How to Become a Software Engineer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ever wondered who’s behind the apps you use every day, like Instagram, Spotify, or Netflix? That’s the work of Software Engineers!

It’s an incredibly rewarding career where you get to create and innovate with technology every single day and get paid very well to do it.

Thinking of taking this up for a career? Well, good news, because in this guide, I’ll pull back the curtains for you and show you exactly what it takes to become a Software Engineer and answer important questions like:

• Do you need a degree to get started or get hired? Nope
• Are there job opportunities? Yep... 356,881 in the US alone
• How much does it pay? A lot!... $147,524 is the average of those available jobs

I’ll also cover exactly what a Software Engineer does, the skills required in the role, and how to get the experience you need to land a job.

So that by the end of this guide, you can get started right away, and have a step-by-step career path to follow.

Why listen to me?

Hi, my name is Andrei Neagoie, and I’m the lead instructor of Zero To Mastery Academy. I’ve taught more than 1,000,000 students worldwide how to get into tech, many of whom now work for world-class companies like Apple, Google, Amazon, Tesla, IBM, Meta, Shopify, and many more.

Before that, I worked as a Senior Software Developer in Silicon Valley and Toronto for years, working with Fortune 500 companies and tech startups.

Fun fact but I’m also self-taught, so I know what it’s like when you’re planning to get into and learn tech for a new career. With that in mind, I’ll make sure to break this guide down into simple steps so you can take action ASAP, and not have any lingering questions.

So let’s get into it.

What is a Software Engineer and what do they do?

A Software Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains software applications and systems.

• Software Applications are the programs you interact with daily. Things like Instagram, Spotify, or the less sexy but equally as important, Microsoft Word
• Software Systems are the behind-the-scenes frameworks that keep everything running smoothly. This includes operating systems like Windows or macOS that manage your computer’s resources, databases like MySQL that store and organize data, and networks that allow different devices to communicate with each other

Sometimes, software can be both an application and a system.

For example

A self-checkout system at a supermarket is both an application and a system.

It acts as a user-facing application for customers to scan and pay for their items, providing an interactive interface.

Simultaneously, it handles backend tasks such as updating inventory levels, processing transactions securely, and communicating with other systems like inventory management and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems.

The different types of Software Engineers

Now, don’t worry if that seems like a lot, as not every Software Engineer works on all of this. (At least not at first anyway). They either stick to one area of focus or expand their skills over time.

Here are the most popular [types of Software Engineers:

• Front-End Engineers: Focus on the user interface and user experience, ensuring applications are visually appealing and easy to use
• Back-End Engineers: Handle the server side of applications, managing databases, server logic, and ensuring everything works behind the scenes
• Full-Stack Engineers: These are skilled in both front-end and back-end development, capable of working on any part of the application
• Mobile Engineers: Develop applications specifically for mobile platforms like iOS and Android
• DevOps Engineers: Focus on automating and streamlining the software development process, ensuring continuous integration and delivery

For example

If we look at the same self-checkout machine again, we can see how different Software Engineers might be used.

• Front-End Engineers: Design the user interface that customers interact with to scan and pay for their items
• Back-End Engineers: Manage the databases that store transaction data and ensure the secure processing of payments
• Full-Stack Engineers: Could work on both the front-end user interface and the back-end systems, ensuring the entire self-checkout system functions seamlessly
• Mobile Engineers: Create mobile apps that might integrate with the self-checkout system, such as a store’s app that allows customers to scan items and pay directly from their phones
• DevOps Engineers: Automate and streamline the development and deployment process, ensuring continuous integration and delivery for system updates

Starting with front-end development is common, and then engineers often expand their skills to full-stack and later specialize based on their interests and career goals.

This is why when we break down the steps later on how to become a Software Engineer, I’ll show you how to become a Front-End Software Engineer first so you can get hired ASAP and get paid.

Then in the next steps, I’ll walk you through what to do to move into full-stack and any of these other more niched-down roles and earn even more money.

Is Software Engineering a good career choice?

Yep!

The global Software Engineering market size was valued at approximately $142.1 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% from 2024 to 2032, reaching $255 billion by 2032​

Just a cool $100 billion difference in the next decade.

This is partly driven by the increasing adoption of cloud-based services, digital transformation initiatives across industries, and the rising demand for automation and integrated solutions.

As for jobs? At the time of writing, there are currently 356,881 Software Engineering jobs available in the US right now on ZipRecruiter.

