A good software engineer practices and hones their craft in a myriad of ways, and some of those methods don’t include programming at all. Successful software engineers must be able to demonstrate that they are:
Logically minded problem solvers
Strong time-managers
Innovative and solutions-oriented
Effective interpersonal communicators
Proficient at coding
Eloquent at interviewing
Software engineers should be able to create solid code and work with a variety of languages, but they should also excel at the soft skills we discuss in detail below.
You’ll need to be able to get to the bottom of issues quickly and efficiently, which means you’ll need real determination so you can push through to find the solution to a problem. If your code isn’t working, it isn’t time to shrug your shoulders and give up. It’s time to dive down deep and find the answer.
A good software engineer practices the ability to focus on essential tasks and put trivial ones in the background. There is a finite amount of time available for programming work, and employers will expect their engineers to meet deadlines.
Perhaps there’s a big presentation on the horizon, a product launch date, or everyday project milestones. You’ll need to be able to give reasonable estimates for your deliverables. Managers won’t accept excuses for delays if you haven’t been using your time wisely.
As a programmer, you must be logically minded in that you should be able to keep your thoughts in order and think through processes methodically.
Logic rules in computer systems, and you’ll need to be able to think through the ramifications of each bit of code you create.
Being logically minded also comes into play when we consider interpersonal skills. It’s important to think about your behavior from the perspective of your co-workers and your superiors.
Rather than reacting emotionally to problems with those around you, being logically minded helps you take a third-party perspective on the situation, step back, and address the heart of the issue.
A software engineer is usually someone who loves tinkering and building, and a good software engineer practices their craft constantly, not just because it makes them better at their job, but because it’s fulfilling.
The desire to create can manifest itself in a number of different ways, and some might not even have a direct connection to coding. Sometimes, software engineers love building things, including cars, musical instruments, furniture, electronics, or even sculptures.
Software engineers regularly interact with teams of people, almost every day. Strong interpersonal skills are some of the most important traits regarding what makes a good software engineer. Even if you have a more competitive nature, you’ll have to know how to work with others.
Clear Communicator
You might have to translate jargon or other industry terms to people who don’t necessarily understand programming languages. If you’re building a website, you’ll have to explain the features it has that matter to your customer. Being able to explain these concepts will be crucial to your success.
Team Player
In most cases, software engineers work together on projects in pairs or in small groups. If you’re secretive, gossipy, hold grudges, or you’re not up for working with others, you’ll be actively harming the project. Getting along with your co-workers and maintaining a healthy workplace is the best for the success of your product.
Adaptable
Conditions may change at any moment, whether that be with the larger world (such as COVID-19) or with the needs for your project. You may have to shift how you're working or the direction you’re taking with your code. Being able to adapt to changing conditions will ensure that you can continue making progress no matter what’s thrown your way.
Open-Minded
If you’re stuck in the mindset of just one programming language or one way of building code, then there isn’t any room to learn or grow. Technology is always evolving, and so are the needs of people and companies around the world. An open-minded attitude will help you grow with them.
Now that we’ve discussed the soft skills, we can move onto the hard skills, some of which you might be more familiar with. A good software engineer should know how to code! This comes down to the fact that a good software engineer should understand the fundamentals of coding so they’re able to learn and transition to unfamiliar languages if necessary.
Some programming languages to know include Python, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. These are widely used, common programming languages that you will encounter in the industry. They’re not the only hard skills to have under your belt, though.
Also called OOP, object-oriented programming uses classes and objects. The point is to structure programs into small, simple, and reusable pieces of code.
To ensure your code works as intended, you’ll need to thoroughly delve into every feature and make sure there are no bugs.
With the right tactics, you can create quality code quickly. You can deliver a superior product by using strategies such as breaking up deliverables, prioritizing user experience, and planning for mistakes in advance. The goal is to be able to jump into any situation with varied programming languages and hardware but still be able to deliver a solid product.
At App Academy, our admissions processes includes a Non-Technical Interview, which provides a great opportunity to practice.
We look for our applicant's to be able to demonstrate the following:
Coachability
Love of problem-solving and taking on challenges
Capacity to learn well under pressure
Willingness to accept and implement feedback
A deeper “why” for a career in software engineering than just a higher salary
An understanding of the day-to-day job
Proven resiliency
Then, once you’ve graduated, we offer career support to help you practice how to showcase these traits in your interviews with potential future employers!
Regardless of which program you choose, you’ll learn everything you need to know in order to become a successful software engineer.