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Occupations within the software engineering field are expected to grow faster than other occupations by 22% over the next ten years (Statistics, 2014). My chosen profession requires knowledge of coding, strong analytical skills; mathematical analysis and commitment.
Software development engineers design games and it starts with knowing how to code programming languages such as C, C++ and Java. (TryEngineering, 2014) Software engineers demonstrate their unique skills and talents when they are young, such as an aptitude for
math, science, and strong problem solving skills. Many start programming as young as ten years old.
For example, Bill Gates was just 13 years old when he created the Teletype Model 33 ASR.
(Allen, 2011) He went onto develop the language BASIC. Another great example is Markus
Persson. Markus was 7 years old when he started programming and 8 when he created a text based game. Is it any wonder he just sold Minecraft for $2.5 Billion to Microsoft 23 years later?
The typical software engineer needs a degree in either software engineering, computer science, mathematics, or a related field. An associate’s degree might be sufficient for some entrylevel positions, but a Bachelor’s degree is required for most software engineering jobs. More complex jobs might require a Master’s degree. (CollegeGrad, 2012) Some four year schools offer internships or co-ops that provide credits towards their degree. Internships also provide experience, connections in the field and a possible job offer.
A career has many different paths, which require different skills. Software Engineers with strong interpersonal skills, those that can provide clear direction, possess strong management skills,
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work efficiently, can design effective software will be the most successful and move quickly up the ladder. ("Computer Software Engineers: Training, Salary, and Career Information").
Some of the largest and highest paying employers for software engineers include Microsoft,
LinkedIn, Google and Apple who average from $100,000 - $160,000 in annual base salary. (Team,
2013)
A foot in the door to companies like Google requires more than just skill, talent, or a high
GPA. It’s so competitive that Hollywood’s funny man, Vince Vaughn wrote a screenplay and movie called “The Internship”, which illustrates the resourcefulness, passion and success expected from candidates before they’re hired.
Geographically, the Silicon Valley region hired the greatest concentration of software engineers, with New York City and Washington, D.C. a few thousand behind. (Team, 2013)
“The United States will need nearly 250,000 more engineers over the next 10 years to work in high-growth sectors and industries such as oil and gas, aerospace, and renewable energy, with employers to make more than a third of