all up to you. Once you know what you want to do with your life, you should act immediately and start figuring out how to reach your goal.

Are you excited about the field of software development and interested in taking the next step to becoming a developer? If you've decided to earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science with a concentration in Software Development, consider ECPI University. With year-round scheduling and accelerated classes you could reach you educational goals sooner. For more information, contact a friendly admissions advisor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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