Software engineer (Software engineer)
Information on this skill...
A software engineer is an ICT specialist who is responsible for developing, building, maintaining and testing computer programs. Software engineering is a subfield of computer science, which deals with all aspects of building complex software and information systems. Software engineering is highly regarded as software reliability. Software engineering is not just about being able to program software. The work of a software engineer must be seen more broadly than just being able to program software. A software engineer is not only responsible for developing, building and testing software, but is responsible for the entire process. Think, for example, of being able to analyze complex software issues for clients and of coming up with concrete software solutions that fit the wishes of the client. A software engineer is therefore responsible for the entire process and not only responsible for programming software. If clients have certain wishes, it is the software engineer who will come up with a plan of action that fits the wishes of the client. Devising, developing and building concrete software solutions is generally not easy and will require extensive specialist knowledge. The profession of software engineer should therefore be seen as a profession at at least hbo level. In many cases, a software engineer will need to have a technical education or study to be able to work as a software engineer. Being able to think analytically as a software engineer is very important to be able to think in appropriate solutions.
The work of a software engineer therefore also has to do with being able to program software, but the work of a software engineer goes beyond just being able to program software. A programmer cannot simply be compared to a software engineer, because a software engineer has more responsibilities because he or she works more broadly than just being able to program. Customers who need complex software solutions are therefore generally not looking for a programmer, but for a software engineer. A good software engineer has all the skills related to being able to come up with good software solutions. The profession of software engineer is reserved for people who have a broad IT knowledge. Software engineers work in a systematic way on the development of software.
As a software engineer you design complex systems, which will take into account the needs of the end user. Important questions here are which requirements the software must meet exactly, how exactly will the structure of the software be, what technology will we apply and who will ultimately have to work with the software (laymen or professionals). A software engineer will also have to deal with other ICT specialists such as programmers, application managers, software architects and responsible managers within his or her work. A software engineer is mainly concerned with designing and building applications, programming and testing software. A software developer may also be responsible for specific work within a project.
DIFFERENCE PROGRAMMER AND SOFTWARE ENGINEER
A programmer and a software engineer are both programmers, but a software engineer works more broadly than a programmer. A programmer generally only programs and tests software. A software engineer is also involved in devising software solutions that meet the needs of the customer or the end user. A software engineer is also specialized in being able to analyze possible problems and in being able to come up with a suitable solution for them. In most cases, a software engineer is involved in complex software issues, which require more knowledge than just being able to program software.
WHAT DOES A SOFTWARE ENGINEER DO?
Software engineers are responsible for developing software and forming technical models. The technical models form the basis of new software. Software engineers also ensure that the new software is properly implemented in the existing information system. In addition, the software must be extensively tested so that the software works properly. All important information about the performance of new software is documented in reports. The reports are part of the software's documentation. Large companies often have multiple teams working on a project.
Software engineers must have a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, physics and information technology. It's also important that they understand basic business principles. They must be able to work professionally in interdisciplinary teams with other people from very different backgrounds. The software industry requires up-to-date knowledge and people with a high technical level. ICT companies are highly dependent on good professionals. It often happens that software engineers have to build software on site. In that case, you will be sent to other companies to work on location. There are many related professions that have great similarities with the profession of software engineer.
ACTIVITIES SOFTWARE ENGINEER:
- Analyzing the wishes
- Monitoring and monitoring progress
- Maintaining the software
- Developing and producing the software
- Drawing up a concrete plan
- Planning and organizing programming activities
- Regular consultation with the client
- Testing the software
- Writing accompanying documentation
WHAT DOES A SOFTWARE ENGINEER DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME A SOFTWARE ENGINEER
If you want to become a software engineer, it is best to opt for a technical education or study. Think of the HBO programme ICT, the Hbo programme Industrial Automation, the Hbo programme electrical engineering or a university study in computer science. Through universities, it is also possible to obtain a master's degree in Software Engineering. Another word for higher ICT education and studies can also be Computer Science or Computer Science. In addition, there are also external training institutes where you can follow a course. Accounting is also important as an independent entrepreneur.
COMPANIES WHERE A SOFTWARE ENGINEER CAN BE EMPLOYED
Software engineers generally work for a software development company, who second their staff to other companies. There are therefore quite a lot of software engineers working as consultants for other companies. In all cases, this usually concerns the larger companies, institutions and governments that have to deal with complex software. These different employers can also be equipped with their own software engineers in paid employment. In addition, a software engineer can be active as an entrepreneur.
COMPETENCES SOFTWARE ENGINEER
One of the most important competencies of a software engineer is being able to think analytically. In addition, a software engineer can be expected to be a team player, because you will usually work with many different professionals. Because a software engineer will in many cases work together within a team of different professionals, communication can be regarded as an important competence. Because the work of a software engineer will in many cases also have to do with technology, a software engineer must also be able to be classified as a technician. General research skills can also be regarded as an important competence if the software engineer is active at a scientific level. Generally important words are vision, creativity, technique, conceptual, accuracy, planning, organizing, perseverance and being able to think and work in a structured way. In addition, you must of course have good ICT knowledge.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS A SOFTWARE ENGINEER
The job market perspective of a software engineer is very good if you have the right studies. Being able to devise and develop complex software solutions is important in many ways within the business world, making getting work as a software engineer no problem. Think, for example, of a software engineer who will work within factories on complex automation systems. This type of work can generally only be carried out by highly trained specialists, such as a software engineer. The career opportunities of a software engineer should be seen in obtaining more responsibilities, such as a managerial position within the organization. A suitable follow-up position as a software engineer is the position of project leader ICT. Someone with a managerial position is sometimes called a senior software engineer.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY SOFTWARE ENGINEER
There are no specific examples of the employment conditions as a software engineer, because you can work for different companies in different industries. A software engineer will typically earn a salary between 3000 and 4500 gross per month depending on age, education and further responsibilities.
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