Software Developer
A software developer designs, builds, and maintains software programs that meet user needs. Developers work on software or mobile apps that allow users to use digital tools for different purposes (for example, digitizing an activity or using a service). A developer knows one or more programming languages.
Salary
The salary of a software developer can vary depending on the level of experience and the conditions of employment.
Working hours
Variable, depending on the employer and project.
Remote work possibility
Yes, at least partly, depending on the employer.
Types of employers
In Romania, a software developer can work in different ways:
As part of the IT team of a company, public institution, or non-governmental organization. These companies or organizations can be IT service providers, or they can work in other fields but with digital needs.
As a freelance developer, creating personal projects or working based on service contracts.
Responsibilities
Write the source code of the software, turning features into a proper programming language.
Talk with clients or employers to understand their needs, program specifications, and project feasibility considering time and costs.
Deploy the program into production after completion and testing.
Find and fix errors that appear during development or after launch.
Provide continuous maintenance of the program, depending on client/employer requests.
Create technical documentation for the program.
In some cases, collaborate with a larger team to build the program.
Sources: (1) + (2) + (5)
Skills
Technical skills
Strong knowledge of programming.
Ability to write, test, and maintain working code.
Ability to use code management and sharing platforms such as GitHub.
Understanding of the math needed for programming.
Analytical and cognitive skills
Logical and analytical thinking for problem-solving.
Attention to detail and accuracy in program development.
Creativity in finding the best technical solutions.
Ability to adapt and learn new languages or technologies.
Communication skills
Ability to communicate clearly, including with clients/employers without technical knowledge.
Ability to collaborate effectively in a larger team with different roles (for example, UX/UI designers, product managers).
Organizational skills
Understanding of resource limits (people, cost, time) in project development.
Ability to estimate the needed resources for projects.
Adaptability to changing requirements and technologies.
Perseverance in program maintenance and fixing errors.
Ability to work under pressure.
Sources: (2) + (3) + (5)
Qualifications
A person who wants to become a software developer is recommended to:
Hold a university degree (bachelor’s or master’s) in one or more IT-related fields. Examples include:
Computer science
Mathematics
Engineering
This qualification can be a competitive advantage, but the job is also possible without it, as long as the person has solid programming knowledge. These skills can be learned through non-university courses or self-study, but they must be proven to potential employers through work samples.
Sources: (2) + (3)
What else you can do
Join internships or practice programs in IT companies or organizations that involve software development.
Get involved in university projects or collaborations with local companies or NGOs that require coding.
Take part in hackathons or programming competitions, local or online.
Attend online courses, workshops, webinars, and IT conferences.
Build personal projects (web apps, mobile apps, games) that can be used to create a personal portfolio.
Sources: (2) + (3) + (4)
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