Software engineering is the process of building, testing, and maintaining websites, programs, and applications that power everything from banking to socializing to education and more.
It’s an exciting career path that requires a specific technical skillset, as well as soft skills like good communication, a collaborative spirit, and the ability to persevere through challenges.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this career path is expected to grow by 26% through 2032. So how can you join in on this expanding career path? While there are a number of ways to become a software engineer, in this post, we’ll focus on three popular routes.
Which software engineering training path is best for you?
Self-Taught
With talent, dedication, and discipline, you can forego formal training or education and become a self-taught software engineer. It’s the most affordable route, but you’ll have to create an organized, self-directed learning plan that includes the vast amount of free and paid training resources available online, in books, and via one-off courses on various topics.
For some, learning on their own is the preferred method for testing their interest in software engineering and finding out what areas they enjoy.
Coding Bootcamps
Coding bootcamps are fast-paced, concentrated courses that teach essential skills and provide real-world training. Bootcamps are an accelerated training option at a fraction of the cost of a college degree. Plus, students have access to additional benefits and resources like career support, a curriculum routinely updated to match market trends, and introductions to hiring partners.
Specifically, coding bootcamps like those offered through Tech Elevator provide proven paths into software development. The success of this training model has manifested in more than 4,500 Tech Elevator graduates working as software developers across the vast tech landscape.
College Degree
Many software engineers have college degrees. This is the most traditional route into the field, but because of the increased need for tech skills and the broadening variety of training opportunities, many companies no longer require a college education for their open engineering roles.
According to one survey, 45% of companies plan to eliminate bachelor's degree requirements in 2024. So while a computer science or IT degree is still valued by some organizations, getting a degree is a costly and time-consuming route that’s no longer required. However, some still see the value in getting the degree, which can often focus more on theory than other training routes.
No matter which route you choose, there’s an exciting career as a software engineer on the other side of your hard work and dedication.
Download Your Free Tech Jobs Guide
Get the full guide to landing a job in tech and starting a new, exciting career.