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5 tips on how to become a Software Developer

Sigma School
7th February 2024

Do you have a smartphone app that you rely on for your daily activities? A program you use to make your work tasks easier? Or a game that you love playing and spending hours on? Well, if you didn’t know, software developers are the masterminds of all of these products.

Software developers also referred to as programmers, software engineers and coders are the people responsible in creating all the computer programs that exists in this digital world that we live in. They build, deploy and maintain software systems that we all use on a daily basis which has significantly impacted our lives to be more convenient and enjoyable.

From creating programs and applications that simplify tasks, solve real-world issues, allow worldwide communication and so much more. Software developers have without a doubt made all our lives a much more comfortable place to live in – allowing us to evolve into a modern world.

The tech industry boomed during the COVID-19 pandemic and is forecasted to rapidly grow due to increasing use of technology. As the world becomes ever more digital, the demands of skilled individuals in this industry will continue to surge.

If you are interested in becoming a software developer, now is an especially perfect time to learn the required skills and break into the tech industry.

Here are 5 tips on how you can become a software developer:

1. Learn to code

The first step to becoming a software developer is of course, learning to code. You can learn to code by self-learning through online resources or enroll in a coding course. Despite popular belief, you don’t need a computer science university degree to become a software developer. Software developers without university degrees are actually more common than you think. There is a significant population of software developers in the industry who are self-taught and have learned the required skills through coding courses or bootcamps. The best companies will hire you based on your skills and knowledge and not just because you have a formal degree.

2. Build your portfolio

One of the most important things to have as a software developer is a solid portfolio. A portfolio is a way for you to showcase your personality, what skills you have and what type of projects you have done. Having a personal portfolio will help you prove your skillsets and establish credibility. Having a portfolio is essential to help you get hired by prospective employers and land you a job as a software developer.

3. Learn programming languages

There are many different types of programming languages out there. Learn programming languages according to specialisations that you are interested in. If you want to be a frontend web developer then you should have a comprehensive understanding in languages like HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Having a better understanding of programming languages will allow you to write cleaner and optimised codes for your programs and applications to run better!

4. Find a community

Joining a software developer community is a great way for you to learn from others, share your knowledge, solve problems together and network. Being a part of a community will be able to provide you the support that you need – especially if you are a newbie in the industry. Communities also provide the space to share events, workshops, and online resources that are beneficial for anyone within the industry. Connecting with other programmers and tech professionals may even open your doors to a wide range of work and project opportunities out there. Alternatively, you can also find partners if you have a project you want to build.

5. Gain experience

Once you have learned how to code, it is important to seek out intern and entry level positions or partake in projects that will help you gain the experience you need to become a software developer. However, experience does not necessarily mean an actual full-time job. Build projects and enroll in coding challenges online to practice your skills and showcase your talents.

Just like how anyone can code, anyone can become a software developer if they want to! Breaking into the tech industry is a great way to future proof your career. If you are still unsure of whether you should get into the tech industry, check out 5 reasons why you should not miss this opportunity to get into tech.

Becoming a software developer provides numerous benefits for your personal development and not to mention, the high paying salary, remote working ability and having the chance to impact the lives of others positively. As tech continues to evolve and grow rapidly, the demands for software developers will stay.

Take the next step toward your career

At Sigma School, we offer a Complete Software Development Programme that will equip you with all the skills and knowledge you need to be able to get a junior level position in the tech industry. With this course, you will be able to learn a wide range of programming languages and utilize the tech stacks that are currently used in the industry to keep you ahead of the game.

Let us help you get started on your journey to becoming a software developer at the #1 online live coding bootcamp in Malaysia.

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