Software development job

Search by Keyword Show More Options. Job Function. Work Experience. Type of Position. Search by Location. Create Alert. Share this Job. Apply now ». You know that smartphone app you rely on? That computer game that kept you transfixed for hours as a kid?

That program that helps you budget and track expenditures? Software developers created all of them. Software developers are the creative, brainstorming masterminds behind computer programs of all sorts. While some software developers may focus on a specific program or app, others create giant networks or underlying systems that help trigger and power other programs. This is why there are two main classifications of developers: applications software developers and systems software developers.

According to the U. Department of Labor DOL , developers in this sector are responsible for designing computer or mobile applications. This involves understanding user needs, developing software solutions, monitoring performance and modifying programs as needed. These professionals are focused on operating systems-level software, compilers and network distribution software, as outlined by the DOL.

This includes developing software for medical, industrial, military, communications, aerospace, business, scientific and general computing applications. Much of the actual creation of software programs happens through the writing of code, and software developers oversee that. Depending on the company where they work, a software developer will analyze the needs of the user and then create, test and develop software that will solve a problem, provide entertainment or simply make life easier for its intended audience.

After mapping out the design, creating flowcharts and drafting out each step of the process, developers will build diagrams and models to instruct programmers how to write the code for the program.

Other job duties include mapping out the software to have on record for future upgrades and enhancements, testing the software, and collaborating with other computer specialists to make sure the software is top notch and functioning properly. Software developers must have a healthy balance of hard and soft skills. Not only are software developers in charge of outlining and creating the code and design for a program, but these types of careers generally involve a lot of collaboration between various stakeholders.

In such a complex role, these professionals inevitably need to have some precise technical know-how. We used real-time job analysis software to examine more than 1 million software developer jobs posted over the past year.

Mastering the skills above is only half of the equation. Large companies have vast resources and a major impact on the public. Smaller companies also merit consideration, since some workers prefer to work in small teams, take on a variety of responsibilities, and help grow a business. Through continuing education programs and classes, college graduates can continue building up their skills throughout their careers. By developing both soft and hard skills, software developers can earn promotions, become more specialized, and excel at their jobs.

Aspiring software developers should pay special attention to Udacity, which offers classes specifically for workers in computer science-related fields. LinkedIn Learning offers a variety of classes, including ones on soft skills like communication and leadership. Building a portfolio can prove crucial to finding a software development job. Employers often prefer to hire applicants who can demonstrate their coding and developing expertise through finished projects.

Your job search process should begin well before graduating from a computer science program. Be sure to take advantage of all the job search resources and events your school offers. University and college career centers typically host job fairs and other events where students can network and meet recruiters. You may be able to search for open positions through a university-affiliated job board. Below you can learn about some additional resources for finding a job in the tech industry.

Through Indeed, you can search for job openings using keywords and location preferences. The site also lets users compare salaries and read company reviews. Monster enables users to search through and browse job listings. It also offers career advice resources on general topics such as finding a job, choosing a career, and changing careers. Here, you can consult a guide to finding a computer science job. You can also explore in-depth information on various software developer careers.

This site lets job-seekers search for open positions or upload a resume so that employers can find them. Additionally, the site offers helpful articles on professional development. Computer science students, entry-level software developers, and senior developers alike should take advantage of the many professional resources available to them. Software developers should strongly consider joining a professional association, since membership organizations support developers through continuing education opportunities, networking events, professional development resources, research reports, and news updates.

Some associations serve a variety of IT professionals, while others focus on a specific computing occupation. Either way, professional associations can help you develop your career, gain new skills, and meet like-minded professionals. Software Developer January 13, ComputerScience. Are you ready to find a school that's aligned with your interests?

They design the program and then work closely with programmers , who write computer code. However, some developers write code themselves instead of giving instructions to programmers. Software quality assurance analysts and testers design and execute systems to check the software for problems.

They also assess its usability and functionality to identify difficulties a user might have. After completing testing, they report the results to software or web developers and review ways to solve any problems they found. After the program is released to the customer, a developer may perform upgrades and maintenance. Quality assurance analysts and testers run manual and automated checks to look for errors and usability problems once the software is released and after any upgrades or maintenance.

Applications software developers design computer applications, such as games, for consumers. They may create custom software for a specific customer or commercial software to be sold to the general public.

Some applications software developers create databases or programs for use internally or online. These workers may direct software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers. Systems software developers create the operating systems for the public or specifically for an organization. These operating systems keep computers functioning and control most of the consumer electronics in use today, including those in cell phones and cars.

Often, systems software developers also build the interface that allows users to interact with the computer. Developers who supervise a software project from the planning stages through implementation sometimes are called information technology IT project managers. Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers held about 1. The largest employers of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers were as follows:.

Developing software is usually a collaborative process. As a result, developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers work on teams with others who also contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software.

Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field, such as engineering or mathematics. Computer and information technology degree programs cover a broad range of topics. Students may gain experience in software development by completing an internship, such as at a software company, while in college. Although writing code is not their primary responsibility, developers must have a strong background in computer programming.

They usually gain this experience in school. Throughout their career, developers must keep up to date on new tools and computer languages. Software developers can advance to become project management specialists or computer and information systems managers , positions in which they oversee the software development process.

Analytical skills. Communication skills. These workers must be able to give clear instructions and explain problems that arise to other team members involved in development.

They must also be able to explain to nontechnical users, such as customers, how the software works and answer any questions that arise. Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers must be innovative in their approaches to designing, identifying problems with, and improving computer software. Detail oriented. These workers often need to concentrate on many parts of an application or system at the same time, and they must pay attention to detail when looking for potential areas of user error.

Interpersonal skills. Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers must be able to work well with others who contribute to designing, programming, and testing successful software. Problem-solving skills. Because these workers produce software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process.