In 2020, the global software development industry’s market size crossed 160 billion dollars in value, with enterprise software as its largest segment. The United States alone currently serves close to five million software developers. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of software developers will grow by 22 percent between 2020 and 2030. By far, this rate is the highest CAGR among all other occupations.
This can be enough reason for anyone interested in the web and mobile app development market. But you will need more than that to make it in such an open and highly competitive market. Here are some insights on what it takes to become a software developer.
Learn a programming language
Software developers provide different services for a wide range of clients. But learning programming languages is foundational whether you’re building a website for small businesses or a complex app to determine blood samples. Throughout your dev journey, you’ll need programming languages every step of the way. Today, many platforms like Sunvera Software afford developers unique and easy tools to build state-of-the-art cloud migration solutions. As low code and zero code platforms increase in adoption, it’s tempting to relegate coding as an essential resource for programmers because, why not?
It’s easy to create a new app from scratch by dragging and dropping templates. But good software developers don’t only know how to code. They know how to solve complex problems and provide results using computer languages. That’s why understanding various programming languages is vital for every developer. And there are no boundaries on which languages you can take. Learning any or multiple options like Java, Python, Scala, etc., can improve your problem-solving skills as a dev.
Earn a degree
Software development is knowledge and skill-based. That said, you may not always need a degree, depending on the jobs you’re looking for. Earning a degree from a top-choice university can complement your years of experience, helping you achieve significant industry ambitions. That’s why more than 65 percent of developers hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, as per Stack Overflow’s 2021 Developers Survey.
For what’s worth, even the college you attend can add a little perk to your resume. So, it’s essential to be critical with your college search and the whole college admissions process. Luckily, finding top college admissions consultants online has become easier. A quick Google query for “best college counseling services near me” can suffice. High school students interested in software development can enlist undergraduate admissions counselors to increase their chances of college admission. The search can bring up several options. Ensure to check a counselor’s years of experience and success rate before making your final choice.
Build projects and add them to your portfolio
Web and mobile app development are efficient. You can score a dev role faster with your pilot projects than your grade.
Therefore it helps to begin practice early. That’s where the programming languages come in handy. Start by building projects using languages you’re most comfortable with. Senior devs and recruiting firms consider the attempt and ideas more than the language type. There are several ways you can put your skills to work as a developer. You can choose to model existing apps with unique features and ideas you believe can enhance functionality or user experience.
Alternatively, you can join a professional development network either online or in person. Professionals allow you the room to ask questions and clear your doubt. You can even find a mentor to help supervise and critique your projects so you can learn from your mistakes. Generally, more practice makes you more productive and increases your employability.
Ace your interviews
Watching interview prep videos can better prepare you for getting your first official role as a software developer. First, know how best to organize a winning resume. Hiring managers take a unique interest in your resume’s updated and informative. Digitizing your resume might even be the best way to impress recruiters in today’s gig economy. Cover letters are vital when applying for freelance roles and remote software development gigs.
Generally, these steps can see you through to your first dev role. But many software devs are often up as founders of their businesses. So, adding the art of pitching to your strengths can be a great way to tell a compelling narrative and receive finance for your idea.