Software engineers have been in huge demand in recent years, with companies operating across virtually every industry looking to skyrocket their digital transformations. With the best software engineers in the business offering superior technical knowledge and problem-solving skills, earning your qualifications in Australia could lead you to success.
Although people often use software engineer and software developer interchangeably, these roles usually have distinct differences that are important to understand. For example, software engineers typically have slightly more senior roles and adopt a broader view of the entire product or system, rather than smaller aspects of the code.
Ready to learn more? Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know about becoming a software engineer. From the day-to-day responsibilities and essential skills to the salary you can expect to earn, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of the role. Plus, we’ll explore the varied paths you can take to land your dream job as a software engineer.
What does a software engineer do?
Software engineers are a crucial part of a product’s development lifecycle. Taking an overarching view of a software solution, software engineers have input throughout the development process, from analysis and design to development, implementation and maintenance.
Supported by a comprehensive understanding of engineering principles and excellent knowledge of varied programming languages, software engineers are in demand across numerous industries. For example, software engineers are needed to develop operating systems, business applications, video games and more.
While numerous hard skills help software engineers succeed, developing outstanding soft skills is also highly beneficial. This role requires frequent communication with team members and management alongside client stakeholders. As such, bringing a collaborative mindset helps forge strong relationships and deliver better outcomes.
What are a software engineer’s daily responsibilities?
The day-to-day life of a software engineer is often highly dynamic, as the role combines an array of technical tasks alongside crucial communication demands. If you’ve got what it takes to lead a team to success, perhaps software engineering is your ideal career path.
Collaboration and meetings: Software engineers often hold a vital position between the business or client and the staff who handle the programming. With communication critical for building the perfect product, software engineers interface with various stakeholders to ensure they’re building the ideal system for the desired outcomes.
Programming: As software engineers often have a broader perspective on the system being built, coding can be less of a focus in some roles. Yet that doesn’t mean you won’t use these skills. There are always bugs to fix and new features to implement, and software engineers must be able to build and oversee these developments.
Documentation: Software engineering isn’t just about building a product, it also requires extensive documentation about how it works. While it sounds simple, creating a clear and precise document for developers and stakeholders is a crucial part of the job, as this makes installation, troubleshooting and maintenance much easier.
What skills do software engineers need?
While there are numerous skills required to make it as a software engineer, some core talents are bound to put you on the path to success. While coding experience is essential, as software engineers often adopt a wider perspective on a solution, the ability to convey ideas and work through challenges is highly valued.
Programming languages: The specific programming languages you focus on are determined by the products you want to help engineer. However, becoming an expert at languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python and SQL ensures you have a well-rounded skillset.
Communication: Software engineering isn’t just long hours in front of a screen. As a more senior team member, communication skills are vital to discuss and shape the ideas, solutions and problems regarding your projects.
Time management: Every business is different, but many software engineering projects have tight timelines. As engineers can work across several aspects of a solution, having the ability to carefully manage your time depending on the needs of the business is beneficial.
Problem-solving: So much about software engineering is about solving problems. If you have a love for finding efficient solutions to complex problems, you’ll discover immense satisfaction working as a software engineer.
How to become a software engineer
You’ve made a great choice if you’ve decided to become a software engineer. However, with numerous ways to get started in the role, finding the right one for you isn’t always straightforward. Here’s a simple approach that prepares you for the future.
Study an information technology course
Choosing to study an information technology course is the quickest way to find your place in the industry. Monarch Institute offers a range of expert-led courses where you’ll learn crucial technical skills and gain invaluable insight into the day-to-day life of a software engineer.
Best of all, these courses are designed to be completed online at each student’s own pace. Whether you’re establishing your first career or making a mid-career switch, you’ll have maximum flexibility to make your studies as streamlined as possible.
Find an internship
As you learn software engineering, finding an internship relevant to your interests could put you in great stead for success. By seeing how the talents you learn throughout your studies are best applied in the real world, you’ll get a genuine insight into the role.
Besides internships providing great practical knowledge while elevating your resume, they also offer outstanding networking opportunities. By getting to know seasoned professionals and showcasing your talent, you might make a connection that fosters your career prospects.
Stay up to date
Ongoing professional development is a crucial part of working as a software engineer. As the information technology space moves at incredible speeds, keeping up with the latest innovations requires a sincere passion for learning
While there’s no shortage of ways to learn technical skills, such as another programming language, aspiring software engineers should consider the development of their leadership and communication skills to elevate their career progress.
Why you should become a software engineer
You won’t struggle to find reasons to become a software engineer. Whether you’re seeking a high salary, the ability to work remotely or the satisfaction of guiding stellar solutions, software engineers routinely enjoy all this and more.
Creativity is valued: You can let your creativity shine as a software engineer, as you’ll need it to solve complicated problems. Meanwhile, you’ll have to respond to client or business demands to arrive at the ideal solution.
Remote work is common: If you value remote work, there’s a good chance software engineering is the right move for you. With many enticing hybrid or fully remote roles available, striking your ideal work-life balance is within reach.
Learning is essential: Doing the same thing day in and day out can get tedious. But if you pursue software engineering as your career, there are always opportunities to improve your programming knowledge or leadership skills.
Salaries remain high: Software engineers are in demand, with salaries representing their enormous value to companies. If you’re keen to earn a high wage that respects your talents, this career path is a stellar choice.
What is the average software engineer’s salary?
Part of the appeal of becoming a software engineer is undoubtedly the salary. With businesses offering significant wages to attract talented team members, you could set yourself up with a high-earning career. According to Indeed, the average annual base salary for a software engineer in Australia is $101,984.
After you gain experience for a few years, the wages can increase substantially, with senior software engineers paid an average of $147,726 per year. Meanwhile, the wages in leading global tech hubs like Silicon Valley can be eye-watering, with top companies like Google, Apple and Netflix paying top dollar for skilled software engineers.
Software engineer courses at Monarch Institute
Ready to launch your career? Enrol in a software engineering course with Monarch Institute to receive a comprehensive education on the most in-demand skills. Led by highly experienced teachers and thought leaders, our curriculums prepare students for this competitive space.
Certificate IV in Information Technology
Diploma of Information Technology
Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security and Advanced Networking)
Diploma of Information Technology (Front and Back End Web Development)
Related Resources
As you get ready to learn software engineering online at Monarch Institute, these related resources can help you learn everything you need to know about the industry. Head to our blog to discover more fascinating career advice
How To Become a Software Developer
What is Information Technology?
The Top 15 Highest-Paying Careers in Australia
Where Can a Career in IT Take You?
Study software engineering online today
Enrol in software engineering at Monarch Institute today to take the next step in your career. Contact our friendly course consultants to find out more about the information technology industry and how we can help you succeed.
