How to Become a Software Developer
Tech has long been a sector for both self-taught programmers and college-trained developers who hold undergrad degrees and even graduate degrees. No one pathway guarantees a software development job. That said, the steps listed below can get you started as a software developer.
If you want to become a software developer, start by learning object-oriented programming to see how much computer science appeals to you.
Software developers have a programming background. Programming languages such as Java and Python help software programmers do their jobs. Aspiring software developers should have experience in SQL queries and coding in C# as well. They may also need to learn developer tools, such as Visual Studio and Git.
Step 2: Choose a Software Developer Education
The educational route you take to become a software developer depends on your career goals and your timeline. Software developers can complete a coding bootcamp within months or earn a four-year bachelor's degree in computer science.
The best path for you depends on your chosen career and the company's requirements for that position. Job-seekers can check career listings to see what educational level new hires need.
Pratt said that while you don't need a formal education to find work as a software developer, companies hiring for these roles often look for a bachelor's degree.
Step 3: Get Hands-On Experience in Software Development
Regardless of the education pathway you take, you need a portfolio to showcase your skills. You can build a portfolio or website and include capstone projects or projects completed in internships. Your portfolio projects should be creative and built using the programming languages and libraries your resume lists.
Pratt recommends putting together your portfolio on GitHub, so you can share it in your resume.
Step 4: Build Your Software Developer Resume
Up-and-coming software developers build their resumes by gaining education through coding bootcamps or college. Internships also help inexperienced software developers build work experience, including nontechnical skills.
Additionally, software engineers can stand out in the job market by certifying their skills. For example, they can get certified as Amazon Web Services certified solutions architects. They can also become certified information systems security professionals.
Step 5: Apply for Software Developer Jobs
The final step to becoming a software developer is to find a job. Consider the area of software development you'd like to work in and apply there. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 32% of all 1.4 million software developers who worked in 2021 held jobs in computer systems design. The remainder worked in finance and insurance, software publishing, manufacturing, and the management of companies.
You can seek positions by sending cold emails, responding to a career posting, or getting a referral from a trusted mentor at college, work, or coding bootcamp.
An Expert's Advice on Becoming a Software Developer
Pratt has a few notes you should keep in mind while pursuing a career in software development:
You're Learning a New Language — Be Patient
"The number one thing to understand is it'll take time," Pratt said. "It's called a programming language for a reason — you're learning a new language…it's completely foreign at first, and there's a steep learning curve, so just be patient."
Pratt said it takes most folks at least a year of hard work to get to a level where they can contribute significantly.
Undergraduate Degrees Won't Teach You Everything
Pratt noted that a lot of undergraduate coursework doesn't teach you the skills you need to get a job, and you might need to learn them on your own. Pratt recommends looking for coding clubs on campus or an online course.
You Can Get Experience Without Formal Education
Pratt started writing code for small startups in high school, which padded his resume early on.
"If you're vying for the big tech roles, a degree program is probably your best bet…but at smaller startups, all they care about is that you know how to code," Pratt said.
He noted that the pay isn't great, but the real value of the job is experience.
What's the Average Software Developer's Salary?
The BLS reports that software developers made a median annual wage of $120,730 in May 2021. By taking on more responsibilities at work and earning higher degrees, software developers can boost their pay potential.
Not every state compensates software developers the same. According to the BLS, California pays software developers the most, with an annual mean wage of $146,770 in 2021. Other top-paying states include Washington, Maryland, New York, and Rhode Island. Software engineers in those high-paying states make between $128,790-$145,150 on average per year.
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