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If you’re planning on enrolling in a software engineering bootcamp, it makes sense to start thinking about what type of job you'll get once you graduate. What technology roles are open to you after a coding program?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the number of available jobs in software development to increase by 25% between 2021 and 2031. In other words, there were 1,622,200 software development jobs in 2021, so an increase of 411,400 jobs is expected. This is an industry that’s growing much faster than any other.
So what are the jobs you can apply for after mastering software engineering? Let’s take a look at the most promising ones.
We prepared a broad guide of job titles to consider. Always remember that these titles could be subject to an employer’s own definition, so reading the job description will make each role's responsibilities clearer.
1. Full-Stack Software Engineer
What do they do?
Full-stack software engineers develop both client and server software. They are both front end and back end developers with the ability to create an entire app or website from scratch. If you’d like to learn more about this versatile role, check out our recent articleBecoming a Full-Stack Software Engineer.
How much do they make?
Average salary - $124,774 (Indeed)
What do you need to become one?
For this role, you’ll need a software engineering qualification. You have to prove that you are capable of both front end and back end development work. Full-stack engineers often use one language, like Javascript, to work on all parts of the app. It really depends on the environment you’ll be working in.
Because full-stack engineers are often responsible for an entire project, they need to be able to use the latest tools in the industry. UI/UX experience is essential for the front end element of this role. At the back end, using Git for version control might also be required.
Comprehensive knowledge is a must. And because these developers often work independently, you’ll need to show your solo capabilities. This is a great role if you like to work on your own, but it may be a role you progress into after gaining a few years of experience in the industry.
2. Front End Developer
What do they do?
Qualifying as a software engineer means you can become a front end developer, focusing on client or consumer-facing web or app software development. Simply put, it's working on everything the user sees when they enter a webpage.
In this role, you could be designing and developing layouts and interfaces, conducting visual design, and creating interactive elements. If you’d like to learn more about the role of a front end developer, this guide is for youBecoming an HTML/CSS Developer!
How much do they make?
Average salary - $111,881 (Indeed)
What do you need to become one?
You’ll definitely need a software engineering qualification. For this job, you’ll likely use languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. In addition, you'll use Figma for transcribing design interfaces into live screens in a browser.
As a front end developer, your job is to make software and apps beautiful, engaging, interactive, and functional. You’ll definitely need an eye for design, which means understanding UX/UI concepts and trends. You'll be developing how a website or software displays on mobile devices too. In a way, you'll represent your employer or client’s brand.
3. Back End Developer
What do they do?
A back end developer does everything behind the scenes, usually working alongside a front end developer or a bigger team. As a back end developer, you’ll be responsible for the server-side architecture of a web build, and this could involve design and implementation in addition to ongoing maintenance.
How much do they make?
Average salary - $158,393 (Indeed)
What do you need to become one?
Back end developers make sure websites perform correctly. They focus on back end logic and application programming interfaces (APIs), as well as the architecture of a build.
In this role, you’ll need to use programming languages and frameworks such as Node.js, Python, Ruby, Java, or PHP. Familiarity with databases such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB is important. It requires strong problem-solving and organizational skills to ensure a build is issue free and to troubleshoot any problems you encounter.
Back end developers also ensure the app or website they're building is safe from cybersecurity threats. They make sure their build can support the required level of consumer traffic and functionality of the website.
4. UI/UX Engineer
What do they do?
UI/UX engineers focus on user interaction (UI) and/or user experience (UX). This role is often combined, but developers may choose to focus more on one or the other. This career path is entirely focused on the web or app user. It involves planning user pathways, information architecture, visual design and typography, and other aesthetics.
How much do they make?
Estimated salary - $86,586 (Glassdoor)
What do you need to become one?
A UI/UX engineer requires many of the same skills as a software engineer or developer, so knowing the basics of programming is important. As a UI/UX engineer, you’ll use wireframes, prototypes, and design tools to create the user journey and aesthetics of a site or app. A UX engineer codes and uses front end programming languages like HTML, CSS, or Javascript. A UI/UX designer may focus more fully on the visual elements and less on coding.
This is a role that requires technical skills, client skills, consumer understanding, and a great team mindset. You may find yourself presenting your ideas, guiding, and advising your client, or working closely with front end and back end software developers to achieve your ideas. More broadly, the role also requires knowledge of how websites are marketed and a deep understanding of how consumers interact with websites and apps.
5. Game Developer
What do they do?
You could easily take your new software engineering qualification into game development, especially if you want to specialize in the programming and building of new video and mobile games. Game developers create new game ideas and translate them into codeTaming Python: Practicing Code and Writing Your Own Calculator, as well as prototype and iterate gameplay. They monitor and improve game stability and review existing code to make improvements.
How much do they make?
Average salary - $87,709 (Indeed)
What do you need to become one?
Game developers will likely code in C# or C++ and use game platforms like Unity and Unreal Engine. A software engineering qualification is great, but game developers often need skills in animation techniques, game theory, and user interface design. Game developers must make engaging and entertaining experiences for players. A deep understanding of gameplay is also essential to create games that players want to keep returning to. To become a game developer, a software engineer simply needs to refine their coding skills and develop a gaming focus.
