Software Development is witnessing an exponential rise these days, thanks to the advent of innumerable technologies. Recent trends and career studies show that the emergency of modern technology would be the catalyst for the pressing need for jobs in the software development domain.
Since with every passing second, a majority of organizations are starting to embrace high-end technology which in turn opens vast opportunities for software developers.
Do you love software development and looking forward to joining the out-of-the-box profession? Scroll down the page and get updated with the list of the 15 best career options to go for. Here, we go!
Why Software Development is still a great career choice?
Planning to pursue your career in Software Development? Congratulations, the outlook is very bright. According to the recent study conducted by BLS, jobs in this industry are anticipated to grow by 22% in the years ahead.
Skeptical about this career option? Hang on, because, here we have mentioned some of the exciting reasons that make Software Development worthy of consideration. Let’s get started!
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1. It is the fastest-growing field with lots of career opportunities
The very first reason to go for Software Development is that it one of the rapidly growing fields and boasts innumerable job opportunities. Studies and statistics show that about 250,000 software development jobs are already unfilled in the US and this number is going to rise by 2026. Therefore, it comes with lots of opportunities for skilled developers worldwide.
2. Mind-Boggling number of career options
When it comes to Software Development, the career options are endless. One cannot just try for becoming a Software Developer but can go for various other opportunities like Software Tester, Data Scientist, Graphics Developer, and many more to count.
Moreover, there is typically room for advancement within software development. Starting as an entry-level, one can advance into senior positions.
3. You can get into software development without any college degree
Yet another best reason to pursue Software Development as a career option is that it comes with no barriers. There is no need to get a specific college degree to join this profession.
Willingness to learn is the first and foremost criteria to get these jobs. Just undergo training or a related course and get started with much ease and comfort. A college degree comes at the bottom, making the course and training much more important.
4. This career choice is highly flexible
Who on this planet doesn’t love flexibility? Software Development career is flexible in nature and thus allows you to work remotely as well as from the office, depending on the work conditions.
In addition to this, the career path of Software Development is constantly changing with dozens of programming languages being used.
What growth opportunities are available as a Software Developer?
Software Developer is a flexible career path and boasts tons of growth opportunities for professionals; however, one needs to be skillful enough to grab the right set of circumstances.
Being a software developer, you can start your career as an entry-level programmer but will then go for several advancements such as chief information officer, project manager, and so on.
The outstanding outsourcing job opportunities of software development is another plus point. The software developer outsourcing rates, remuneration, and demand are most attractive and trending in the current market. If you have enough potential, then you can also go for system designers and independent consultants or freelancers.
List of career options available in Software Development
So, finally, you have decided to go for Software Development but confused about what career option to choose from? Fret not, as we’ve got you covered with the list of the top 15 job opportunities. Take a look!
1. Web Developer
One of the leading career opportunities to go for, Web Developer mainly specializes in creating worldwide web applications by using a client-server model.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Optimizing websites for maximum accuracy.
- Conducts website testing.
- Integrating client CMS program into websites.
- Designing responsive landing pages.
Skills Required
- Must be well-versed with HTML, PHP, JavaScript, CSS, and other relevant web coding languages.
- Detail-oriented and boosts problem-solving skills.
2. Mobile Developer
As the name implies, Mobile Developers are experts in mobile technology and mainly build applications for Android, Apple, and Microsoft Windows platforms.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Mobile app coding, testing, and debugging.
- Develop fully-functional mobile applications.
- Recommending changes to software applications.
Skill Required
- In-depth knowledge of at least one of the programming languages.
- Familiarity with OOP design concepts.
- Must be aware of third-party libraries and APIs.
3. Desktop Developer
Desktop Developer mainly refers to a programmer who writes codes for the desktop application programs that run natively on the operating system.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Develop software for cross-platform compatibility.
- Execute security and data protection.
- Optimize the existing applications to maximize scalability.
- Test and debug custom programming.
Skills Required
- Logical thinkers.
- Problem-solvers.
- Detail-oriented and patient.
- Able to code.
4. Game Developer
Yet another prominent and rapidly growing career option, Game Developer mainly brings an idea of gaming into reality in the fast-moving environment.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Generates game scripts and storyboards.
- Animates characters and objects.
- Carry out the validation process to assure quality.
- Contributes to the design and audio features of the game.
- Construct the base on which the game will run.
Skills Required
- Hands-on experience with C++ and other programming languages.
