Software engineers design and create computer systems and applications to solve real-world problems.
Software engineers design, develop, and test software applications and computer systems. If you’re an analytical thinker who enjoys solving problems and making technology easier to use, you may find a career as a software engineer rewarding. In the following article, you'll learn more about this computer science career that manages the design, development, testing, and maintenance of software applications.
If you're ready to start preparing for a software engineering role right away, consider enrolling in IBM's Applied Software Engineering Fundamentals Specialization. In as little as two months, you'll learn to create, package, and deploy Python applications.
specialization
Build the foundation of your career in Software. Develop hands-on experience with Git, GitHub, Linux, and Python, and learn the fundamentals of Software Engineering.
4.7
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Average time: 2 month(s)
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Skills you'll build:
Software Design and Architecture, Python Programming, Git and GitHub, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Linux, Shell Script, Bash (Unix Shell), Extract Transform and Load (ETL), Linux Commands, Software Engineering, Software Architecture, Agile and Scrum, Distributed Version Control Systems (DVCS), Git (Software), Github, open source, Cloning and forking, Data Science, Data Analysis, Numpy, Pandas, Application development, Web Application, Flask, Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Successful engineers know how to use the right programming languages, platforms, and architectures to develop everything from computer games to network control systems. In addition to building their own systems, software engineers also test, improve, and maintain software built by other engineers.
"I get excited about anything that involves solving problems, whether it be figuring out how to optimize a certain part of an existing application or entirely coming up with new applications to solve certain needs," says Murtadha Al-Tameemi, a software engineer at Meta. "Problems in general stimulate my brain and give me a great sense of satisfaction."
In this role, your day-to-day tasks might include:
Designing and maintaining software systems
Evaluating and testing new software programs
Optimizing software for speed and scalability
Writing and testing code
Consulting with clients, engineers, security specialists, and other stakeholders
Presenting new features to stakeholders and internal customers
Read more: Software Developer vs. Software Engineer: Differences + More
Software engineers will usually fall into one of two categories, systems engineers or application developers.
As a systems engineer, you’ll focus on things like software architecture and networks that applications need to function. You can do this by:
Ensuring that different types of software programs communicate with each other on one platform
Creating and enforcing IT infrastructure standards
Maintaining documentation of IT systems
Updating to new technologies as needed
Collaborating with development teams, senior systems architects, and data science professionals
Read more: What Are Computer Information Systems? Definition, Degree, and Careers
Working as an application developer is more client-focused. You may work on either the front or back end of the system, designing software that the end user will interact with. Tasks might include:
Developing applications for iOS, Android, Windows, or other operating systems
Conducting an analysis of requirements and tweaking software as needed
Releasing software updates
Working with graphic designers, customer service staff, project managers, and other customer-facing departments
If you're interested in a more administrative software engineering position, learning technical project management strategies like DevOps is an excellent place to start. You can familiarize yourself with DevOps and the software development life cycle while earning a Professional Certificate for your resume by enrolling in the following online program:
professional certificate
Launch your DevOps and Software Engineering Career. Master DevOps, Agile, Scrum, CI/CD and Cloud Native with hands-on job-ready skills.
4.7
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90,103 already enrolled
Beginner level
Average time: 6 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Software Engineering, Python Programming, Application development, Web Application, Flask, Artificial Intelligence (AI), CI/CD, Continuous Integration, Continuous Development, Infrastructure As Code, Automation, Software Testing, Test-Driven Development, Behavior-Driven Development, Test Case, Automated Testing, Kanban, Zenhub, Scrum Methodology, Agile Software Development, Sprint Planning, Software Architecture, Agile and Scrum, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Openshift, Docker, Kubernetes, Containers, Cloud Native, agile, Devops, TDD/BDD, Observability, Telemetry, Monitoring, logging, Tracing, Representational State Transfer (REST), Cloud Applications, Microservices, serverless, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), security, Cloud Computing, Hybrid Multicloud, Iaas PaaS Saas, Data Science, Data Analysis, Numpy, Pandas, Distributed Version Control Systems (DVCS), Git (Software), Github, open source, Cloning and forking, Shell Script, Bash (Unix Shell), Extract Transform and Load (ETL), Linux, Linux Commands
If you enjoy solving problems and have strong analytical skills, a career as a software engineer can be both fun and challenging. As technology continues to evolve, job growth for software developers continues to be much faster than the national average for all occupations [1].
Choosing a career as a software engineer gives you opportunities to work in many different industries and fields, as nearly all businesses use software. Whether you enjoy finances, entertainment, sports, real estate, or some other industry, there’s a good chance there are jobs for software engineers.
It’s also a career that allows flexibility in where you work. You may be able to work from home for companies in other states or even other countries. The important thing is that you’re able to meet deadlines and deliver a project on time.
Read more: Software Engineer Career Path 2025: Overview, Jobs, and Pay
Working as a software engineer can be challenging and engaging, and it also tends to pay well. The annual median software engineer salary in 2023 was $130,160, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) [1]. Jobs in software publishing tend to draw the biggest salaries.
Read more: Software Engineer Salary: Your 2025 Guide
Once you become a software engineer, you can choose which path you want to take (applications or systems) and how far you want to progress with it. You can decide to advance toward a role as a senior software engineer, or you can continue gaining certifications and experience to advance to roles like IT project manager or systems manager. As a software engineer, you have both flexibility and mobility to create the career experience that is most appealing to you.
