Information Technology has now become one of the leading industries in the job market. If you have decided to start your IT career, becoming a junior software engineer could be one of your best decisions.
Who is a Junior Software Developer?
A junior software developer is a newbie who joined professional software developers. As an entry level employee, a junior software developer usually works under the development manager and completes several tasks.
They will participate in team meetings and help write code, collect user data, fix bugs, and create software design.
What will you need to get on board? A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and basic programming knowledge. Being confident with databases and operating systems is mandatory, But don’t think you’re in trouble if you don’t know them perfectly. You’ll need some practice and patience.
When it comes to the financial part for junior software engineers, the salary is relatively high. For instance, they may make an average of $32 an hour! That’s more than $65,000 a year.
Another good news is that this career is expected to grow 21% by 2028 and have more than 280,000 entry level software developer jobs across the US.
What skills should an entry level software engineer have?
Hard skills
An entry level junior software engineer should have certain skills to complete the assigned tasks. Among hard skills junior engineers mention in their resumes are c++, javascript, CSS, Python, PHP, and java. Here’s how often recruiters meet these programs in resumes:
C++ – 16.1%
Javascript – 13.5%
Java – 13.2%
CSS – 10%
Python – 7%
PHP – 5%
Below you can have a look at typical tasks that junior software engineers perform in their roles. Most of these tasks are represented in their resumes:
- Coordinate the team of Asp.net developers to create and deliver successful apps.
- Develop a presentation layer implementing HTML, CSS based on internal guidelines.
- Use the AJAX control toolkit for a better user experience.
- Develop a web application using Angular js, JavaScript and JavaScript API.
- Use Jira for task management and ticket solving cases.
- To be involved in all stages of development utilizing Agile-Scrum methodologies.
Soft skills
Many of them listed communication and interpersonal skills as an essential part of their IT resume when it comes to soft skills. Here are more details about some soft skills that make a successful software engineer:
Communication skills – Communication skills are essential for any junior software developer as they usually communicate with other team members or clients. If communication doesn’t go smoothly, misunderstandings may occur. The latter leads to delay in the projects.
Analytical skills – The most crucial trait for a junior software engineer is an analytical skill. That’s mainly because software engineers should know how to analyze their users’ needs and then create software that meets all their needs.
Problem-solving – An entry level software developer also requires problem-solving skills. That’s because developers are responsible for the creation of software from start to end. They should solve the problems that occur during this development process.
Creativity – For creating any software, one needs to be creative; otherwise, all the computer software would look the same.
Detail-oriented – Even though we mention it last on the list, it’s one of the essential traits for a junior software engineer. As developers work on various parts of the app or system, they must focus and pay attention to details.
How can you become a junior software engineer?
Suppose you desire to become a junior software developer. According to the resumes sent to us, 73% of them have a bachelor’s degree. 13% of them have pursued their master’s degree. Don’t worry if you don’t have a high education but still want to become an entry level software engineer. If you desire to become one, you’ll become one with a high school degree.
Another good news is that your experience in other jobs can also help you become a junior software engineer. Most junior software developers have experience in roles such as development or research internships.
Here are 5 steps for you to follow if you want to become a junior software engineer:
1. Learn the basics
You have to learn the basics. They will help you avoid difficulties in your career when you work on big projects later.
2. Find inspiration
Finding a good mentor or trainer could be one of the most helpful steps for any developer. They will explain the most complex concepts and inspire you to move on.
3. Build things you love
Practice, practice and practice. Start following tutorials, then producing your own items from what you’ve learned. Whether it’s a game, website or a mobile app, designing things you’re interested in will show your imagination, creativity and challenges you’ve faced during the process.
4. Don’t be afraid of failure
As a junior software engineer, you’re going to have failures. That’s normal! Accepting and overcoming these mistakes is the most crucial part of your career. Remember that even the most experienced engineers make mistakes. It’s the natural part of the process! You will learn different concepts and make mistakes when implementing them in your projects.
5. Have an evidence
That will secure your first job as a software developer. The portfolio of your work will be a green light for you in your path to a software engineer career. You can prove your words with the help of previous projects.