- High-level information of APIs and libraries.
- Well-versed with the latest gaming trends and technology.
5. Front-End Developer
A front-end developer is a person who basically executes the web designs and converts data into the graphical interface by using the coding languages.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Create new user-facing features.
- Ensures the technical feasibility of UX designs.
- Develop reusable libraries and codes for future use.
Skills Required
- Understanding of the web markup, including CSS3 and HTML5.
- Basic knowledge of client-side scripting.
- Must be aware of the server-side platforms.
6. Backend Developer
Yet another Software Development career option is the Backend Developer. They usually write the web services and APIs used by mobile applications and front-end developers.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Focuses on coding and debugging.
- Collaborate with front-end developers.
- Troubleshoot and debug applications.
Skills Required
- Must be proficient in the front-end languages such as HTML and CSS.
- Good knowledge of CMS.
- Critical thinker.
- Knowledge of the programming languages such as Python, Ruby, Java, etc.
7. Full-Stack Developer
Full-stack Developer, as the name suggests, creates both client and server software. They are proficient in both front and back-end coding.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Monitor the responsiveness of the website.
- Work along with the graphic designers.
- Creates front-ed website architecture.
- Cater to both technical and clients’ needs.
Skills Required
- Knowledge of the front-end languages such as CSS, JavaScript, HTML, etc.
- Familiarity with database technology such as Oracle, MongoDB, and MySQL.
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8. Graphics Developer
Also known as the Graphics programmer, this career option has a bright scope in the video game industry where they can help in developing creative applications.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Debug the engine-level code.
- Work with the existing graphics engine.
- Create new graphic technologies.
- Optimize the graphical features.
Skills Required
- Ability to create 3D models using scripts.
- Understanding of rendering algorithms.
- Knowledge of Graphics APIs.
9. Quality Assurance Developer
One of the fastest-growing job opportunities, Quality Assurance Developer is usually hired to monitor every single phase of development and ensures that software must adhere to the final requirements.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Create test plans.
- Identify potential problems and resolve them.
- Review user interface for added functionality.
Skills Required
- Must be a team player.
- Excellent verbal communication skills.
- Time management skills.
10. Software Tester
Not interested in coding? Software Tester might work best for you! This career option offers a great opportunity to work on new and existing projects.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Implement all levels of testing, be it system, integration, and regression.
- Renders support and documentation.
- Offers timely solutions.
- Track software defects and fix them.
Skills Required
- Ability to handle multiple tasks.
- Critical thinker and problem-solver.
- Experience in data analysis.
11. Data Scientist
A recent addition to Software Development career opportunities, Data Scientist is an exciting option to go for.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Acquire, process, and clean the available data.
- Apply data science techniques.
- Measure the outcomes and try to improvise the same.
- Present results to the stakeholders.
Skills Required
- Well-versed with machine learning.
- Can analyze large datasets.
- Have a proficient knowledge of the latest technology like AI, SE, etc.
12. DevOps Developer
DevOps mainly bridges the gap between developers and IT staff and mainly deploys the new modules in the production environment.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Oversees the code releases.
- Ability to maintain continuous integration.
- Choose the technologies which fit the business needs.
Skills Required
- Must be well-versed with DevOps tools and technologies.
- Knowledge about Linux fundamentals and scripting.
- Proficient in soft skills.
13. Big Data Developer
One of the latest and outstanding career options in Software Development is the Big Data Developer. If you love programming, this might be the best choice for you.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Develop codes and programming of Hadoop applications.
- Maintains data security of HBase.
Skills Required
- Knowledge of Hadoop-based technologies.
- Must have business knowledge.
14. Embedded Developer
The embedded Developer is the one who is responsible for implementing and executing the complete embedded software development cycle.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Review code and design.
- Access the open-source software.
- Validate new product designs.
Skills Required
- Solid experience in C and C++.
- Familiarity with software configuration management tools.
15. Security Developer
Love resolving security issues? Opt for the Security Developer option and look at the software designs from a security perspective.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Develop secure software tools.
- Implement advanced software security techniques.
- Build prototype solutions.
Skills Required
- Knowledge about Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing.
- Coding experience and information about security software.
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The final words
This is it! Select any of the above-mentioned career options and follow your passion on the go.
Web developer and SEO specialist with 20+ years of experience in open-source web development, digital marketing, and search engine optimization. He is also the moderator of this blog "RS Web Solutions (RSWEBSOLS)".
