Program your way to a successful IT career

Technology plays a huge role in our daily lives. It’s behind that favorite video game, how people pay for goods and services using a mobile device, how groceries get ordered and delivered to our homes. Software developers help make these types of conveniences possible.

Software developers (also known as a software programmers or coders) continue to be the fastest growing occupation in IT, predicted to grow 12 percent by 2028. Here’s a look at the job of a software developer:

Responsibilities

• Communicate with customers about what they need their software to do
• Design, develop and modify software programs to match customer needs
• Establish system testing procedures, programming and/or documentation
• Create work schedules and assignments for team members
• Collaborate with team members and contractors on projects

Software developers need to have strong technical abilities, an understanding of programming language(s), good problem-solving skills and the ability to learn new programs quickly.

Skills

• Analytical mind
• Mathematical aptitude
• Communication skills and the ability to collaborate
• Detail-oriented and organized

To see if software development is a good fit for you, start by learning a programming language through interactive websites, videos tutorials, a local coding event or an online course. You can then pursue a degree or take other courses.