So a lot of opportunities right now, and even more over the next 10 years. Oh, and did I mention that the pay is fantastic?

What is the average Software Engineer's salary?

If we look at the average salary of those 356,000 jobs on offer, it works out to around $147,524 per year.

However, just be aware that this can vary based on location and experience. Jobs at companies in high-tech areas such as Silicon Valley can pay a lot more.

For example

Here we can see a Senior Software Engineering position that’s available at Apple:

$296,000 a year! Not bad at all.

Also, be aware that some specializations, as well as full-stack and senior roles, can all pay substantially more - regardless of where you are in the country.

Do I need a degree to become a Software Engineer?

Nope! Some big tech companies may ask for a degree, but most of them don’t care. All they care about is that you can do the job, and have a portfolio of work to prove it.

For example

Here’s another Software Engineering job at Apple that's open right now, for a front-end position.

Bear in mind that this is a job post for one of the biggest tech companies in the world, with some of the most strict hiring requirements, and they don’t care if you have a degree.

Sidenote: Also, they don’t really care if you have X years of experience either. It’s here more as a placeholder. They just want people with the same skill level as what a 4+ year Software Engineer might have. If you can prove you have those skills, then you’ll get hired.

This is why we’ve had brand new engineers get hired at places like Tesla or Google - because their course projects and portfolios are at such a high level.

Speaking of skills - let’s take a look at what else you’ll need to know.

What skills do I need to become a Software Engineer?

Becoming a Software Engineer requires a mix of technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and soft skills.

I’ll go into more detail in a second, when we look at the career path steps, but here’s a rough overview:

• Proficiency in Programming Languages: You should be skilled in languages such as Python, Java, C++, JavaScript, or Ruby. Although to get started you only need the one language, which I’ll share soon
• Understanding Data Structures and Algorithms: You need to understand arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, hash tables, trees, graphs, and algorithms for sorting and searching. This is the theory covered in CS degrees but required for job interviews
• Familiarity with Software Development Tools: You should be comfortable using integrated development environments (IDEs), version control systems like Git, and build tools
• Operating Systems Understanding: You should have a good grasp of how different operating systems work, particularly Linux, as many development environments are Linux-based
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: You need strong critical thinking skills, the ability to debug and troubleshoot issues, and algorithmic thinking to solve complex problems efficiently
• Soft Skills: Effective communication, teamwork, adaptability, and time management are essential
• Continuous Learning: Staying updated with the latest technologies, frameworks, and best practices through continuous learning and professional development is vital. Obtaining relevant certifications or completing courses can enhance your knowledge and credentials
• Creativity: Innovative thinking and approaching problems from different angles are important for designing effective solutions
• Web Development Skills: If you’re focusing on web applications, knowledge of front-end technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and back-end frameworks (Node.js, Django, Ruby on Rails) is crucial
• Database Management Knowledge: You need to know SQL and NoSQL databases, and be able to design, implement, and query databases efficiently. However, this is more for when you’re working on the back-end or full-stack
• Mobile Development Skills: For mobile engineers, expertise in Swift or Objective-C for iOS, and Kotlin or Java for Android development is important

Notice though that some of those skills vary depending on where you want to focus. The career path to the front-end is quite short.

Speaking of time frames. Let’s break down how long it takes to learn all this.

How long does it take to become a Software Engineer?

It depends on how far you want to dive into the career.

I’ll break down the exact time frames during the steps in a second, but if you want to follow the path I’m about to share, then you would be looking at around:

• 6 months to learn everything you need to become a Front-End Engineer, and then 1-2 months of applying for jobs
• If you then continue to learn to become Full-Stack, you would be looking at another 6 months
• Then if you want to niche down further, it can vary but around 1-3 months

This is based on the average completion time of our students, when completing the training that we have in each of these areas. Some people do it much quicker. Others take longer based on the time they can dedicate each week.

So 6 months to learn, 1-2 months to get hired, and 6-9 months more to specialize further and take on more senior roles for even more money.

So let’s walk you through the steps.

How to become a Software Engineer

This process basically breaks down into 3 core parts:

• Get hired ASAP: Start with front-end software engineering to quickly get into the job market and gain practical experience
• Ongoing path to full-stack: As you gain confidence and experience, expand your skill set to include backend technologies and system design
• Specialization: Finally, decide on a niche based on your interests and career goals

As we go through each, I’ll explain why they’re important, how long they take to learn, and how to learn them.

