CAREERS IN Software @rachelcdavies

ABOUT YOU

I WORK HERE

social video marketing & analytics.

My Education

A levels: Chemistry, Maths, Physics.

Philosophy BA (Hons), 1986

Computer Technology & Electronics diploma Software Engineering & Computer Graphics, 1987

My Career

1987 2003 2000 1992 1996

Career Summary

Used different programming languages: – Ada, C, C++, Java, Python

Done different jobs: – Programmer, Analyst, Manager, Consultant

Worked in various industry areas: – Radio, Robotics, Telecomms, Advertising,

Banking, etc.

Software Development Teams

More than writing code, large software systems involve team work and collaboration

What does my job involve?

DESIGN DISCUSSIONS

DISTRIBUTED TEAMS

Energized WORK

Solving problems

Type of person who enjoys software development  

Learning new languages

Team work

Creative

Clean design

WHAT DEVELOPERS SAY.. •  You don't have to be a mathematician; you don't have to be male; you just need a logical mind and

(ideally) some common sense. Picture a career where you can make virtually anything you can imagine. Out of nothing. And pay the bills.

•  the beauty of creating something that wasn't there before? Software development is making things.

Making things is fun. Lots of fun (and useful) things rely on software…it continues to be loads of fun even after 20+ years. It is fun :)

•  typing stuff into a computer is just a small part of the job. you deal with people. A lot.

•  Collaboration? Continual learning? Making a positive impact on the world?

•  Understanding people is more important & harder than computers. Collaboration is really, really important. It's not a solitary job. Even if you are not pairprogramming”“that it's a team sport and 90%

of it is about collaboration. Software is a team sport. Don't pick it as a career to avoid human contact.

•  Like all team games. When you hit that zone there's no feeling like it. It's like music in a lot of ways…

•  it's also lots of fun when it gels properly. Really rewarding.

•  that pairing with all sorts of peers is the best way to both learn and share ;)

•  Oh and salaries for techies are very good ;) one advice would be Not to take up the career path because

its lucrative, but only if they are passionate about it. Yes we have geeks, they are nice. It is more than coding. It can be hard - and great :)

•  Mention testing as a career because that will definitely be new to them.

•  if I were to mention one thing it would be "lifelong learning" other: limitless opportunities, creative endeavor, team sport

Where are the jobs?

•  Many different sectors: –  Finance (banks, insurance) –  Media (TV, newspapers) –  Engineering –  Science

•  Also many non-programming roles: –  analyst, user-experience designer, manager, tester.

•  London has large cluster of companies, most large cities have some software development jobs in different sectors

Advice

•  Develop your talent! •  Learn at least one programming language •  Build a web site or a phone app •  Use open source tools •  Networking and meet-ups

What qualifications?

•  Often require engineering or numerate degree

•  Not necessarily Computer Science •  Experience developing software is

essential

•  Many people are self-taught

Questions?