Software Developer
Software developers, also known as systems programmers or software engineers, are responsible for designing and developing computer programs to make companies' procedures more efficient and reliable, and flexible enough to meet future business demands.
Examples of their work include:
- Programming computer controls used in industrial and manufacturing machinery.
- Building administrative and financial databases and reporting systems.
- Developing software found inside home entertainment equipment (known as embedded controls).
Certain jobs may involve replacing an entire system but more commonly, developers integrate 'off-the-shelf' programs into an existing system by adding modifications to programming code.
Software developers use different methods in their work, depending on the job but one of the most common - the 'waterfall process' - includes the following steps:
- Analysing a company's existing procedures and looking at their business needs.
- Drawing up detailed test plans.
- Building a working test version with programming code.
- Testing installation and compatibility issues.
- Evaluating test results and fixing technical problems (known as 'bugs').
- Installing a full version and carrying out final checks before going 'live'.
- Maintaining and supporting systems once they are in place.
Developers work closely with other IT professionals, such as technical authors, to produce support documents like design manuals and training notes.
You can choose from a variety of subjects, including:
- Computer science/studies.
- Information technology.
- Software development.
- Software engineering.
- Business information systems.
If you hold a non-IT related degree you may still be able to apply for graduate trainee schemes with companies or take a postgraduate IT conversion course.
As well as qualifications, you will need an understanding of some of the main programming languages and operating systems for this job. Common examples include:
- Java, C++, Smalltalk and Visual Basic.
- Oracle, UML (Unified Modelling Language), Linux and Delphi.
- .NET frameworks (such as C# (C-sharp), ASP and VB).
The majority of your training as a software developer will be done on the job through your employer, supplemented with external courses. You can also continue to develop your skills by taking professional development courses with industry bodies. These include:
- Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) and Certified Applications Developer (MCAD).
- Sun Microsystems Java Certified Programmer (SCJP) and Developer (SCJD).
- Oracle PL/SQL Developer (databases).
- Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW) Master Enterprise Specialist, Web Developer and Applications Developer.
How much could I expect to earn?
Figures intended for guideline purposes only.
Starting salaries for graduate software developers are typically between £20,000 and £25,000 a year.
Experienced developers can typically earn up to £40,000.
Software developers with management responsibilities can earn up to £50,000 and beyond.
Software Developer Demand & Salary Trend UK
As a software developer, you will work between 37 and 40 hours a week. Overtime and weekend work may be necessary to meet deadlines or to minimise disruption to a client's business.
Your job will normally mean spending a lot of time on the clients' premises. This also means that sometimes you may have to work away from home, depending on the client's location.
As a software developer, you will need:
- Expert knowledge of current hardware, software and programming languages.
- Excellent problem-solving skills.
- An understanding of Computer Aided (Assisted) Software Engineering (CASE) tool.
- Excellent communication skills.
- An ability to work with people at all levels including non-technical staff.
- Good project management skills.
- The ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.
- Good teamworking skills.
- Good customer care skills and appreciation of a client's business demands.
- An understanding of confidentiality issues around a client's processes and information.
You can find work as a software developer across the whole range of commerce and industry, public services, utilities, defence and research.
Prospects are very good, as this jobs falls into a field of IT that accounts for almost a third of all employment opportunities in the sector. E-skills predict this job area will grow between now and 2014. Database, multimedia and artificial intelligence software development skills are particularly sought after.
With experience, you can become a senior or lead developer, with responsibility for supervising development teams, monitoring and reviewing colleague's work, project management, strategic planning and product research. You can also move into related areas, such as systems design and IT architecture. Self-employment may be another option, working on a contract or consultancy basis.
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