Becoming a software developer,

Becoming a software developer, also known as
a computer programmer, you'll be playing a
key role in the design, installation, testing and
maintenance of software systems. The
programs you create are likely to help
businesses be more efficient and provide a
better service.
Based on your company’s particular
requirements, you might be responsible for
writing and coding individual programmes or
providing an entirely new software resource.
The specifications you’ll work on will often
come from IT analysts.
Software developers are employed across
virtually all industry sectors, from finance and
retail to engineering, transport and public
organisations, so the projects you work on can
be highly varied.
Sometimes you may also use ‘off the shelf’
software. Requiring you to modify and
integrate this into an existing network to meet
the needs of the business.
As a software developer, your list of tasks can
include:
• Reviewing current systems
• Presenting ideas for system improvements,
including cost proposals
• Working closely with analysts, designers and
staff
• Producing detailed specifications and writing
the program codes
• Testing the product in controlled, real
situations before going live
• Preparation of training manuals for users
• Maintaining the systems once they are up
and running
Opportunities
Currently, about a third of IT jobs are in
development and programming and you can
become a software developer across virtually
all industry sectors. So if you have a particular
area of interest, there's a chance you can work
in a suitable industry.
In a typical progression path, you could be
promoted to senior or principal developer and
from there to project manager. Alternatively,
you could chose to move into a related field of
technology, like systems design, IT architecture
and business systems analysis.
If you’re keen to work for yourself, there is a
chance you could work as a freelancer or
consultant, giving you increased working
flexibility. Overseas work is also available for
those interested in seeing more of the world
and working in a range of locations.
Required skills
Knowledge of programming skills is a
prerequisite. However, the particular language
will depend on the requirements of the specific
company. Becoming a software developer, also known as
a computer programmer, you'll be playing a
key role in the design, installation, testing and
maintenance of software systems. The
programs you create are likely to help
businesses be more efficient and provide a
better service.
Based on your company’s particular
requirements, you might be responsible for
writing and coding individual programmes or
providing an entirely new software resource.
The specifications you’ll work on will often
come from IT analysts.
Software developers are employed across
virtually all industry sectors, from finance and
retail to engineering, transport and public
organisations, so the projects you work on can
be highly varied.
Sometimes you may also use ‘off the shelf’
software. Requiring you to modify and
integrate this into an existing network to meet
the needs of the business.
As a software developer, your list of tasks can
include:
• Reviewing current systems
• Presenting ideas for system improvements,
including cost proposals
• Working closely with analysts, designers and
staff
• Producing detailed specifications and writing
the program codes
• Testing the product in controlled, real
situations before going live
• Preparation of training manuals for users
• Maintaining the systems once they are up
and running
Opportunities
Currently, about a third of IT jobs are in
development and programming and you can
become a software developer across virtually
all industry sectors. So if you have a particular
area of interest, there's a chance you can work
in a suitable industry.
In a typical progression path, you could be
promoted to senior or principal developer and
from there to project manager. Alternatively,
you could chose to move into a related field of
technology, like systems design, IT architecture
and business systems analysis.
If you’re keen to work for yourself, there is a
chance you could work as a freelancer or
consultant, giving you increased working
flexibility. Overseas work is also available for
those interested in seeing more of the world
and working in a range of locations.
Required skills
Knowledge of programming skills is a
prerequisite. However, the particular language
will depend on the requirements of the specific
company. Among the skills employers will look
for are:
Knowledge of programming skills are a given if
you want to get into software development.
You'll need to be comfortable with web-based
programs, as well as traditional programs like
Java and Visual Basic.
The key skills to play up when you're looking
for a job as a software developer are as
follows:
• Expertise in current computer hardware and
software
• Ability to use one or more development
language (C++, PHP, HTML, etc.)
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work in a team
• Eye for detail and identifying problems
• An understanding of business
• Analytical and commercial experience
Entry requirements
Most employers will expect you have to have a
relevant computing qualification or degree,
however there are companies that run trainee
programmes for those with AS levels.
