Within the field of software engineering, software developers are some of the most sought after professionals. Developers must be capable of working at every stage in the software creation process rather than in one specialized area. They are responsible for conducting user surveys, developing an overall plan, overseeing programmers, testing final products, and much more.
Software developers may be referred to as the architects of software design. They see the bigger pictures of the final product and help determine how each component will interact with the whole. Usually, the actual writing of software code is left to programmers. However, some developers working with smaller companies or as freelance consultants may take a more active role in this process. Finally, developers are also the evaluators for a software design. They analyze data and statistics to determine if a finished product has met project specifications.
As true leaders in their field, developers become directly involved the business end of the software industry. They may contribute to marketing, technical support, and usability studies. Subsequently, developers need a firm grasp of basic business principles. This includes an understanding of cost-benefit, marketing, and consumer relations. To obtain this knowledge, developers may attend professional development courses or earn a master’s degree in management. Additionally, developers meet directly with clients to determine user needs and clarify project guidelines. Thus, they require a higher social aptitude than other engineers who may not work with clients and users.
Developers a frequently hired by one of two types of employers. One option is to work for a large software company, which will hire developers at all levels and offer them opportunities to grow into leadership positions. An alternative for the experienced developer is to work for a private company seeking custom software products to suit their business needs. This latter option usually means the developer will have a greater involvement in programming and less impact on business management.
Software engineers in the development field typically receive higher starting salaries than engineers with other specializations. In the United States, the median salary for a developer is roughly $75,000. However, this can vary widely based upon experience and specific responsibilities. For example, a developer with a graduate degree earns an average of $10,000 more than their peers who receive only an undergraduate certificate. Ultimately, it is easy to see why becoming an upper-level developer is a career goal for ambitious software engineers.
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