Guide To A Software Engineer Career Path
Thinking of going down the software engineer career path? In this article, you will learn about the tasks, responsibilities, and required skills expected of a software engineer.
What does a software engineer do?
Software Engineers are primarily tasked to develop systems, applications, and software for businesses and organisations. Their goal is to use computer science principles to create software solutions that address the needs of these clients and customers. They use various technologies such as programming languages, frameworks, databases, and servers to transform a concept into a final product.
Depending on the organisation they work for, a software engineer may also be called a Software Developer. These terms are often used interchangeably. However, a Software Developer is typically in charge of the creative side of building the product. Meanwhile, the Software Engineer knows the whys and hows of the code. Essentially, the Software Engineer plans and designs the system that the developer puts together through code. The Software Engineer can also do both.
Since the industry and the needs of clients are ever-evolving, Software Engineers should also be able to keep up with the latest in software, web, and mobile app technologies.
A Software Engineer’s core responsibilities include:
- Researching, designing, and writing software programs and computer operating systems
- Studying and interpreting user requirements
- Specifying and writing down technical specifications
- Writing, testing, and editing codes, and collaborating with programmers, developers, and engineers for various projects
- Identifying areas of improvement in existing programs and applying modifications or upgrades as needed
- Connecting existing software systems and creating integrations for incompatible platforms
- Monitoring and fixing software issues as part of system maintenance
Salary Range
According to Jobstreet Salary Insights, the average salary of a Software Engineer in Malaysia is MYR 3,900 monthly, or MYR 46,800 annually.
The exact salary of a Software Engineer depends on the company, location, and industry of the employer. It also increases with years of experience, with 3-7 years going up to MYR 4,000 and 7 years or more up to MYR 4,700.
What is the career path of a software engineer?
There are many sub-industries and sub-fields that a Software Engineer can dip their toes into and establish their career in. This means that the career path of a Software Engineer is both flexible and favourable for specialisation.
For example, someone in this career path can start as Junior Software Engineers and get knowledge in both Front-End and Back-End Development. They can eventually combine these skills and progress as Full-Stack Engineers with their experience, then become Tech Leads at the Senior level.
Each company will have its own career roadmap or organisational structure. However, below is an example of a typical career path of a Software Engineer as they gain more experience.
Junior Level (1-3 years experience)
Mid Level (4-8 years experience)
Senior level (8 years or more)
- Tech Lead
- Technical Architect
- Chief Technology Officer/Chief System and Security Officer
What requirements do you need to become a software engineer?
Required skills
Different companies and industries will have different and more specific skill requirements. However, the following are some of the most commonly requested and most desirable skills for a Software Engineer.
Knowledge of programming languages
Software Engineers must be knowledgeable in different programming languages, such as JavaScript, Java, C#/.Net, C++, PHP, SQL, Python, and Ruby. A general understanding of multiple languages is recommended. Specialisation in two or more languages is also advisable later on.
Mathematics
Mathematics is the foundation of programming and software engineering. So, some sub-fields and disciplines may require some use of math.
Testing and debugging codes
Apart from writing codes, Software Engineers will be spending a lot of time testing and debugging their software, apps, or systems.
Other skills
Ability to work under pressure
With a constantly evolving industry and challenging work environment, Software Engineers must be able to stay motivated and focused to deliver client needs.
Communication skills
Software Engineers will benefit from the ability to explain the software or system and how it works in non-technical terms.
Teamwork
Software Engineers most likely work with developers, and non-technical team members on some projects.
Attention to detail
Coding, debugging, and testing software and systems will require focus and close attention to detail.
Problem-solving and analytical skills
Software Engineers must be able to identify pain points of users and design solutions. They must also be able to identify and solve problems from even the smallest of coding errors.
Educational background
A Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, IT/Information System, or Computer Science is necessary for Software Engineering jobs. Those with Postgraduate Degrees are often prioritised in many positions and sub-fields.
Required certification and training
To qualify as a Professional Engineer in Malaysia, Software Engineers must be certified by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM).
Upon receiving their graduate degree, they must register as Graduate Engineer with BEM. After obtaining at least three years of working experience — including a minimum of 1 year in Malaysia -- they can apply for Tier 1 - Professional Engineer (PE) to be considered as Professional Engineers. They must also have a minimum design experience of 6 months and a minimum site experience of 12 months.
Later, in their career, Software Engineers may decide to start an engineering consultancy practice. This requires the Tier 2 - Professional Engineer with Practicing Certificate (PEPC).
Both tiers will require a Professional Exam, but Tier 2 requires a separate exam called the Professional Competency Exam (PCE). After passing the exams, they can apply for Professional Engineer registration or Professional Engineer with Practicing Certificate with BEM.
Opportunities for Continuous Education
Pursuing further studies and training will definitely advance your career path as a Software Engineer. In fact, a Master’s Degree or PhD is necessary for many mid-level and senior-level positions. Some employers may also sponsor necessary training and courses to upgrade skills and knowledge on specific programming languages, platforms, and operating systems.
In addition, Tier 1 Professional Engineers must record 25 hours of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) every year, while Tier 2 Professional Engineers must log 50 hours of CPD annually. These include self-study, on the job training, workshops, lectures, and training courses.
How to write a software engineer resume?
YOUR FULL NAME Residence | Email address | Mobile number PROFESSIONAL SUMMARYSoftware Engineer with more than 5 years of experience. Highly proficient in PHP, Java, MySQL, .Net, Python, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Adept at managing teams and multiple projects. projects. Excellent communicator and driven to help businesses find effective software solutions for their needs and pain points.WORK EXPERIENCE[Company Name]Full Stack DeveloperFebruary 2018 – November 2020
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Download the Software Engineer resume template here
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