If you have a degree, but it’s not related to IT,
you could apply for a graduate trainee scheme,
or take a postgraduate conversion course to
build up the relevant skills.
Some of the most sought after skills by
employers include Java, C++, Smalltalk, Visual
Basic, Oracle, Linux and .NET. PHP are also
becoming increasingly in demand.
Training
It’s essential that you stay up to date with the
fast paced IT industry as new developments are
always appearing. Many organisations may
offer a training programme to keep you
updates on the latest movements within the
industry, particularly relating to the business’
requirements and resources.
At a junior level, you could learn many skills
from more senior programmers and/or go on
external courses to boost your personal skills.
Much of this training will be focused on
programming, systems analysis and software
from recognised providers including the
British Computer Society, e-skills, the Institute
of Analysts and Programmers and the Institute
for the Management of Information Systems.
All the software vendors, including Microsoft
and Sun run accredited training too.
Hours and environment
In most cases you’ll be working 37 to 40 hours
a week, but when deadlines have to be met,
you can be required to working longer and
later hours or at weekend.
Traveling may be involved, depending whether
you work in house or for a range of clients. If
you do work for clients, it’s likely you’ll have
to visit their sites and spend the majority of
your time on their premises. If they're far
away, it may be necessary to work away from
home for a period of time. Thanks to various
technological advances, there’s also the
possibility of working remotely from home if
you’re self-employed or your company allows
it.
Average salary
As a graduate you'll probably start earning
around £20,830 to £25,770. At management
level, your pay is likely to increase to £26,000
to £70,000, or even higher with bonuses.
Many of the roles are positioned in London
and tend to offer higher salaries.
Knowledge of programming skills are a given if
you want to get into software development.
You'll need to be comfortable with web-based
programs, as well as traditional programs like
Java and Visual Basic.
The key skills to play up when you're looking
for a job as a software developer are as
follows:
• Expertise in current computer hardware and
software
• Ability to use one or more development
language (C++, PHP, HTML, etc.)
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work in a team
• Eye for detail and identifying problems
• An understanding of business
• Analytical and commercial experience
Entry requirements
Most employers will expect you have to have a
relevant computing qualification or degree,
however there are companies that run trainee
programmes for those with AS levels.
If you have a degree, but it’s not related to IT,
you could apply for a graduate trainee scheme,
or take a postgraduate conversion course to
build up the relevant skills.
Some of the most sought after skills by
employers include Java, C++, Smalltalk, Visual
Basic, Oracle, Linux and .NET. PHP are also
becoming increasingly in demand.
Training
It’s essential that you stay up to date with the
fast paced IT industry as new developments are
always appearing. Many organisations may
offer a training programme to keep you
updates on the latest movements within the
industry, particularly relating to the business’
requirements and resources.
At a junior level, you could learn many skills
from more senior programmers and/or go on
external courses to boost your personal skills.
Much of this training will be focused on
programming, systems analysis and software
from recognised providers including the
British Computer Society, e-skills, the Institute
of Analysts and Programmers and the Institute
for the Management of Information Systems.
All the software vendors, including Microsoft
and Sun run accredited training too.
Hours and environment
In most cases you’ll be working 37 to 40 hours
a week, but when deadlines have to be met,
you can be required to working longer and
later hours or at weekend.
Traveling may be involved, depending whether
you work in house or for a range of clients. If
you do work for clients, it’s likely you’ll have
to visit their sites and spend the majority of
your time on their premises. If they're far
away, it may be necessary to work away from
home for a period of time. Thanks to various
technological advances, there’s also the
possibility of working remotely from home if
you’re self-employed or your company allows
it.
Average salary
As a graduate you'll probably start earning
around £20,830 to £25,770. At management
level, your pay is likely to increase to £26,000
to £70,000, or even higher with bonuses.
Many of the roles are positioned in London
and tend to offer higher salaries.