SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

By Matthew Roots

Background

I have always been interested in computers and how they work. I think it would be very interesting to go deeper and design computer programs from the ground up, and create something that people would actually use

My career

Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or other device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or control networks.

Many software developers work for computer systems design and related services firms or software publishers.

("Software Developers.")

Advantages/Disadvantages

The biggest advantage of being a software developer is job security. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is an expected growth of jobs in this field by 22% by 2022

Another advantage is that, because the job is mostly computer based, telecommuting is possible. This means that if someone doesn’t feel like going to work, they can work from home without losing a day’s pay or getting fired.

One disadvantage of this job is that it is common to have long working hours.

("Software Developers.")

Education Necessary

It is usually required to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering

Strong programming skills are also required

("Software Developers.")

Salary/Benefits

Starting salary is around $55,190 for applications software designers, and $62,800 for systems software designers

The median annual wage in 2012 was $99,000 Senior developers can earn up to more than

$148,850 a year

("Software Developers.")

Opportunity for Advancement

Many software designers start with a Bachelor’s in computer science and get an entry-level software design job

Depending on the company, dedicated workers may be promoted to a senior office of some sort within 3-5 years.

("Software Engineer Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook.")

Interesting Tidbits and Facts

Developers usually work with a programmer The designer creates a flowchart to help the

programmer to write the code to get the program to work

Sometimes the developer does both jobs

(“Software Developer: Reviews & Advice”)

My After High School Plan

The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, TX 33,300 students

(“About Us”)

Tuition and Expenses

In-State Undergraduate $9,152 Books $908 Housing $472 to $1068 per month

(“What Will it Cost?”)

Courses that Relate to my Field

Computer Science Software Engineering Mathematics

("Software Developers")

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering

Strong programming skills Ability to adapt to new technology

("Software Developers")

Final Words

I want to start a career as a software developer and make a lot of money

I plan to do this by going to the University of Texas at Arlington and getting a bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science

Works Cited

"About Us." University of Texas at Arlington. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Apr. 2014

Hellman, Nathan. "Software Developer: Reviews & Advice." Software Developer Job Reviews. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Apr. 2014.

"Software Developers, Systems Software." My Next Move. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Apr. 2014.

"Software Developers." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 8 Jan. 2014. Web. 01 Apr. 2014.

"Software Engineer Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook." Software Engineer Employment Outlook, Software Engineer Career & Advancement Possibilities. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Apr. 2014.

“What Will it Cost?” University of Texas at Arlington. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Apr. 2014