Running head: 1
Software Engineer
Erick King
Liberty University
2
Abstract
I have always wanted to have a career as a Software Engineer. Software Engineers also known as
software developers, have always intrigued me. The way they design and develop software used
to control computers. I have always had a computer of some sorts, since 1999, and they have
always fascinated me. Especially how an assortment of programming languages, depending on
what is being developed, strung together can make even the simplest task automated. Even things
we use in our daily lives such as a coffee maker, washing machines, traffic lights, vehicles etc.
require a certain amount of coding. I have always enjoyed problem solving and as a software
engineer, I will be able not only be able to solve problems I will also be able to create
applications that will help with solving problems
Keywords: JavaScript, Software Development, Java, Sql, Python, C++, Software,
Algorithms, Language, Code, Programming, Computer, Technology, Html, Cyber Security.
Running head: 4
Computer Software Engineer
“Everybody should learn to program a computer because it teaches you how to think.”
Jobs, S. (1995, April 20). Have you ever looked at your cell phone or T.V. or even your electric
toothbrush and wondered how it works? Wondered, how each little part separately wouldn’t
function but if they are connected together make the item work properly? As a Software
Engineer, there are two categories one will usually fall into, Systems Developer or Application
Developer. I will be focusing more on the Applications side of software engineering as that is the
specific field, I am interested in. I will be providing additional information, that will include but
is not limited to job tasks, salary range and training and education.
Job Description
Description
Software engineers design, develop and create software solutions and applications. A
large portion of their day is dedicated to working with code: writing, testing, deploying, and
maintaining it. They typically work on teams with other software engineers and developers and
are involved in every step of the software development life cycle (SDLC). Gupta, S. (2022,
October 21).
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Typical Job Tasks of a Software Engineer, Application Developer
Task One: Creating new software architecture
1. Have a clear understanding of your requirements
2. Start thinking about each component
3. Divide your architecture into slices
4. Prototype
5. Identify and quantify non-functional requirements
Task Two: Application Development
1. Build and maintain web and mobile applications for our organizationB
2. Collaborate with the rest of the team to ensure applications align with organizational
goals as well as customer needs
3. Oversee the performance of applications to ensure they’re always running properly
4. Improve our overall application development process and continuously find ways to
advance our apps
Task Three: Maintaining Cyber Security
1. Build software that fulfills specific needs
2. Find solutions to security threats, viruses, or errors that might hinder the performance of
applications.
3. Carry out regular security and performance checks
4. Remain current on technology trends to keep our software as innovative as possible
5. Stay on track of the application lifecycle to ensure necessary updates are completed on
time.
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Typical Job Advertisements
Software Engineer – Recent Graduate
Software Engineers at PayPal develop innovative solutions and high-quality products that
touch millions of people every day around the globe. Our engineers solve some of the most
complex technical problems in the world of connected payments across all business units,
including PayPal, Braintree, Venmo, Paydiant and others. We are looking for the highest levels
of technical talent and programming skills, as well as a keen desire to deeply understand our
products and services to push our technology forward with respect to functionality, performance,
reliability, and scalability.B
https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/recruiting/paypal/jobs/job/San-Jose-California-United-
States-of-America/Software-Engineer--Recent-Graduate_R0092213-1?source=JobBoardIndeed-
Organic
Sr. Software Engineer, JavaScript - VIPER
As a Sr. Software Engineer on the JavaScript Player-Platform team, you will develop
client-side libraries that are used by millions of people to stream Live, On-Demand, and
Recorded content on desktop web browsers, casting-enabled devices, and dozens of Smart TVs
and Set-Top Boxes.
https://jobs.comcast.com/jobs/description/tpx-jd-template?
external_or_internal=External&job_id=R341455&utm_medium=symphonytalent-
jobads&utm_campaign=Software%20Engineering&utm_content=Sr.%20Software%20Engineer,
%20JavaScript%20-
%20VIPER&utm_term=R341455&utm_source=Indeed&source=ind_spon_at
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Career Possibilities
Salary Range
According to salary information cited on Indeed, the average annual base software
engineer salary in the US is $117,120 (based on salary information last updated on the site on Jan
4, 2022). The average annual senior software engineer salary in the US is $147,338 (Indeed).
Total compensation (TC) for software engineers includes other components besides base salaries,
such as cash bonuses, stock options, allowances, etc. Software engineers continue to earn
handsome TC packages with several skilled software professionals bagging top-notch offers
from FAANG companies.
Types of Industries
Industry One: iGaming & Online Casinos
Gaming, online gambling and casinos, and everything related to these will never cease grasping
the attention of software developers, most users, and gamers. Of course, particular marketing
strategies draw people in, especially when using the money for entertainment and possible
winnings. This industry is popular because it regularly has a rising net worth, new traffic sources,
and a constant flow of new players and audiences.