Step #1. Set yourself up for success

This first step is completely optional but highly recommended, because here’s the thing:

• Most people don’t know how to learn effectively
• Most people don’t know how to use AI tools correctly

If you can learn both of these, then not only will you learn faster for every new skill moving forward, but you can also implement systems to help you code easier.

Learning how to learn

Estimated Time Required For This Step: 5 days.

It seems insane to say, but schools are not great at teaching people.

They focus on memorization techniques, which are proven not to be that effective long term. The thing is, there are multiple different learning techniques that you can use that make all of your future learning efforts far more effective. This means that if you know the techniques, you can understand faster and more efficiently, so less back and forth.

I know it might feel like a step backward or even a detour, but think about it like this:

• You can learn the core principles in a few days and then immediately start putting them into practice
• You're going to learn everything else from now on 2x faster and retain way more as well
• This is a skill that you can keep developing over time and will serve you for your entire career, guaranteed

Bear in mind that there are a lot of different languages and frameworks that you need to learn if you want to go full-stack, specialize, or move into more senior roles.

So why not learn how to cut down on that time, improve your comprehension, and pick up skills faster and easier first? The time and energy savings will seriously compound as you go through the rest of the content you need to learn.

Learn how to learn more efficiently here.

Learn the basics of Prompt Engineering

Estimated Time Required For This Step: 24 days.

More and more companies are asking for experience with generative AI tools like ChatGPT in their job interviews nowadays. The reason for this is that if you can use these effectively, you can work far more effectively than the average person.

This makes you an incredibly desirable hire vs your peers. Not only that, but it can make your life far easier also.

For example

We did a survey of AI tools and their usage in the tech industry and found that some people were being assisted with 30-80% of their work with these tools.

Again, this is a bonus step but if you learn this first, you can then apply it to every language or task you have moving forward. Once you pick up these skills, it’s insane how much more productive you can be.

You still need to learn to code and how to do the job, but once you understand your role, you can then start to streamline and apply these tools correctly.

Learn Prompt Engineering here.

Step #2. Learn your first programming language

Estimated Time Required For This Step: 90 days.

There are a few different language options that you can use as a Software Engineer, such as Python, Java, C++, or JavaScript.

However, because we’re going to focus on becoming a Front-End Engineer and hired ASAP, we are going to learn JavaScript.

There are a few reasons for this:

• It’s used in a lot of front-end development
• It’s also fairly easy to learn (one of two languages we recommend beginners start with)
• It’s also used on the back-end for full-stack, depending on the frameworks you use

The course above will also teach your CSS, HTML, as well as some Node.js and SQL which is what you might use on the backend, so it’s the perfect starting point for your coding journey.

Sidenote: Although the course is called Web Development, there is a large overlap between Front-End Web Dev and Front-End Software Engineering. Hence why if you learn the skills in this, you can work in either role.

Learn to code here.

Step #3. Learn about Data Structures and Algorithms

Estimated Time Required For This Step: 90 days.

Remember how I said that tech companies don’t care if you have a degree? The reason for this is two things:

• They want to see that you have the relevant skills in a portfolio (more in the next step)
• They also do interviews differently to most other jobs

I’ve covered this in more detail in this guide here, but basically, they interview in stages, with observed technical testing to prove you can actually do what they are hiring for.

It can vary from company to company, but the tech interview process looks like this:

• Basic coding assessment. After applying, some companies will send you a basic coding assessment test. This is a filter to see if it’s worth spending time on a technical interview
• Technical interview. If you impress the company, you’ll be asked to take a live interview where you are asked specific technical questions. These are usually around Data Structures and Algorithms, as well as any specific languages that are used in the position. You’re given either one large technical question or several smaller ones and are asked to solve these live while being observed and under a time limit
• Paid test. If you pass the coding ‘test’, some companies will send you a final check to see how you work. This stage is usually a paid assignment to perform a task that would replicate your day-to-day experience. They’re basically seeing that you can follow through and complete the work assigned. (Being able to do the task and being able to deliver on time are very different)
• The behavioral interview. If you pass all of the above, you’ll be invited to meet the team for a final check to make sure you mesh with the people. Usually, an onsite meet and greet

So as you can see, the hiring process is quite different from what you’ve done before for other jobs. However, it does mean you can skip 4 years of college and $200,000 in school fees.

The only real stalling point here is the Data Structures and Algorithms, which is why you need to learn these next before you apply for jobs. Not only that, but this will give you some solid Computer Science theory that you’ll need as you move into full-stack and more senior roles later on.

