What a Typical Software Engineer Career Path Looks Like
So, you want to become a software engineer? With expected industry growth of nearly 25 percent in the next ten years, you’re not the only one. Software engineering is an extremely promising industry with plenty of routes to career success.
Once you’ve decided that a career in software engineering is right for you, your next step is to determine how you want to make that a reality. If you’re wondering what a typical software engineer career path looks like, you’ve come to the right place. However, the answer might not be what you expected.
There is no “typical” software engineer career path. The background schooling necessary for this career path has flexible results, so, aspiring software engineers have a broad range of career path choices. However, after noting that there is no one way to become a software engineer, there is a common path.
First step: Education
Whether you attend a four-year school, a coding bootcamp, or both — education is necessary for software engineers. When picking a school or program, look for the options that are right for you; whether online, in-person, or part-time. Gaining this education will set you up for success in the professional field.
Next up: Starting position
Common starting positions for software engineers include associate jobs. Associate engineers typically do more of the menial work necessary for understanding the field. That said, one’s starting position can vary greatly in terms of pay and responsibilities depending on whether they’re working at a startup or a more established company.
Third stop: Established position
After settling into their work as a software engineer, members of this career field typically move into roles of greater responsibility. This may include becoming a software architect or developer, but the options are limitless. The field of software engineering has much room for growth, so, professionals can anticipate upward mobility if that’s what they work for.
And finally: Management position
For those who aspire to settle into a management or C-suite position, this fourth stop may be enticing. If you don’t see yourself managing others, or if you prefer to be doing the groundwork, management isn’t the only way to the top. Each step of the journey provides the opportunity for growth.
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No matter the route you take, you can feel confident that your background education in software engineering will give you the tools needed for professional success. For more information on Hack Reactor’s software engineering bootcamp, visit our website. For more advice on coding and beyond, check out the Hack Reactor blog.
