How To Become a Software Developer (Free Guide and Poster)

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Most teens can’t get enough screen time, but some have a special interest in understanding how all the underlying technology works. These students are the ones who may be interested in learning how to become a software developer. Find the information they need here, along with some frequently asked questions about this smart career choice.

Plus, get a free printable poster about becoming a software developer to hang in your classroom, hallway, or guidance counselor’s office!

How To Become a Software Developer FAQs

What is a software developer?

Software developers design, create, and maintain software applications and systems. They work on everything from mobile apps to large-scale software solutions for businesses. Developers collaborate with other tech professionals to ensure software meets user needs and performs efficiently. Other software developer job titles include:

Web Developer
Application Developer
Full-Stack Developer

In this job, workers spend their days analyzing needs, then designing and developing software solutions. They spend some time writing and testing code and debugging existing programs. They often collaborate with cross-functional teams, and they must stay updated on new technologies and frameworks.

Why become a software developer?

This is a career path that offers high earning potential and good job stability. There’s continuous
demand for skilled developers in a variety of industries. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 17% growth rate in software developer jobs over the next 10 years. They also report an average pay rate of about $62 per hour.

Software developers often work in more flexible and informal environments than other office jobs. Some may be able to work from home full- or part-time. This can be ideal for those who prefer non-traditional setups.

What are the necessary skills for a software developer?

People who excel in this career think logically and creatively and have excellent attention to detail. They enjoy problem-solving and working collaboratively with others to develop the solutions their company or clients require.

Through education and training, software developers gain proficiency in various programming languages. They learn to understand the foundational algorithms used in computer programming, and build experience with software development tools and methodologies.

Do software developers need a four-year degree?

Generally, yes. Many positions require a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field (math or engineering, for example). Developers may also need certifications in specialty programming languages or platforms.

However, if you already have a bachelor’s degree in another area and would like to pivot to software development, you may not need to earn an entirely new degree. Many people attend “coding boot camps” where they spend a shorter amount of time (a few months to a year or more) in intensive classes. These programs offer certifications that, when combined with an existing four-year degree, may qualify a person for entry-level developer jobs.

How To Become a Software Developer: An Overview of the Process

Earn a Degree

High school students who want to become software developers should apply to colleges with strong computer science programs. During the four-year program, it’s a good idea to try for internships and gain hands-on work experience in development, coding, and project management.

Build a Portfolio

An online portfolio of projects you’ve worked on helps prospective employers assess your skills and talents. Fresh graduates may use projects from college courses, but real-world experience from internships or other opportunities can make your portfolio even stronger.

Think of a portfolio as a chance to expand on your resume online. It doesn’t need to be long or detailed; Codecademy says a simple webpage can be enough. Highlight your strongest skills, and point to specific examples of your work. Include a link to your full resume, so prospective employers can print a hard copy if they need one.

Earn Specialized Certifications

There are multiple certification programs available for developers, and different jobs may require different certifications. In some cases, a job may be willing to train you and pay for your certification, but it’s more likely they’ll require you to have these certifications already.

Consider the types of jobs and companies you’d like to pursue, then explore the certifications you might need. Some possibilities include:

AWS (Amazon Web Services) Certified Developer
C and C++ Certified Professional Programmer (C/C++ CPP)
Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD)
CompTIA Security+
Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer
Google Professional Cloud Developer
Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE Programmer
Salesforce Certified Platform Developer

Professional Development Opportunities

In addition to earning new technical certifications, developers may want to specialize in project management by earning a Scrum Master Certification (CSM) or PMP (Project Management Professional) certificate. These make it easier to land jobs in computer or information systems management, which boast higher salaries and more challenging responsibilities.