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Software development is a lucrative career field that requires professionals to have high-level technical skills to excel. Professionals in this field are usually tasked with building applications, websites, and other software for companies in various niches. Software developers are highly sought after because the world is becoming increasingly digital, making people and businesses rely on technology for their daily activities.

There are not enough competent developers to meet this high demand because the skills software recruiters look out for are challenging to acquire. Some software developers get their knowledge and expertise from formal university education. However, many people become interested in software development after university. People in the latter category can get the required knowledge from online academies and courses that teach the skills needed to perform in different software development roles.

List of Software Development Roles

There are many roles in the software development field that aspiring professionals can explore. Professionals in these roles usually work together in teams while building software. The specific role you decide to pursue depends on their preference, its perceived difficulty, and earning potential. Below is a list of the most common software developer roles:

1. Front-end developer

A front-end developer creates the user interface of a website or application. They are focused on the client side of software and are tasked with ensuring that said software looks pleasant and has a layout that users can easily navigate. Frontend developers are often required to know programming languages such as JavaScript, CSS, and HTML.

2. Backend developer

A backend developer builds and maintains the infrastructure and mechanisms that perform actions and process data on applications and websites. They work on the behind-the-scenes elements that make software work as intended. This includes data storage, cybersecurity, APIs, and third-party app integration.

3. DevOps engineer

A DevOps engineer is active during the entirety of the software development lifecycle. They serve as a bridge between the development and operations teams to ensure that the software development process occurs smoothly and that the product launches as quickly as possible with minimal bugs. This role is crucial because the development and operations teams rarely interact.

The developers are primarily concerned with pushing new features to users as quickly, meanwhile, members of the operations team ensure that the software is stable and works as intended, even if it means delaying the launch of said product. DevOps engineers find a suitable balance between both teams.

4. Quality assurance engineer

A quality assurance engineer is tasked with ensuring software is designed and working as intended. They have to assess an application through the eyes of an end user to know how the public will receive it. They work actively with the development team throughout the development process to find weaknesses in the product and suggest improvements. They also oversee the testing phases.

5. Product manager

A product manager plans the software development roadmap and ensures that the process goes smoothly and the product launches at the stipulated time. Their tasks usually include the creation of development strategies, creation and monitoring of product key performance indicators, and competitor analysis.

How to Get a Software Development Job

To get your first job in the software development field, consider the following steps:

1. Enroll in an online coding academy

Online coding academies teach people the skills needed to qualify for a software development job. Some of them issue certificates that attest that the holder completed a program and has acquired the skills taught in said program. The academies are ideal for beginners because they teach the fundamentals of different software development disciplines and train them until they learn the advanced aspects of it.

2. Apply for an internship

After obtaining the necessary certifications for the software development branch in which you want to work, apply for an internship. Internships will expose you to real-world software development projects while you learn from industry professionals. These programs will give you the experience necessary to excel in full-time job positions.

3. Create a LinkedIn profile

LinkedIn is a social media platform for professionals to display their credentials and job history to recruiters. You should create a LinkedIn account and list your internship experience as well as the certifications you have obtained. If you optimize your profile, software recruiters looking for entry-level software developers may seek you out to offer a job opportunity.

4. Prepare a resume

Prepare a resume that outlines your internship experience and skills that make you suitable for a software development job. Recruiters will assess your resume to determine if you are the right fit for an open job position they are trying to fill. Research how to properly create a resume and follow the guides you find. Ensure you describe the projects you worked on during your internship to display your experience.

5. Visit job boards

Software recruiters frequently post new job opportunities on job boards so job seekers can apply. Take advantage of this and search for entry-level job postings. Apply for those jobs with your resume and a cover letter if needed. It will be best to keep applying to suitable companies until you finally secure a job offer. This will reduce the time you spend in the job market.

Tips to Guide Budding Software Developers

Navigating the software development field can be challenging for newcomers but the following tips can help:

Identify the right role

There are several roles in the software development field. Each of them requires different skills, so you should research them and find the right one for you.

Research companies before interviewing

When a company reaches out to you for an interview, research them to know the kind of software they develop and what their work culture is like. This will prepare you for the interview and help you decide if the company is suitable for you to start your career.

Endnote

Getting a software development job is lucrative and worthwhile, and while it is challenging, it comes with a lot of rewards. People who do not have a formal software engineering degree can take online courses or join academies that will teach them everything they need to know and provide them with certifications that qualify them for entry-level jobs.