Software Engineer

Posted on November 27th, 2002 by Ahmed Charles.
Categories: School.

This is an essay I wrote for my second assignment in Computing Disciples and Careers, my first semester in college (Fall 2002). It’s always interesting to read what you wrote many years before that.

Ahmed Charles
Professors Cem Kaner and William Shoaff
CSE 1101-01
27 November 2002

Software Engineer

Careers goals are something that I have been seriously considering since before I began High School, and at around four years ago I decided to pursue a career in Computer Science. About two years ago, when considering going to Florida Tech, I began to become interested in the Software Development option of the Computer Science program (Software Engineering). And thats a break down of events that led to my coming to Florida Tech. Well thats history now, so I will discuss my ambitions for the future.

The reasons why a would like to be a Software Engineer are mainly because I like designing things and applying my knowledge, instead of just theory. As taken from the Association of Computing Machinery’s Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practice, “Software engineers are those who contribute by direct participation or by teaching, to the analysis, specification, design, development, certification, maintenance and testing of software systems.”1 I believe that best describes my career goals as far as a professional definitions are concerned.

The company I would like to work for is J.D. Edwards2. J.D. Edwards provides Enterprise solutions to customers, like Enterprise Resource Planning, for example. Their requirements for being hired as a “Programmer / Analyst” in a Software Development job are team player, comfortable with highly detailed job, proficient in English, ANSI C programming experience, relational database fundamentals knowledge, VB or similar language experience, 1-2 years professional experience and Bachelors or Masters degree in CS, CIS, or MIS3.

Before I will be able to get hired, I will need to master the following skills:

  • Team building.
  • Communications skills.
  • C and VB or similar language experience (the more languages the better).
  • Relational database fundamentals.

Team building can be developed through class, extracurricular and senior design projects. Team building is a skill that is mentioned allot when talking about Engineering courses and it is related to communication. Communications skills can be enhanced through taking courses, so as to become more proficient in written and spoken English. These two skill requirements are linked and are independent of the particular job offering or company. They are basic skills that are needed in daily life, whether it be personal or professional.

Programming skills can be learned through classes, but most importantly on an individual basis. Students are usually encouraged to practice programming outside of class so that they can become proficient programmers. The key reason for practicing is that having more practice will allow you to learn another programming language more quickly. Internships with companies will also help increase applicable knowledge in programming and how it’s used in industry.

And finally complete the Software Engineering degree. This goal is imperative to success in life, for without an undergraduate degree, people often get stuck in jobs they do not like. People with degrees get paid more as well and have a better chance of getting hired. In the end, it will require allot of work and commitment, but developing skills beyond what is ordinary will set you apart from your peers.

Endnotes - Bibliography

  1. Association for Computing Machinery 27 Nov. 2002
  2. J.D. Edwards 27 Nov. 2002 (link no longer available)
  3. J.D. Edwards “Programmer / Analyst” 27 Nov. 2002 (link no longer available)

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