You can learn all you need to know about Data Structures and Algorithms here.

Step #4. Get job ready

It's almost time to apply for some Front-End Software Engineering jobs.

However, before you can apply, you want to make the best first impression that you can, and that involves a few things:

• Make sure that your LinkedIn profile looks professional and up to date. Even if you don't use the platform to apply for jobs, potential employers may look there to check you out. Not to mention, you can even get approached by headhunters and get job offers without you even applying!
• Create a one-page resume for applications. Some will ask you to submit it when you apply online, so get one made
• Create a portfolio of your project work. Companies are going to want proof that you can do the work required, so it’s important to have a portfolio of projects you’ve completed. (You should have completed some during the coding training in Step 2 that you can share here)
• Bonus: Some sites will possibly ask you to attach a cover letter of why you want to work there. It's not all the time, but just be aware that if they give the option, you should write a custom one each time

The good news?

Fellow ZTM instructor Dan Schifano goes through all of this in detail in his course on personal branding, including how to set up a professional portfolio that stands out amongst your peers. (As well as some other great tips to help you stand out even further).

Estimated Time Required For This Step: 10 days.

Take that course and follow the steps to build your portfolio and LinkedIn profile here.

Step #5. Apply for jobs

Alright, now it's time to apply for jobs and get hired!

Trust me, you'll never feel 100% ready but if you've followed along so far, you are ready to start working in the real-world. If you're anxious then understand this: The simple truth is that you don't need to know every detail about everything to get hired.

In fact, you'll pick up a lot of skills and experience simply by doing the job. It's about having the requirements to get started, and you already have that so start applying already!

I shared this guide earlier on applying for tech roles, but here are a few extra tips also:

Tech jobs are more than just tech skills

In addition to the technical know-how that you’ve built up through courses and certifications, interviewers will be evaluating your soft skills.

• Be prepared with examples showing how you’ve collaborated with co-workers or led teams or projects in the past
• Be able to explain the decisions you made for the projects in your portfolio and discuss various trade-offs that you made
• Make sure to demonstrate strong communication skills in writing and during the interviews (whether virtual or in-person). Even very basic things like using proper grammar and having no spelling mistakes, sending a thank you email within 24 hours of your interview, etc

Have specific examples of how you’ve solved problems

Software Engineers do a lot of troubleshooting and problem-solving during their normal work, so be prepared to talk through a situation or two where you saved the day by solving a complex or business-critical problem.

If you don’t have work-related examples, share stories from school or community projects.

The usual interview prep

Like any other kind of interview, it’s always good to:

• Research the company. Learn what you can about their Software Engineering needs and why they’re hiring for your role
• Learn what you can about the people you’ll be interviewing with, and what their potential areas of focus will be. You can always ask when they offer the interview, and they will happily let you know
• Practice, practice, practice. Do a mock interview with friends or family, or even just interview yourself, speaking your answers out loud. It’s amazing the difference this makes, and how much more polished you’ll be on the big day
• Be on time (or even a little bit early) for the interview
• Dress the part. Figure out the “norm” for the company’s culture (jeans and T-shirt or more professional?) and dress to fit in. If you’re unsure, err on the side of dressing “up"

Do all this, and you’ll smash the interview and get the job.

Estimated Time Required For This Step: Usually somewhere between 1-6 months given all the potential factors, multiple applications, time to hear back, etc.

Step #6. The path to Full-Stack Software Engineer

By this point, you should have already been hired as a Front-End Engineer - congratulations!

However, you can make a lot more money and open up more job opportunities if you carry on learning, so let’s cover what you need to become full-stack, and then further niche down.

(You don’t need to do this right away. Just so you’re aware of what you’ll need to do when you decide to take the next step in your career).

Learn SQL

Estimated Time Required For This Step: 45 days

SQL (Structured Query Language) is essential for Back-end Software Engineering.

Any application or software that has products, account numbers, or customer information will use this. SQL allows you to interact with databases, retrieve and manipulate data and is foundational for any backend or full-stack developer.

Learn SQL here.

Go FAANG level into algorithms

**Estimated Time Required For This Step: ** 45 days

Advanced algorithmic questions and system design are often required for senior roles or interviews at big tech companies, such as those in the FAANG (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google) group.

Mastering these concepts will not only prepare you for high-level interviews and help you get hired at these companies, but it will also improve your problem-solving skills and enable you to write more efficient, scalable code.

