What Does a Software Engineer Do?

A software engineer is responsible for building and maintaining software systems. 

This can include:

Coding
Software engineers often write code to implement new features, or scale software.

Testing 
When software runs smoothly, that’s because software engineers have thoroughly tested code and fixed bugs to improve performance.
 
Designing
Creating new software from scratch or planning how different components will work relies on software engineers with strong design skills.
 

How do I become a software engineer?

There are many routes into software engineering. 

Graduates / Entry-level
If you are just starting out in your career, you will need some form of technical qualification, such as a Computer Science degree. You should also be able to demonstrate experience, either through an internship, or, if you have no work experience, by building your own portfolio. 

Career change
If you’re an experienced professional from a non-tech background who wants to transition to software engineering, you may be able to secure an opportunity by participating in a coding bootcamp, or by completing a part-time qualification, such as a degree. Building a portfolio is also a good idea, to showcase your skills.

Career pivot
If you’re already working in a technical role, and have strong coding experience, you may already have the skills necessary to pivot to a software engineering role. Be prepared to work within a more junior role while you’re learning the ropes.

Do I need a computer science degree to get a job in software engineering?

Not necessarily - although you will likely need to have some form of qualification, such as a coding qualification from a reputable institution. 

Which programming language should I learn first?

Python is a good programming language to start with, as it is widely used, versatile and intuitive. 
JavaScript is also a popular language with beginners, as it runs in most browsers and can be used for both front and back end development. 

How do I move from junior to mid-level engineer?

To progress within a software engineering career, you will need to be able to demonstrate independence, strong problem-solving skills and excellent coding capabilities. 

Although there is no set timeframe for progression, promotions typically take 2 - 3 years, depending on the industry, role and responsibilities. 

How do I write a CV for a software engineering job?

Software engineering resumes should include the following:

Programming languages 
At the top of your CV, detail the programming languages you have learned, and explain your proficiency.

Qualifications
Provide an overview of your qualification or course. Employers will want to know what was covered as part of the course, where and when you studied, and the specific qualification you earned. 

Work experience 
Give details of your previous experience in a relevant role or sector, and explain your responsibilities. Although collaboration is important within a software engineering role, employers are  keen to learn about your individual performance within a project. 

If you have no previous experience within a software or tech-related role, you can discuss aspects of a university or higher studies project, or explain your approach to a portfolio project. You should also detail your previous work history. 

What is the average salary for a software engineer in the UK?

The average salary for a software engineer in the UK can range significantly, depending on the company and location. 

However, here’s what a typical UK software engineer salary could look like:

Entry-level software engineer 
£30,000 - £40,000 

Mid-level software engineer (2 - 5 years)
£45,000 - £60,000 

Experienced software engineer (5+ years)
£65,000 - £80,000

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