3 Ways to Become a Software Engineer – wikiHow

Software may be a specialized subject, but your previous career doesn’t have to involve computers to give you an edge. Software engineering can rely heavily on analytic skills, problem solving, and teamwork. In addition, familiarity with an industry may help you design software for that industry.

It’s very possible to land a programming job after a year or two of side experience, or even a few months with enough dedication. If you already have a bachelor’s in any subject, along with some coding skills, consider going straight for a master’s in software engineering.

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Network your way to a job. Almost every industry needs software developers, so your network from a previous career can be invaluable. Also consider joining a professional association, such as IAENG Society of Software Engineering, the IEEE Computer Society Technical Council on Software Engineering, or the Association for Computing Machinery. Also, look into local meetups or online communities. The software world can be surprisingly small, and finding the right connection can open up a myriad of opportunities.