Some tools and technologies used in iGaming and online casinos are HTML5, TLS (Transport
Layer Security), C#, C++, JavaScript, Java, and more.
Industry Two: Mobile App Development
Nowadays, everything we use and rely on depends on an app, so app development opens up
countless possibilities for devs and engineers with exciting ideas for apps that need execution.
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Whether we order food, call for a taxi, or anything else like leisure time spending - it is all
displayed and used on an app.
One look at the Play Store or the App Store, and you already know what you need to download
next or what will simplify your life and make chores or habits enjoyable.
Multiple industries are covered with apps, from education to health, beauty, editing, dating,
social media, purchasing, and more.
Some tools and technologies used in mobile app development are Jamf, Kobiton, Buddy,
Xamarin, Ionic, LongRange, Sencha, NativeScript, and more.
Industry Three: Web design and development
With recent advances in eCommerce, purchasing, and online shops, there are and will be more
jobs in the field of web design and overall web development.
Almost every web developer and software engineer has some knowledge and expertise with web
design or how elements are displayed on a page, so this means it’s not all just coding. There is a
creative visual side to software development too.
Some tools and technologies used in web design and development are jQuery, GitHub, Sublime
Text, Code Pen, TypeScript, NPM, Apache, Bootstrap, Virtual Studio Code, and more.
Geographic Locations
Location One: Dallas, Texas
Despite being known for its cultural activities, Dallas has become a business hub over the
years. With a population of 1.341 million, this modern metropolis is home to several technology
businesses and headquarters. The influx of software opportunities has given rise to the city's
recent technology boom.
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Location Two: Atlanta, Georgia
Not only is this southern city home to many top educational institutes, but it's also
evolved into one of the best places to start or advance your career as a software engineer. This is
because Atlanta has had a recent rise in technology companies, creating an information
technology cluster in the nation.
Preparation
Training
Having at least a bachelor's degree is an important first step to becoming a software engineer.
Programming and tech skills, knowledge of scripting and object-oriented language as well as a
curious nature and knack for problem-solving are also helpful. A portfolio that demonstrates
your coding abilities can show employers what experience you can bring to their company.
Morganelli, M. (2022, March 22).
Education
In addition to a bachelor's degreeBin software engineering, computer science, information
technology or another related field, a good command of programming and technical skills is a
must. “Knowing at least one scripting language, such as Python and JavaScript, and one object-
oriented language, such as Java or C++, is essential,” Frederick said. Frederick, C. (2022, March
22).
Work Experience
After reviewing several job advertisements most companies require quite a few years of
Software Engineering experience along with training in multiple fields and extensive knowledge
in programming.
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Fulfillment of Giftings (SWOT Analysis)
Giftings
Throughout most of my life I have always enjoyed and have a knack for computer
programming and software engineering, I pick up coding quickly and think outside of the box
which allows me to see patterns and sequences much quicker and to understand algorithms
better. I feel that I would be an asset to the software engineering industry.
Professional Need Analysis
There are quite a few main aspects that are required to be a good software engineer, like
the ability to analyze complex technical information, have good research skills, be an excellent
problem solver and have experience building software applications.
Gifting Gap Analysis
One of my biggest shortcomings in the field of software engineering is programming. A
large part of software engineering is programming and since I have not completed my bachelor’s
degree, yet, I am only a beginner, so I still have a lot to learn.
As a software engineer application developer, I will need to focus more of my studies on
the application side of the engineering. I will need to strengthen my studies and skill set in order
for me to be successful.
Kingdom Mission
Everything I do, I do it for the glorification of God’s kingdom. Through my studies and
skills, I have learned as a Software Engineer I want to help others learn about the grace and glory
of God. I am passionate about sharing the gospel of Christ with others and passionate about
software engineering and with the merging of the two I believe my gifts that God blessed me
with would allow me to be successful in both.
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Conclusion
The Software Engineering industry has become one of the fastest growing industries.
There are so many vast opportunities across many different career fields that require some sort of
software engineering. This industry is not only one of necessity it is also one of enjoyment. As I
continue my studies at Liberty University, I pray that I will be well equipped and prepared to be
a good Software Engineer.
Running head: 2
References
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Gruppetta, S. (2022, July 5). Steve Jobs 1995: "Everybody should learn to program a computer,
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program-a-computer-because-it-teaches-you-how
Gupta, S. (2022, October 21). 8 career paths for software engineers [2023 career guide].
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engineers
LinkedIn (Ed.). (2022). Application developer hiring guide | linkedin talent solutions.
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developer
Morganelli , M. (2022, March 22). How to become a software engineer. Southern New
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