Write your abstract
here.Become a Software Engineer
Computer Science and Software
Engineers Computer software
engineers apply the principles and
techniques of computer science,
engineering, and
mathematical analysis to the design, development,
testing,
and evaluation of the software and systems that enable
computers to perform their many applications.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer
software engineers are projected to be one of the
fastest
growing occupations over the 2002–12 period. Starting
salaries for computer engineers with a bachelor's
degree
can be significantly higher than salaries of bachelor's
degree graduates in many other fields.
According to the National Association of Colleges and
Employers, starting salary offers for graduates with a
bachelor’s degree in computer engineering averaged $51,343
in 2003, and those with a master’s degree averaged $64,200.
Starting salary offers for graduates with a bachelor’s
degree in computer science averaged $47,109.
According to Robert Half International, starting salaries
for software engineers in software development ranged from
$64,250 to $97,000 in 2003.
In addition to typical benefits, computer software
engineers may be provided with profit sharing, stock
options, and a company car with a mileage allowance.
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Software Engineering Professional Duties May Include:
Testing and verifying ongoing designs
Designing and developing software
Project managing
Consulting
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Computer Software Engineering Training
Most employers prefer to hire persons who have at least
a
bachelor’s degree in computer science, systems software
engineering or computer information systems in addition
to
a broad knowledge of, and experience with, a variety of
computer systems and technologies. Graduate degrees are
preferred for some of the more complex jobs.
As technological advances in the computer field
continue,
employers demand new skills. Computer software
engineers
must continually strive to acquire such skills if they
wish
to remain in this extremely dynamic field. To help them
keep up with the changing technology, continuing
education
and professional development seminars are offered by
employers and software vendors, colleges and
universities,
private training institutions, and professional
computing
societies.
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Computer Software Engineering Certification
Professional certification is now offered by the
Institute
of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Computer
Society. To be classified as a Certified Software
Development Professional, individuals need a bachelor’s
degree and work experience that demonstrates that they
have
mastered a relevant body of knowledge, and must pass a
written exam.
Software Engineer Salary Range
Median annual earnings of computer applications
software
engineers who worked full time in 2002 were about
$70,900.
Median annual earnings of computer systems software
engineers who worked full time in 2002 were about
$74,040.
According to the National Association of Colleges and
Employers, starting salary offers for graduates with a
bachelor’s degree in computer engineering averaged
$51,343
in 2003, and those with a master’s degree averaged
$64,200.
Starting salary offers for graduates with a bachelor’s
degree in computer science averaged $47,109.
Software Engineer Career Opportunities
Entry-level computer software engineers are likely to
test
and verify ongoing designs. As they become more
experienced, computer software engineers may be
involved in
designing and developing software. Eventually, they may
advance to become a project manager, manager of
information
systems, or chief informatioofficer.
About 21,000 computer software engineers were self-
employed
in 2002. Employers will continue to seek computer
professionals with strong programming, systems
analysis,
interpersonal, and business skills.
Experienced software engineers have a variety of career
options available to them including:
Software consulting
Software publishing
Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control
instruments manufacturing
Computer systems design
Architectural, engineering, and related services
Management of companies and enterprises
Wired telecommunications
Scientific research and development