Software Developer Career Path

In the past, a four-year degree was a requirement for all software developers. Today, prospective software developers can follow one of several paths to gain the training and educational requirements needed to become a software developer without the commitment to a four-year degree. Software developer education options include:

• Bachelor's Degree: The traditional software developer career path starts with a bachelor's degree in software development, computer engineering, computer science, or another relevant field.
• Coding Boot camp: Coding boot camps are fast-paced programs that train participants in the most sought-after programming skills, such as version control, coding languages, database management, and algorithms. Boot camps prioritize real-world, work-ready skills.
• Self-Directed Study: Those unable to participate in a four-year program or training boot camp can study online courses, tutorials, and books to gain the skills needed to become a software engineer. To be successful as a self-taught software engineer requires careful planning and self-discipline.

Software developers can find entry-level employment through career fairs, college advisors, and job boards. Professional organizations can also provide job notifications, mentors, and career guidance. A few of the most common professional organizations for software developers include:

• Association of Software Professionals.
• Association for Women in Computing.
• Association for Computing Machinery.
• International Association of Privacy Professionals.
• Society for Technical Communication.
• Association of Information Technology Professionals.

Specialty certifications are not usually required for entry-level software developer jobs but can be important for career advancement. Certifications are available that focus on programming languages, infrastructure, networking, and management. Professional certifications generally require the completion of a course and exam. Software developers can take certification courses through software companies such as Microsoft or Oracle, colleges, training companies, or professional organizations. Some of the most valuable certifications for software developers include:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS).
• Oracle Java.
• Oracle Application Express Developer Expert.
• Microsoft MTA.
• Microsoft Azure.
• Cloudera.
• Puppet.
• Red Hat.
• Salesforce.
• Scrum.
• Project Management.

A master's degree is usually a requirement for work as a manager. Programs generally take two years to complete. Many universities offer evening and weekend programs that allow working professionals to work while earning a degree.

A doctorate in software development is only necessary for those interested in working as a college professor or in a research field. Doctorate programs typically take four years to complete.