Technology is something that is becoming a more integral part of society with each passing year. This is especially true when considering how we work; tech has laid the foundations for how the majority of businesses operate in the modern age. From corporate social media accounts to email, video calls, and more, there is no doubting how key tech is to business in our digital age.
This has also had an impact on what people do for work and seen careers based in the tech sector take off in recent years. Software engineering is a good example of this and is a field that is shaping the world around us.
What do software engineers do and how do you become one?
Software engineers are the builders behind the tech we use every day. They design, develop, test, and maintain software applications, websites, and systems. This involves understanding user needs, translating them into technical requirements, and writing clean, efficient code.
To become a software engineer, a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field is a typical starting point. However, some roles may be accessible with strong coding skills and relevant experience gained through boot camps or advanced qualifications. A master’s degree, like Baylor University’s Online Master of Computer Science, can provide a competitive edge in the job market and prepare you for work across a diverse range of software engineer work environments, from fast-paced startups to established tech giants.
What common tech services do software engineers offer to businesses?
Whether you work as a freelance software engineer helping a range of clients or are employed by one company to fulfill this role, it is likely that you will offer the same kind of common tech services. Knowing which services these are is helpful for those thinking of becoming a software engineer, as it means you are fully informed about what this job involves before moving into it. But what are the most common tech services software engineers offer?
Custom software development
It is no surprise to see that developing custom software solutions is one of the major services engineers in this field offer. This involves engineers using their expert knowledge of programming languages, computer science, and software engineering principles to create bespoke pieces of software for organizations.
This enables companies to bring custom software into their operations which is built specifically to suit their workflow and meet their needs. It also enables firms to use powerful software solutions that ensure their competitors don’t gain an advantage in the marketplace.
Web development and design
Designing and developing responsive, user-friendly websites is another very common tech service software engineers offer. This involves using their computer programming skills, familiarity with web design applications, knowledge of SEO principles, and visual design skills to create websites for businesses. The best software engineers will also keep up to date with the latest trends in web development to offer a better service to clients.
Mobile app development
It has been estimated that the total number of mobile phone users globally in 2023 was just over seven billion. This makes it easy to see why many organizations now place great emphasis on having their own expertly designed mobile app for customers to use.
The development of smooth, responsive mobile apps is therefore a common service software engineers offer. This sees them using their computing knowledge and knowledge of mobile design principles to code bespoke applications that offer the best experience to users across all devices.
Cloud computing services
Cloud computing has had a huge impact on the business world and offers firms the chance to operate more efficiently by moving their core operations into a virtual setting. Making the transition to the cloud, however, is not always easy, and this is where software engineers can help.
Most engineers will offer cloud computing services as a result and provide hands-on assistance for businesses looking to move into this environment. In addition, software engineers will also normally offer tech services that deliver ongoing support with cloud computing. This can include monitoring cloud applications for optimal performance and troubleshooting problems as they arise.
Data analytics and business intelligence
Big data is a major topic in modern business and something that most organizations pay attention to. This is because the data that companies collect on customers enables them to understand their market better and see which products/services sell best.
Delivering targeted help with data analytics and business intelligence is therefore an important tech service software engineers offer. This sees them using their skills in data analysis/computer science and knowledge of how to use data analysis software to draw key insights out of datasets for clients.
Cybersecurity consulting
Cybercrime is still a problem that organizations around the world are grappling with and this makes cybersecurity a key area to focus on for them. It also makes online security a field in which software engineers can offer help, using their knowledge of cybersecurity to keep businesses safe online.
This usually involves consulting with firms to review their cybersecurity arrangements, detect any security weaknesses in software applications a firm is using, and help implement effective solutions to fix them. Software engineers may also offer more general advice to businesses about common cybersecurity dangers to watch out for and how to guard against staff falling victim to them.
Quality assurance and testing
In addition to creating new pieces of custom software, engineers in this field also help to test existing ones for quality. This involves engineers using automation tools and frameworks to carry out repetitive testing tasks on software applications. By doing this, they are able to pick up on any bugs in the software that need fixing and ensure the software performs as intended.
IoT solutions
The Internet of Things is making the business world even more closely connected than before and giving firms more powerful ways of tracking their operations. Software engineers are able to use their knowledge of IoT principles and computer connectivity to create solutions in this niche for organizations. This usually involves creating specific software applications that gather key data from connected IoT devices in a business.
Common tech services are key in software engineering
As the above shows, there are some common tech services that crop up in software engineering careers. It is therefore key to gain formal training in this field which enables you to offer these key services to clients or businesses. By doing this, you are not only better prepared to thrive in software engineering but also more likely to attract the attention of employers.
