How to Become a Software Developer from Scratch
Are you aspiring to become a professional software developer? Coding can greatly affect both businesses and people all over the world. If you’re starting from scratch with no previous coding experience and only basic computer skills, you could have a long road ahead of you. Not to mention that even after you master the basics of software development, you still have to learn new trends that come up and new methods of coding that develop. In other words, you will always be a student.
The good news is that some universities offer software development degree programs at an accelerated pace. So instead of spending four grueling years studying, you could earn a bachelor's degree in software development in 2.5 years.
Before you begin, it’s important that you know that software development:
- Requires passion
- Requires immense dedication
- Is challenging and you can get burned out if you’re not careful
- Requires you to go beyond what you’re taught in your degree programs. You can learn the theories needed from books, however, when the code breaks, you won’t have anybody to hold your hand.
- Requires good decision-making, analytical thinking, curiosity, and patience
You Should Consider Becoming a Software Developer if…
A lot goes into being a software developer. See if the job suits your strengths and personality!
You love solving problems
Coding often involves technology that tries to solve user problems. If you’re thrilled by looking at issues and figuring out the most appropriate way to approach it, and you aren’t easily discouraged, then software development may be a great field for you.
You are passionate about working with people
Contrary to common belief, as a software developer, you won’t spend most of your time in a dark room gazing at a screen. Although sometimes developers work alone when creating their projects, much of their time is spent communicating with other individuals on the team about their goals and how to solve problems.
You’re intrinsically motivated
Coding can be tricky because you won’t only be required to solve problems continuously, but you also need to memorize codes and backtrack to fix any mistakes made. Therefore, you need the willpower to remain motivated even when the going gets tough.
If you enjoy puzzles
As a developer, you will spend more time trying to ensure that the computer does something that would be done by hand within minutes, just to avoid doing it by hand.
How can I get the Education and Training I Need to Work in this Field?
There are many ways to learn the skills you need to become a software developer. Formal education is the best way to show you have put in the time, energy, and effort.
It might seem like an intimidating undertaking, but becoming a professional isn’t easy or fast. With a degree in software development, you can demonstrate that you have the ability and the passion required.
A software development degree on your resume is an indicator that you have worked years to complete something--just fewer years than most! If you want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Software Development consider ECPI University. For more information on this program, connect with a friendly ECPI University admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
DISCLAIMER – ECPI University makes no claim, warranty, or guarantee as to actual employability or earning potential to current, past or future students or graduates of any educational program we offer. The ECPI University website is published for informational purposes only. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained on the ECPI.edu domain; however, no warranty of accuracy is made. No contractual rights, either expressed or implied, are created by its content.
For more information about ECPI University or any of our programs click here: http://www.ecpi.edu/ or http://ow.ly/Ca1ya.