Learn the more advanced Data Structure and Algorithm principles here, and get hired at FAANG.

Learn System Design

Estimated Time Required For This Step: 40 days

System design involves understanding how different components of an application interact, how to handle large volumes of data, and how to ensure reliability and performance, and is an essential skill for advancing to senior or full-stack positions.

For full-stack positions, understanding system design is crucial. This knowledge allows you to architect large-scale applications, ensuring they are robust, scalable, and maintainable.

Learn System Design here.

Step #7. Specialize further

By this point you’re ready to apply for full-stack positions.

However, some of them might want specific niche specialization, depending on where you apply.

Depending on where you want to focus, the skills can vary, but just so you have a rough idea.

Specializing in Web-based software and applications

**Estimated Time Required For This Step: **45 days

There are a few different languages and frameworks you might want to pick up, such as Vue.js, Angular, or React. Each of these is widely used in the industry and can significantly enhance your web development skills.

• Vue.js is known for its simplicity and flexibility
• Angular offers a comprehensive solution for large-scale applications, and
• React is celebrated for its efficiency and strong community support

Click any of the links above to check them out.

If you’re not sure which to learn, React is always a good choice. Alternatively, take a look at any company you want to work for and see what languages and frameworks they are using.

Each of these takes around the same amount of time to learn, but better to learn the one you want for the specific company you want to be hired at.

Specializing in Mobile Applications

Estimated Time Required For This Step: 40 days

When it comes to mobile, you’ll be building for iOS or Android, and there are a couple of options for what you can learn:

• Swift is essential for iOS development, particularly if you aim to work at companies like Apple
• Kotlin is the preferred language for modern Android development
• Flutter allows you to build beautiful native applications for both iOS and Android using a single codebase
• Probably the best option though would be React Native. (The mobile framework of React). Just like Flutter, it allows for cross-platform development with a single codebase. Not only that, but it’s similar to JavaScript skills, reducing development costs, and providing near-native performance

React Native is a good choice if you plan to build apps for both platforms without having to learn both Swift and Kotlin. It’s also used by a lot of companies.

Specializing in DevOps

Estimated Time Required For This Step: 73 days (All 3 courses combined)

DevOps focuses on automating and streamlining the software development process, ensuring continuous integration and delivery. By specializing in DevOps, you’ll be able to handle the deployment and management of applications, ensuring they run smoothly and efficiently.

Here are the key skills you’ll need:

• Learn Linux: Mastery of Linux operating systems, command-line tools, and system administration is foundational for DevOps roles
• Learn Terraform: Terraform is essential for Infrastructure as Code (IaC), enabling you to manage cloud resources efficiently
• Learn BASH: Proficiency in BASH scripting allows you to automate tasks and manage configurations effectively

You’ll need to learn all three of these to get a good understanding and move into DevOps.

So what are you waiting for? Get started today!

So there you have it - the entire roadmap to becoming a Software Engineer within the next 6 months, or sooner, as well as a path to continue your career after that.

Software Engineering is a great career to get into right now, with high demand (over 356,00 jobs in the US alone!), a great salary, and interesting topics to learn.

It’s fairly easy to pick up as a beginner and has a large overlap with Web Development- meaning you’ll open up even more opportunities if needed - and that’s just by the end of Step #2!

All you have to do now is simply start learning and follow the path. 6 months will pass either way. But your career could look very different if you set your mind to it.

P.S.

We cover almost all of the languages and courses mentioned in this list inside of the Zero To Mastery Academy:

• Learning to Learn
• Prompt Engineering
• Complete Web Development
• Data structures and algorithms
• Personal branding and portfolio creation
• SQL + Databases
• FAANG level Data Structure and Algorithms
• System Design and Architecture
• React
• Angular
• Vue.js
• React Native
• Linux
• Terraform
• Bash (Bourne Again Shell)
• And more!

(The only things we’re missing are Swift and Kotlin).

This means that if you become a member, then you have access to all of these courses right away and will have everything you need in one place.

Plus, as part of your membership, you'll get to join me and 1,000s of other people (some who are alumni mentors and others who are taking the same courses that you will be) in the ZTM Discord.

Ask questions, help others, or just network with other Software Engineers, students, and tech professionals.

Make today the day you take a chance on YOU. There's no reason why you couldn't be applying for Software Engineering jobs just 6 months from now.

So what are you waiting for 😀? Come join me and get started on becoming a Software Engineer today!