Beginning your career as a new software engineer? It’s a smart move — this field is in high demand and lucrative.
The only hitch is that many employers want someone with experience. You may have vast resources of skills and knowledge under your belt, but you don’t quite have that one crucial factor yet.
So what’s a new software engineer to do to gain the experience they need to get hired? It’s a Catch-22 found in many professions.
Luckily, you have plenty of options. Take these three early software engineer tips and put them into action, and you’ll be on your way to a successful career.
1. Look for Welcoming Employers, Not Dollar Signs
While you’re searching the “help wanted” ads for new software engineers, you’ll be tempted to zero in on the salary and benefits. That’s okay, but be cautious about ignoring the lower-paying jobs. They may have more to offer than those big paychecks.
Before you apply, do a little background research. what is clickfunnels do former and current employees have to say about the culture and working environment? Are they happy there, or do most of them warn potential applicants to stay away?
Welcoming employers will offer perks that encourage people to apply and stay loyal to the company. In software engineering, you’ll see benefits like paid vacation and time off, flexible working schedules, discounts on memberships (gym and entertainment, for example), and opportunities for bonuses.
Other companies may provide a hefty paycheck, but that doesn’t mean they’re family- or employee-oriented. Look for employers who are understanding. They’re more likely to hire you without experience and patiently train you.
Another avenue to consider is freelancing. As a freelance software engineer, you can pick and choose the jobs you apply for, staying in your comfort zone and slightly out of it, so you’re always learning. You’ll gain experience that you can use to fill your resume if you decide to apply for a full-time job with one company or expand your workload as a freelancer.
2. Stay Professional, Even After You’re Hired
This tip applies to every interview and job, but in the competitive world of software engineering, it’s especially integral. When you communicate with hiring managers and coworkers or potential clients if you’re freelancing, keep your interactions positive and professional.
Hard skills like what you learned in school are important. Yet, more and more employers are looking for the soft skills of empathy and teamwork in the job place.
You’ve heard of toxic workplaces; savvy employers know that toxic employees are dangerous to overall productivity and their bottom line. Clients know you need to interact on projects, and they don’t want to hire someone who will be difficult to work with.
Before you’re hired, the employer or client will watch for signs that you could be one of those negative people. Software engineers must work in teams, either in the same building or remotely. Your professionalism and friendliness will set you ahead of other applicants with more experience but fewer soft skills.
That doesn’t mean you can’t complain if it’s necessary. They may ask you for your feedback regarding a project you completed or a previous employer/internship.
If it didn’t go well, and you can’t “say something nice,” state your answer using facts. Try to keep the emotional aspects out of your commentary. Never bash a company or person. You don’t know who knows them, and it could affect your reputation in the industry.
3. Focus on Accuracy, Not Complexity
Whether you’re freelancing or working for a company, when you receive a job to complete, first, make sure you’re comfortable with it. If it’s too far outside your skill level, ask for help or decline the task if that’s an option.
Accuracy is vital at this stage. Be honest and explain that your skills fall into a different scope. Many employers will partner you with someone who can guide you as you learn.
If you’re freelancing, it’s better to be honest and let the client know you’re not able to take on the job than to do it wrong and risk getting a negative reputation.
Work on writing simple code to perfection. You’ll learn how to optimize it and make it more complex over time. Right now, developing software that works and is readable is the goal. You’re writing code that others will interact with at the next level of programming. Make it simple to follow and understand.
Get to know the bugs that software engineers are often guilty of creating. You’ll recognize the potential problems and catch them before they become an issue later.
Test your code, one aspect at a time, before you submit it as complete. If you can find another, more experienced engineer to partner with as you’re learning, let them review your code and offer suggestions.
You’ll slowly expand your skill set and take on more complex jobs, layer by layer. Right now, accuracy at each level should be your target.
Conclusion
You’re heading into a field where the future is limitless. You don’t have to jump in headfirst and try to sink or swim. Instead, use these three simple tips to get your feet wet, gain experience, and slowly but surely become a successful software engineer.
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