Getting a job as a software engineer typically involves building the right technical and workplace skills. Some jobs might also require a certain degree or certification to validate your skills. However, there are many ways to enhance your skill set.
"Although I did have a formal education, taking online classes on how to build mobile apps, doing internships where I work on projects at a company, and trying to build my own side projects was the most helpful," says Laila Rizvi, a software engineer at Meta.
You can take a closer look at the requirements for becoming a software engineer in the sections below.
As a software developer, you’ll be designing software to help solve problems that real people face. This requires a combination of technical know-how and solid communication skills. If you’re considering this as a career, here are some skills you should focus on building:
Coding languages like Python, Java, C, C++, or Scala
Database architecture
Version control
Design testing and debugging
Attention to detail
Artificial intelligence has become an in-demand skill for tech professionals. Get ahead of the curve by learning to leverage an AI coding partner for efficiency with Microsoft's Copilot for Software Development Specialization:
specialization
Unlock your AI-powered efficiency and innovation. Code faster, smarter! Copilot is your AI coding partner, boosting productivity and creativity. Learn to level up your development game.
4.7
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Intermediate level
Average time: 1 month(s)
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Skills you'll build:
Document Generation, VS Code, Project Management, AI Tools in Business, GenAI Basics, GitHub Copilot, vs code, Developing with AI, GenAI, Code Generation, Code Analysis, Ethics in AI, Visual Studio Code, Coding, GenAI Tools, Development with AI, Gen AI, Microsoft Copilot, Development Planning, AI Code Documentation, Project Planning, AI Code Review
Read more: How to Become a Software Developer | 9 Tips
By earning a certification, you can build new skills and validate those skills to potential employers. Some jobs might require a specific certification, so it’s a good idea to research some job listings of roles you’re interested in before preparing for a certification exam. Here are some common options:
Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP)
Certified Software Engineer
C Certified Professional Programmer (CLP)
C++ Certified Professional Programmer (CPP)
AWS Certified Developer
A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related degree program is a common entry-level requirement for software engineers. However, a degree isn’t the only path toward a development job. Some employers accept alternative credentials such as certifications and equivalent experience in lieu of a degree. Research job postings for positions you're interested in to determine whether or not a degree is essential for your career path.
Ready to take the next step toward a career in software engineering? Here are a few starting points:
Build job-ready skills and gain hands-on-experience with an industry expert by enrolling in IBM's DevOps and Software Engineering Professional Certificate. You'll create applications in Python using essential tools and frameworks while learning to work productively on a team through Agile, DevOps, and Scrum methodologies.
Learn Java programming with an accredited university through Duke University's Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals Specialization. You'll practice essential programming skills and build web pages using Java, CSS, and HTML, as well as learn the principles of software design.
If you're more interested in working with systems than applications, enroll in the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology's Software Engineering Specialization. In addition to sharpening your engineering skills, you'll learn software project management, software design, and system engineering.
professional certificate
Launch your DevOps and Software Engineering Career. Master DevOps, Agile, Scrum, CI/CD and Cloud Native with hands-on job-ready skills.
4.7
(4,702 ratings)
90,103 already enrolled
Beginner level
Average time: 6 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Software Engineering, Python Programming, Application development, Web Application, Flask, Artificial Intelligence (AI), CI/CD, Continuous Integration, Continuous Development, Infrastructure As Code, Automation, Software Testing, Test-Driven Development, Behavior-Driven Development, Test Case, Automated Testing, Kanban, Zenhub, Scrum Methodology, Agile Software Development, Sprint Planning, Software Architecture, Agile and Scrum, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Openshift, Docker, Kubernetes, Containers, Cloud Native, agile, Devops, TDD/BDD, Observability, Telemetry, Monitoring, logging, Tracing, Representational State Transfer (REST), Cloud Applications, Microservices, serverless, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), security, Cloud Computing, Hybrid Multicloud, Iaas PaaS Saas, Data Science, Data Analysis, Numpy, Pandas, Distributed Version Control Systems (DVCS), Git (Software), Github, open source, Cloning and forking, Shell Script, Bash (Unix Shell), Extract Transform and Load (ETL), Linux, Linux Commands
specialization
Explore a Career as a Software Engineer. Learn the basics of programming and software development
4.6
(14,359 ratings)
322,466 already enrolled
Beginner level
Average time: 6 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Software Engineering, Data Structure, Computer Programming, Data Analysis, Algorithms, HTML, Debugging, JavaScript, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Software Design, Java Programming, Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), Cryptography, Hash Table, Problem Solving, String (Computer Science), Interfaces, Html5, Programming Principles
specialization
Build the foundation of your career in Software. Develop hands-on experience with Git, GitHub, Linux, and Python, and learn the fundamentals of Software Engineering.
4.7
(492 ratings)
10,161 already enrolled
Beginner level
Average time: 2 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Software Design and Architecture, Python Programming, Git and GitHub, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Linux, Shell Script, Bash (Unix Shell), Extract Transform and Load (ETL), Linux Commands, Software Engineering, Software Architecture, Agile and Scrum, Distributed Version Control Systems (DVCS), Git (Software), Github, open source, Cloning and forking, Data Science, Data Analysis, Numpy, Pandas, Application development, Web Application, Flask, Artificial Intelligence (AI)
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm." Accessed January 7, 2025.
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