6. Software Engineering Analyst
What do they do?
A software analyst is often the connection between software developers and software users. They determine the needs of the software or website and user requirements and work to meet these needs.
Software analysts focus mostly on software assessment and development. They may assist with coding and driving changes to achieve business goals, test new software releases, and produce user guides.
How much do they make?
Average salary - $76,648 (Indeed)
What do you need to become one?
This is a role where you need excellent problem-solving and communication skills. It certainly helps to have an aptitude for team or project management in addition to a software engineering qualification.
Software analysts are familiar with numerous programming languages in order to work with different software or website builds and to identify the best software for achieving stakeholder goals.
For this role, you also need to be a critical thinker with the ability to confidently deliver a decision or recommendation. Data analysis is a key part of this role, as software analysts often need to study and interpret large data sets to make sure a program works effectively.
7. Cybersecurity Engineer
What do they do?
A cybersecurity engineer identifies and resolves security threats. These threats may be aimed at networks, websites, and apps, and they often use and attack software. This role is focused on protecting organizations and the data they store, as well as consumers and their personal data. Cybersecurity engineers specialize in protecting apps and websites or in developing cybersecurity software that defends against cyber attacks.
How much do they make?
Average salary - $76,789 (Indeed)
What do you need to become one?
Since cybersecurity engineers focus on software threats and they come from many different IT backgrounds, software engineers can easily progress into this role.
Cybersecurity engineers need software development skills to know languages and tools like Java, SQL, and JavaScript. They also need to know cryptography, some data science and analytics, and networks and information systems. These engineers have broad cybersecurity skills in threat identification, analysis, resolution, and protection.
8. Machine Learning Engineer
What do they do?
Machine learning engineers develop and work with the algorithms and software used by AI and machine learning tools. The role combines software engineering with data analytics, so it's a role that software engineers may progress into after gaining some experience. Machine learning engineers create systems and software that use data to learn independently and make decisions in a given frame.
How much do they make?
Average salary - $159,873 (Indeed)
What do you need to become one?
As well as a software engineering or developer background, machine learning engineers likely have skills in Python and knowledge of machine learning libraries and frameworks, such as Pandas, Keras, and scikit-learn. Machine learning engineers benefit from strong data science experience and possess meticulous problem-solving skills. The applications they work with might utilize natural language processing, speech or image recognition, financial modeling capabilities, or recommendation engines.
9. Blockchain Engineer
What do they do?
Blockchain engineers develop new decentralized ledgers or database technology systems that are blockchain networks. They create blockchain architecture and are involved with the cryptography that secures these networks. On the other hand, they may be more involved in the software and environments of cryptocurrencies that are being built on these networks.
How much do they make?
Average salary - $139,952 (ZipRecruiter)
What do you need to become one?
Software engineering is a great base qualification that leads to the role of a blockchain engineer or developer. Many blockchain projects work with familiar languages such as Java. Developing blockchain applications uses many of the same tools and processes as conventional applications.
In addition to software engineering, blockchain engineers know basic database technology. They have an understanding of digital assets, cryptography, and distributed computing. Ideally, these engineers have some experience with tools like Solidity and Hyperledger.
10. Product Manager
What do they do?
Software engineers can progress to software product managers once they gain some experience. A software product manager overviews a product's development, purpose, performance, and operation. They lead technical teams to successful releases while overseeing the process. It’s up to them to organize manageable sprints and own the product’s backlog while providing clear user stories and requirements.
Very often, organizations hire product managers with software engineering experience because they want communication clarity and an in-depth understanding of the processes of software creation.
How much do they make?
Average salary - $130,738 (Indeed)
What do you need to become one?
A role like this needs outstanding software engineering knowledge, familiarity with popular and up-and-coming programming languages, and a knack for product and people management. It helps to have an understanding of both consumer demand and behavior.
Product managers must understand business strategy, marketing, revenue generation, and cost management. They are able to lead and mentor a team to deliver excellent software performance and achieve business goals.
11. Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer
What do they do?
A software quality assurance engineer makes sure that software in development works exactly as expected before it's released. QA engineers are software testers, ensuring that standards are met, aspirations for functionality are achieved, bugs are eliminated, and software is resilient to cyber threats.
How much do they make?
Average salary - $79,703 (Indeed)
What do you need to become one?
Software engineers can easily become quality assurance engineers, particularly if they have a knack for problem-solving, excellent communication, research skills, and incredible attention to detail.
In addition to knowing common programming tools, such as SQL, Postman, Javascript, or any other programming language, quality assurance engineers should have a good understanding of QA methodologies and a knowledge of agile practices. They have experience with testing and test planning using automated tools and scripts and are able to develop and implement test cases to check code.
QA engineers also document and report any issues they discover. They work closely with development teams to prepare fixes and new iterations. So, if you already have experience as a software engineer, switching to quality assurance should be effortless!
These are just eleven roles out of many software engineering and related careers available that range from entry level to senior technology leadership positions.
We hope this list of careers will help you identify what you can achieve after studying software engineering. If you haven’t yet chosen your software engineering program, take a look at TripleTen’s part-time online software engineering bootcamp.
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