Software Engineer

Welcome to The 2011 Hot Jobs Guide

Why It’s Hot:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, software engineering is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations over the next 5 years. Newly developed technologies will continue to propel job growth and a highly competitive labor market should lead to increased wages. As highly skilled and highly demanded professionals, software engineers are in position to determine the terms of their employment and find a job wherever they decide to make their home.

• What You’ll Do:

Software engineers are responsible for creating the programs essential for computer operation. They take the software programs and change them into a format that the machine can recognize. To do this, the  programmer has to use a special language, such as Python and C++, which are some of the most used in the industry. Once the software is recoded into the new language, the computer is able to use the software.

These individuals also perform a number of other critical functions within this job category. They deal with programs when they need to be repaired, changed, or added to another program already in place. In addition, the programmer may have to aid in identifying a customer’s needs when using the software. The software engineer has to have excellent technical skills and knowledge, ability to work well with others, and be willing to work on the international scene. Increasing focus is given to those who are able to work with programs that deal with the Internet and applications for the web.