Students who have completed their studies in engineering, especially in computer science or information technology, want to become software engineers. But one question that often comes to their mind is how to become a software engineer.
There are over 26 million software engineers globally. This makes it the most preferred sector as well as a competitive one.
In this article, we will provide a complete guide on how to become a software engineer, its demand and scope, salary, and its top recruiters.
Nowadays, everything is connected digitally. We live in a digital age. Everything we do in our daily life is connected to technology. Also, our entire work is based on technology.
Just like we use our computers to work, everything is being done online, all because of software. And these kinds of software are developed by software engineers, but their job is not limited to this.
Software engineering is concerned with applying principles to software systems. And software engineer jobs include planning, designing, developing, testing and maintaining these software systems.
A software engineer creates different applications or websites based on the customers’ needs. They develop the code, the main framework behind any digital space.
A bachelor’s degree in software engineering makes the job search easy for engineering enthusiasts. Not only are there a lot of job opportunities for those with the right engineering skills, but with a graduate degree program, you can also pursue higher studies.
There are many benefits to choosing software engineering as a career path. These include:
If you are wondering how to become a software engineer, the first thing you need to do is complete a minimum four-year bachelor’s degree program with 12th background in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Computer Science. After a B.Tech degree, you can either start working in companies or go for further education like MTech or MBA.
Software Engineer requirements can be seen in top MNCs. The demand for software engineers can be seen from last year with the success rate of placement of software engineers at 93.5%.
The demand for software engineers is rising again. It is reported that 1.2 crore vacancies will open for engineers in the coming 5 years. This opens up a wider scope in this field and for the students who want to make a career in engineering.
On an average basis, software engineers in India earn around INR 5.3 LPA. The minimum salary for software engineers is INR 3.4 LPA. And an experienced engineer can earn up to INR 4 LPA.
As we move forward in the guide on how to become a software engineer, let’s see the eligibility and software engineer requirements.
The minimum eligibility criteria required to become a software engineer is a bachelor’s degree. You must have passed 12th with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Computer Science as an optional subject.
You must have at least 60% in the 12th board to take admission to the bachelor’s degree program. After that take the all-India entrance test of JEE, MHT CET, etc., to get admission to top colleges.
Here is a list of soft and technical skills required in the software profile. Mentioning these engineering skills can boost your resume.
| Technical Skills | Soft Skills |
| C programming Language | Verbal Skills |
| C++ | Written Skills |
| Web Languages: HTML, CSS, JAVAScript | Interpersonal skills |
| Python | Analytical Mind |
| Databases: Oracle, MySQL | Creative Problem-Solving Skills |
| Coding Skills | Team Building Skills |
| Machine Learning | Networking Skills |
Here is a list of top employers who hire software engineers.
| Recruiters | Average Salary |
| Oracle Financial Services | INR 6.7 LPA |
| HCL Technologies | INR 4.17 LPA |
| Infosys | INR 6.42 LPA |
| Microsoft | INR 27.26 LPA |
| INR 40.51 LPA | |
| TCS | INR 5.54 LPA |
| Samsung | INR 14.55 LPA |
| Intel | INR 16.88 LPA |
| Adobe | INR 22.13 LPA |
| Cisco | INR 17 LPA |
| Deloitte | INR 8.11 LPA |
| IBM | INR 6.32 LPA |
| Cognizant | INR 7 LPA |
Source: Ambitionbox
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If you are an aspiring software engineer, hope this quick guide helped you in choosing whether this career option is right for you,
Becoming a software engineer is not difficult if you have programming skills, and a computer science or IT background, or are interested in these subjects. Most students are shifting to become software engineers as technology demands increase.
Pro Tip: Make sure your resume is well-optimized and targeted towards the job you’re applying for. A well-written career objective can go a long way!
Once you settle in this profession you can earn a good position and salary. You can also work in top multinational companies. There are many high-paying domains in engineering today like Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Metaverse, etc. Hence, it is a great career option to start your career.
Ans. If you are wondering how to become a software engineer and what qualifications you need; then software engineer qualifications should be in education and both soft and technical skills. To get into this field, you must have a bachelor’s degree with 12th in physics, chemistry, physics, mathematics and computer science as optional subjects.
In addition to education, you must also possess skills such as programming, coding, team building and strong oral and written skills.
Ans. You can become a software engineer after completing your minimum education. It takes 4 years to complete a bachelor’s degree after which you can start working as a software engineer. However, if you have a master’s degree like MTech, MCA or MBA, then your salary package will increase. It will take at least four years to become a software engineer.
Ans. To become a software engineer after the 12th you have to appear in the entrance exam to get admission to top colleges of the countries. Some of these exams are:
After clearing any of these exams with a minimum score you can get admission to top engineering colleges. And after completing your four-year degree program, you can join the top companies in India or abroad.
Ans. Becoming a software engineer is all about your passion and dedication which makes the profession easy and difficult. Software engineering becomes easy if you have the skills and passion to learn coding and programming languages.
However, with the increasing demand, today many students pursue software engineering which makes it quite competitive. Here you have to compete with lakhs of students to get admission to a good college.
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