Software engineering, is among the occupations projected to grow the fastest and add the most new jobs over the next decade, the best employment opportunities will be for the engineers with a bachelor’s or higher degree and relevant experience.
The engineers that deal with computer software, designs and develops the software, utilizing the theories and principles of computer science and mathematical analysis to create, test, and evaluate the software applications and its systems; that is what makes the computers work. These engineers, must stay on top of the changes in technology and the new areas of specialization, because computer software, and its applications evolve quickly.
In this field, the engineer is responsible for the design and develop of many types of software. This would including: computer games, business applications, operating systems, network control systems, and middleware. These engineers must be experts in the theory of computing systems, the structure of software, and the nature and limitations of the hardware; this knowledge and procedure ensure that the underlying systems work properly.
The software engineer, begins a project by analyzing what the end users’ needs are, and they develop software to meet those needs. During the design, testing, and development of the software, the engineer, creates flowcharts, diagrams, and other documentation, also they create the detailed instructions, called algorithms, that tells the computer what to do. Sometimes they are responsible for converting the instructions into a computer language (programming or coding), normally this is done by the computer programmer.
The engineers, that works in this engineering discipline, are generally divided into two categories: the applications engineers and the systems engineers. The applications engineer, analyze end users’ needs and design, construct, deploy, and maintain general computer applications software or specialized utility programs.
The applications engineer, use different programming languages, depending on the purpose of the program and the environment it runs under. Some software engineers develop packaged computer applications, however, most create or adapt customized applications for business and other organizations.
The systems engineer, coordinate the construction, maintenance, and expansion of an organization’s computer systems. The systems engineer, coordinate each department’s computer needs; ordering, inventory, billing, and payroll/record keeping. They set up intranets-networks that link computers within the organization and improve the communications between departments.
Computer Software Engineer, Applications
These engineers, will develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. They analyze the users needs and develop software solutions accordingly. The engineer, designs software or customizes the software for the clients use aiming for operational efficiency. Often the software engineer, analyzes and designs databases within an application area, coordinating database development to satisfy the users needs.
Computer Software Engineers, Systems Software
These engineers, research, design, develop, and test operating systems software, compilers, and network distribution software for the medical industry, industrial applications, military needs, communications efforts, the aerospace industry, business applications, scientific analysis, and general computing applications. The software engineer, sets operational specifications and formulate and analyze software requirements. They utilize their skills and knowledge in the principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis.
A must for anyone employed in the software engineering industry are the following:
A complete knowledge of, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. A working
knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance; Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
A through understanding of the raw materials used in the production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing, apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense, to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions, to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences, to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand, to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Use computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. Keeping up-to-date technically and applying the knowledge and procedures to your job.
For more information on an software engineering, contact: IEEE Computer Society, 2001 L St. NW., Suite 700., Washington, DC 20036.
Employment for software engineering is expected to increase by 25% to 30% over the next decade; which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
There you have it. Software 101; and all this time you thought software was an old well worn tee-shirt. Be of good cheer my friends and program and develop this industry to your financial gain and the betterment of the world around use.
