| Money Magazine rated Software Engineering as the | | | | collaborate. The flexibility of working from home and |
| number one, best job in America to have. I hope to | | | | setting a loose, hybrid schedule lends itself to a more |
| shed some light on this career and provide some | | | | balanced lifestyle and a healthier more content |
| insight into why this particular job is so highly | | | | workforce. |
| coveted. From job growth rates, pay, and flexibility, | | | | High Level of Compensation |
| the job of software engineer gets high marks. | | | | In addition to the flexible hours, the skills of a |
| If you are thinking of becoming a Software Engineer, | | | | Software Engineer typically come with a high level of |
| or Software Developer as it is also referred, you | | | | compensation, relative to other jobs in the IT |
| must be the type of person who doesn't mind | | | | industry. The median wage for Software Engineers, |
| working alone without a lot of interaction with the | | | | according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics was |
| public. While there is some interaction with your | | | | $93,740 per year as of May 2008. The middle 50% |
| development team, you must be content working | | | | earned between $73,200 and $113,960. The salaries |
| individually writing and testing code. In addition, you | | | | vary depending on the type of employer you work |
| must be an innovative "out of the box" thinker who | | | | for. Professional and commercial equipment |
| can quickly adapt to new programming languages and | | | | wholesalers as well as software publishers tend to |
| the rapidly evolving technology landscape. You must | | | | pay the highest salaries. |
| be able to apply knowledge of mathematics and | | | | High Job Demand |
| computer science together in order to create | | | | Another reason Software Engineering jobs are |
| software. Once the software is created, there is the | | | | considered among the hottest in America is because |
| testing phase. Once the testing phase is complete, it | | | | of the demand for these highly trained individuals. |
| is time for implementation. While there is often a | | | | The Bureau of Labor Statistics describes the job |
| team of people working on a project, you must be | | | | prospects to be excellent. If you have at least a |
| able to see the programs you design through these | | | | bachelor's degree in a computer related field, you will |
| phases. If you have the basic skills and predispositions | | | | usually have good prospects for finding a job. Some |
| to a scientific and analytical mind combined with a | | | | choose to achieve a master's degree and others |
| passion for computer science, becoming a software | | | | move into highly coveted positions simply based on |
| engineer could be a good fit for you. | | | | their work experience and a portfolio of projects |
| Flexible Hours | | | | It is no wonder, the job of Software Engineer has |
| Software Engineers are increasingly reaping the | | | | earned its reputation of being the hottest. If you are |
| benefits of working from home or having a hybrid | | | | both mathematical and computer savvy, this is a job |
| type schedule in which they work from a home | | | | that could provide a flexible and lucrative career as |
| office for designated days, then come back to the | | | | well as a balanced lifestyle. |
| office for meetings with the rest of the team to | | | | |