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Software engineering is one of the most in-demand fields these days. As the demand for new software and applications increases, so does the need for software engineers. While the engineering industry is a male-dominated field, that doesn’t mean that women can’t find success in software engineering roles.
Here are some tips for women starting a career in software engineering:
1. Try to Gain as Much Experience as Possible
If you’re new in software engineering, getting a job without experience can be challenging, especially in a male-dominated field. Employers are usually skeptical of hiring fresh grads, mainly because attending classes is not a guarantee that you’d be able to perform the tasks of a software engineer.
The good news is there are websites that can help software engineers acquire experience in computer programming and develop their skills while establishing connections in the industry. You can choose to take up side projects or enroll in coding challenges. Regardless of the computer language that you’ve learned, it’s always essential to hone your skills, learn from others, and establish connections in the software engineering industry.
One of the websites where you can contribute to open-source projects and acquire experience in the field of software engineering is GitHub. Once you sign-up for an account, you can post your projects, build websites, or contribute to some projects, which is a great way to showcase your skills to various employers worldwide.
Competing in coding challenges is another way to acquire experience in software engineering. It’s an effective way to practice your skills while also building connections with other programmers who may be able to refer you to a potential employer.
2. Studiously Pick Your Industry
There are several software engineering jobs available in numerous industries worldwide. Therefore, before you decide to get into the profession, studiously choose the industry you want to be a part of. Software development is essential in almost every company’s business operation, giving you plenty of options.
Healthcare is one of those industries where software engineers can find work. Healthcare workers rely on software apps to manage, store, and access critical information, including patient records, and software engineers can help develop and maintain these apps.
The retail industry is another industry to consider for software engineers. Nowadays, many consumers would prefer to shop online, and this is where software engineers can play a role. Retailers also rely on software applications to process customer orders, provide customer support, and more.
Tech is the best industry for software engineers. Working in some of the world’s leading tech companies will give you extensive experience in the field, which is beneficial for your career. It enables you to learn more about the profession and acquire skills in the technical aspects of the software engineering role.
3. Develop Your Skills
Computers have now become a significant aspect of our everyday life, and that’s all because of software engineers. Women starting a career in software engineering should brush up their skills since they will be responsible for developing, modifying, testing, writing, and debugging software applications.
Software engineers should be well-adept in the various programming languages, including C++, a high-level computer programming language used by numerous companies worldwide. This is an important skill as many companies seek C++ in software engineering jobs, making it one to consider.
One way to improve your coding and programming skills is by taking advantage of books and other resources specifically geared toward those who want to improve their coding and programming skills. These resources can be a great tool to stay up-to-date with the latest in the industry and acquire a new skill that can help advance your career.
Another way to improve your skills is to sign-up for a coding bootcamp. These are highly condensed courses designed to educate participants on computer coding. Once you’re skilled in coding, you can sign-up for a more tactical bootcamp that teaches participants new coding skills in great detail.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
When starting a career in software engineering, it would help if other people could advocate for you, so don’t hesitate to get help from experts who can be your mentor. You can also seek help from specialist software engineering recruiters who are familiar with the industry and can connect you to the best companies.
Take a look at your existing network, including former colleagues and managers. See if you can connect with them and get expert advice. Don’t just focus on the software industry. Be open to networking with women in other engineering fields who have excelled in their profession. They may be able to teach you how to become successful in a male-dominated industry. Who knows, they might be able to connect you with a company in need of software engineers.
Having a mentor can be a game-changer for your career. Being able to ask for help from people with more experience can help you grow faster. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure to listen to their tips and advice and take them seriously.
5. Learn about Industry 4.0
As new technologies, such as advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics, become a part of the way most companies do business, software engineers should consider learning more about Industry 4.0. Synonymous with smart manufacturing, Industry 4.0 refers to the realization of digital transformation, making it possible to deliver real-time decision-making, enhance productivity, and improve agility. The highly-technical nature of software engineering has made it especially susceptible to these changes.
Thanks to the fourth industrial revolution, businesses will now have better ways to streamline business operations and meet customer demands. It can create new jobs, make room for innovative business models, reduce barriers in business, and make manufacturing faster and cheaper. These changes can help companies boost gains when it comes to productivity. However, these advancements also come with challenges.
The fourth industrial revolution can potentially displace workers, create income inequality, and wipe out businesses and industries that are unable to adapt. If you want to start a career in software engineering, you must be able to keep up with the rapid pace brought by Industry 4.0 by learning more about it and staying updated.
