HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
Students interested in software engineering often take secondary courses in mathematics, computer science, and sciences, along with classes that build communication and problem-solving skills. Many people then complete post-secondary study in software engineering, computer science, or a related field. Some roles may also value project experience, internships, or personal coding projects. Employers often look for people who can learn new tools, work in teams, and apply structured thinking to technical problems.
THE WORK
What you may do
- Design and develop software applications
- Write and test code
- Fix bugs and improve existing programs
- Work with teams to plan features
- Document technical work and changes
- Review code and troubleshoot problems
- Update software to meet user needs
A DAY IN THE LIFE
What a day can include
A software engineer’s day may include meetings with teammates, reviewing project goals, writing or checking code, and testing software for errors. They often spend time solving technical problems and making changes based on feedback from users or colleagues. Depending on the job, the work may be mostly at a computer, but it can also involve collaboration, planning, and explaining technical ideas to others. Deadlines and priorities may shift as projects move forward.
SKILLS TO BUILD