Software engineering is one of the least understood tech titles among the general public. In the tech world, a Software Engineer creates and implements software programs using a high level, systems-based approach. Besides the Software Engineer title, they may also hold positions with such titles as:
- Software Developer
- Quality Assurance Engineer
- Software/Firmware Engineer
- Development Engineer
- Network Engineer
Because these positions tend to be higher up in companies than many others, a search for software engineering roles typically brings up titles like the following:
- Senior Software Engineer
- Lead Software Engineer
- Founding Software Engineer
- Engineering Manager
- Principal Software Engineering Manager
No one, however, starts at the top. If you’re interested in a software engineering career, you might start out as a Junior Software Engineer, Entry Level Software Engineer, or Junior Software Developer.
What Software Engineers Do
Although most people understand that Web Developers develop websites or applications, the idea of engineering can create confusion outside the tech world. At the most basic level, software engineering professionals work on operating systems in virtually every industry, and their work breaks down into multiple categories:
- Researching
- Developing
- Creating
- Testing
- Maintaining
- Updating
Software Engineers usually learn some of the same languages as web development pros, including Java, Python, and HTML and CSS.
Students entering the software engineering field come through a variety of paths. You might start as a Junior Software Engineer, then progress to a Senior Software Engineer position over a period of years. Many experienced software engineering professionals go on to management roles as Chief Technology Officers (CTOs), Chief Information Officers (CIOs), or Engineering Managers.
The Path to Knowledge
Another key to understanding the software engineering career path is that there are systems engineering pros and application engineering pros. If your interests lie in apps more than in systems, your road to software engineering might start with web or software development training.
While you might think a college degree is the best way to learn, this depends on several factors. A degree program for software engineering usually falls into a category like the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Software Development, or Computer Science. It’s easy to choose the wrong program if you don’t know precisely what you’ll do with the knowledge you gain—a costly mistake, in some cases.
Consider the bootcamp or certificate learning model instead. This can be a happy medium between a short class and a multi-year degree program. Noble Desktop offers multiple bootcamps for software engineering beginners. Let’s look at a few.
Software Engineering Certificate
Noble’s foremost certificate program for software engineering, this immersive 384-hour program takes students from beginner to professional in 16 weeks full-time. The certificate covers all the following skills.
- HTML
- CSS
- JavaScript
- Python
- Django REST
Within these modules, students learn libraries and frameworks essential to software development and engineering roles, including React.js, Express.js, and Node.js. Training in Flexbox, Grid, Bootstrap, and MongoDB is included as well. Graduates also receive an additional 18-hour SQL Bootcamp at no charge.
The emphasis on Python is important. Unlike many other program packages, the Software Engineering Certificate includes bootcamps featuring Python programming and Python Web Development with Django.
Full Stack Web Development Certificate
Not every software engineering position has the title of Software Engineer. In fact, many Full Stack Developers are really Full Stack Engineers by a different name. If you’re interested in the complete development process, you might elect to get much of your software engineering training through Noble’s Full Stack Web Development Certificate. This program includes many of the same bootcamps as the Software Engineering Certificate, including:
- Web Development with HTML & CSS
- Flexbox, Grid & Bootstrap
- JavaScript for Front-end
- Front-end Tools & Portfolio
- JavaScript Development with Node, Express & MongoDB
- React Development Bootcamp
Front-end Web Development Certificate
If you’re a beginner and want to keep your options open, the Front-end Web Development Certificate may be your best choice. In addition to WordPress and HTML email training, you still get the following bootcamps included in the Software Engineering Certificate, but you can apply them toward either a development or an engineering career:
- Web Development with HTML & CSS
- Flexbox, Grid & Bootstrap
- JavaScript for Front-end
- Front-end Tools & Portfolio
Graduates of certificate programs like these can use their training in a variety of positions, like Web Developer, Python Developer, or Front Web Developer. The overlap between software engineering and web development is significant, with both roles usually requiring Java, Ruby, PHP, and Python, to name a few.
The Importance of an Adviser
Software engineering beginners benefit from certificate programs in a host of ways. Among the greatest advantages is that of having an adviser or mentor.
Whereas a university’s academic adviser may or may not have extensive experience in the field, mentors like Noble Desktop’s instructors do. Many programs offer 1-on-1 mentoring from these experienced professionals—including the Software Engineering Certificate.
Guidance of this kind can be invaluable. For example, in the process of training for a software engineering career, you can get advice about job applications, interviewing, and related issues.
Additional Benefits
Bootcamps offer numerous benefits in addition to mentoring. As a student, you not only get to practice the skills you learn, but you’ll also develop a professional-level portfolio your mentor can review. Certificate program graduates receive a verified certificate of completion and can retake the course for up to one year at no additional charge.
As with college applications, certificate program students have options like financing or installment payment programs. For those who require it, a student loan may be available as well.
Another important benefit for busy professionals and those with family obligations is virtual training. Many bootcamp and certificate program students attend classes live online rather than in-person, and can still interact with the instructor and get real time answers to questions.
Graduates rate bootcamps highly, especially intensive programs like the Software Engineering Certificate program. Says one alumnus, “The instructor explains everything clearly and spends time on topics that are important for future job opportunities.”
For more information, or to enroll in the Software Engineering Certificate, go to our Software Engineering Certificate page.