1 Becoming a successful software engineer

From the outside, the software industry looks very compelling if you think about it: many countries have no unemployment around it, salaries are fair, there is always room to grow, travel is involved in many cases, the option to work from your couch for a Silicon Valley startup is there, I mean really, why isn’t everyone working on it?

The truth is that while it might seem interesting, getting in is not that simple.

I literally knew I wanted to be a software developer before I owned my first computer. I had made the choice based on the value computers were generating back when I was a kid. But when it was time for me to start the journey and make the jump into the real world, it wasn’t just difficult to get in, it was scary and unwelcoming.

I had no guide, no map that would help me navigate the maze that was job interviews or even job listings. I would spend a few hours every weekend going through the jobs section of my local newspaper looking for opportunities for Jr. devs without experience.

1.1 What you don’t need

1.1.1 Bachelor's degree in CS or related degree

1.1.2 Knowing the software development life-cycle

1.1.3 A math, physics, or similar degree

1.1.4 Certifications

1.1.5 The desire to work in a fast-paced environment

1.1.6 Experience

1.2 Useful skills to have

1.2.1 Patience

1.2.2 Determination

1.2.3 An eternal student mindset

1.2.4   Accepting criticism and learning from it

1.2.5 Know how to communicate

1.3 What about after you get the job?

1.4 Summary