Succeeding as a Software Engineer

The following is a list we compiled of the skills you need in order to succeed in software engineering:

Technical Skills

You should be fluent in at least one programming language, as your primary job is to code. Often times you will be required to work with multiple languages, so it is important to not just know language syntax, but also be familiar with theory, which will help you pick up other languages more easily. You should understand programming fundamentals such as data structures and algorithms, in addition to proper design principles.

"Much of the job, and the recruitment process, involves learning new skills and technologies, so being comfortable with reading through software documentation, Stack Overflow, video tutorials, etc., and generally being a diligent learner is important." (Software Development Engineer Intern at Amazon, Harvard Class of 2022)

Teamwork and Communication Skills

Coding and building your program is often an individual task, but software engineers typically work in teams to serve a larger project. Thus, it is important that you can explain your code and also articulate your thoughts about the project clearly so that everyone is on the same page.

"Increasingly, software development is becoming more collaborative, so being able to use source control tools (git) and work and communicate well within a team are valuable skills." (Software Development Engineer Intern at Amazon, Harvard Class of 2022)

Attention to Detail

Software engineers must be detail-oriented, as often one small bug in code will cause errors. It is important for you to be patient. You should also be able to think through future issues that may occur and prevent them before they happen.

Problem-Solving Skills

At its core, software engineering is problem-solving. You are designing programs and systems to solve problems and make people’s lives easier. It is not about thinking of any solution--you should be able to think through a solution that is efficient and considers trade-offs.