An entry level software engineer is someone who assists in developing applications or systems to help businesses run efficiently. Every company needs software engineers and with the rise of mobile and web technology, that isn’t changing anytime soon. I’ll show you the steps that I took to become an entry level Software Engineer.
Step 0: Don’t focus on FAANG
If you decide to pursue a career in software engineering, if I were you, I’d completely ignore FAANG. The competition is too high for entry level positions. Your focus is to get your foot in the door.
There is just too much of a learning curve to even get a chance to pass the first round of interviews. Interviews at these companies are typically more academic. Questions are on topics such as data structures, algorithms, time/space complexity, etc.
These questions are specifically designed for candidates who are Computer Science graduates. If that applies to you, awesome! Get started on coding challenges online and of course, become very familiar with Cracking the Coding Interview.
For the rest of us, focus on small to midsize companies that need software engineers. You’ll get a chance to work and learn at the same time for a few years. Use this time to absorb information like a sponge.
Step 1: Learn a programming language
Pick a language of your choice. Preferably a server side language. Server side programming languages are code that is written on the server.
More specifically, pick an object-oriented programming language. Without a doubt, Java is the most popular programming language on the market. Java is also the primary language that is taught in schools and has gained more popularity since Android adopted it as it’s official language.
There are other popular programming languages as well such as C++, Python and Ruby. My absolute favorite, however, is C#.
C# has been around for 20 years now and with continuous support from Microsoft, it’s not going away anytime soon. Picking up C# as my first programming language absolutely changed my life and helped me become a software engineer.
I won’t go into too much detail here, but check out my other article on Why C# should be your first programming language.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that the language itself isn’t important. So as long as you understand the fundamental concepts of object-oriented programming, you have enough basic knowledge to pick up other languages later on.
Step 2: Start practicing in your niche
After you’ve chosen a language, pick a specific niche.
What I mean is pick a technology stack that compliments your programming language. If you picked C# as your first programming language, focus on all other Microsoft technologies such as the .NET framework and MSSQL.
No matter what you choose, stay in the same technology stack and search what others are doing. If a niche is popular with your programming language, chances are that is the industry standard.
Step 3: Build your technical skills
Software engineering requires you to be technical, especially at the entry level position. At this stage, expect to be fixing bugs. A LOT of bugs.
Learn how to use different kinds of debugging tools. For web development, Google Chrome Developer tools for debugging front end code. For back end development, Visual Studio has a bunch of debugging tools. Learn how to use breakpoints and inspect certain areas of code.
One way I recommend building your technical skills is to create your own application. It doesn’t have to be a full fledged application. Create something that you find useful or find a way to automate a simple task you find yourself doing. Create something very simple like a to-do list web application.
Creating your own application allows you to get your hands dirty, experiment and make mistakes. Your technical skills will develop naturally as you build your own application.
Step 4: Build your soft skills
There is a common misconception that Software Engineers code 8 hours a day. The reality is most of your time is spent on collaborating with business analysts/stakeholders and understanding what problem the business is currently facing.
Good communication skills are often overlooked by Software Engineers. Before you are a Software Engineer, you are an employee. Like any other job, being a professional employee will be beneficial for you in the long run.
Ask anyone of your family or friends problems they are facing when they are using software. Do they need something automated? Asking these questions help build your soft skills by determining what they need and how you can use your programming skills to solve them.
Step 5: Earn Certifications for your skills
Now that you’ve chosen your programming language and niche, it’s time to solidify those skills through certifications.
Certifications can be earned through large companies like Microsoft, Google, Amazon etc. These certifications are written by professionals and are industry-endorsed and will make you stand out from other candidates.
That’s right.
You can use certifications as a way to prove to hiring managers that you are capable of being the Software Engineer they are looking for. Most people think you need a job to get experience. The fact of the matter is, you can get experience on your own (oftentimes for free) through certifications.
Step 6: Apply…Apply..and Apply
You’ve spent months learning how to program, creating your own projects and solidifying your skills through certifications. It’s time to put all your hard work to the test. Go on LinkedIn and search for all entry level software engineer positions in your area (sometimes there are fully remote positions).
Yes, entry level positions are highly competitive for software engineers and you’ll often lose confidence with every rejection letter you receive. The reality is, many will quit after a couple of interviews and give up on Software Engineering completely.
Not you.
I’ll tell you now that you’ll get rejected over and over again. For every rejection you receive, ask yourself what you did wrong in that interview and what you can do to improve on for your next interview. Repeat this process and you will snowball your confidence every time you interview. Do this enough times and eventually, a company will take a chance on you.
Good luck and happy learning!
-Bao