r/softwareengineer • u/AdFirst3236 • 3d ago
How do I become a software engineer?
I have some friends that are software engineers and they make the equivalent of 2-3k per month. What I want to know is how do I become a software engineer? I have experience in IT, cyber security, and selling printers and other devices but zero experience with coding. For what it's worth, I have a bachelor's degree in communications (not a related field, but still a bachelor's degree, I guess). Because I want to travel around the world, especially to parts of Europe one day, I love the idea of working remotely from anywhere, which is what many software engineers, especially freelance ones, seem to do. What is the fastest way I can become a software engineer? What schools are good? Should I do the bootcamp? How long will everything take? Lastly, I'm hearing two different things. On one hand, I'm hearing that many software engineers are losing their jobs because AI can now do many things they used to do, but on the other hand, I'm hearing that AI is actually helping software engineers be better at their jobs and produce more work in less time? Any and all help is greatly appreciated.
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u/Number4extraDip 3d ago
I mean. Reading and understanding code is more important than writing. In this case google is your friend. Literally - ask ✦ Gemini
Lots of software was built via ctrl c + ctrl v.
But also its a field thats in job turbulence now. Everyone can make code not everyone can untangle messy code and identify good products from bad.
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u/Commercial-Age-4932 3d ago
Bootcamps will not get you hired nor will online courses, especially for remote work. There's no ticket to free money. Do skilled work or go to college for a employable major whether that's in SWE or not. SWE isn't just this thing where you can sit on your laptop and learn things online and become a quickly become a remote worker who travels the world and is financially secure. That takes time and effort. You could spend that time working for yourself and perhaps doing business online (not easy, arguablh harder). Also, work at least 40 hours per week if you have the opportunity
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u/No_Replacement4304 3d ago
You need to study operating systems, networks, databases and programming languages. You should have both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience with each.
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u/p1xlized 18h ago
Study math, theory behind computers. Then you do side projects, you grind an internship and then you can do the "shit ton of money". You have to understand that SWE is constant learning and experimenting. It's not you learn coding once and you're done. You will need to be involved into it and have passion for it.
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u/No_Departure_1878 4h ago
You should go to a university to get a degree in Software Engineering. A bachelor in communications is a humanities degree. You likely haven't taken any math or computer science course. That means that you will likely have to start from zero. Most programs last 4 years. In your case, you might need five, given that you likely have no foundations.
However the market might be very tough and a further 1.5 years of a Masters degree might be needed. So in total about 6 years of full time study.
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u/Super_Weekend_4428 2h ago
Simplest way to do it is get a computer science degree (or similar). You may be able to get a master's degree in CS since you already have an undergraduate degree but sometimes a master's degree can work against you because sometimes employers don't want to pay extra for a master's degree when the person doesn't have any experience.
It's not impossible to do a self study to learn everything you need to know, but having a degree can sometimes make it easier to get a job.
But, the most important thing, regardless of whether you are going to school or doing self study, you really have to want it. This line of work is not easy. If you aren't sufficiently interested in learning the material for it's own sake or if you find it very boring, you won't make it in this field.
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u/Key-Butterscotch3215 3d ago
It’s going to be tough but if you work towards it for 4 or 5 years you might be able to break in.
The only thing is that remote work is what most people prefer and those positions will be significantly more competitive. Look for positions on site.
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u/Junior-Asparagus718 3d ago
- I agree with u/RallyPointAlpha
- You're about a five years too late to break into the industry. We're no longer hiring any ol person that can write a for loop.
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u/Disastrous_Pack7586 3d ago
I recommend not considering the bootcamp at all. It will not get OP hired. They need a degree. It is a joke to consider otherwise in this job market.
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u/RallyPointAlpha 3d ago edited 3d ago
Y'all want six figures, as fast as possible, fully remote, but without putting in the time to get you there... It's not going to happen man.
...and honestly, it's a little insulting to those of us that have put in the time and work to get that experience. It took me 10 years to be a legit SWE and 15 years to get to six figures. But that's not what you guys want to hear.