Career Outlook – Software Developer

Computer Software Developer Career Outlook

The ever increasing growth of computer networks and Internet-based technology means that software engineering will be among the fastest-growing occupations through 2016. In addition to the need for filling new positions created by the industry’s growth, there will also be a need to fill existing opening left vacant by employee promotion into management roles. Prospects will be best for those with at least a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related discipline.

There field of software development also presents many opportunities for advancement. While entry-level employees are primarily responsible for testing and verifying software applications, with some experience there is the opportunity to become involved in both design and development. Further advancement can be as a project manager, or manager of information systems (MIS), or even Chief Information Officer (CIO). Another career possibility is to establish an independent consulting practice.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of software developers is projected to increase by 32 percent from the 2008 through 2018, much faster than the rate for all occupations. This field will see a large increase in the availability of new jobs with close to 300,000 created between 2008 and 2018.

An additional factor is that data-processing systems in private industry, government agencies, communication, and health care organizations are becoming ever-more sophisticated and complex. The need to develop, implement, update, and safeguard these systems will provide the source of the demand for computer software engineers.

Other areas of industry growth will arise from new product development such as mobile devices, the proliferation of Web sites, expanded uses of the Internet, along with the development of wireless technology. This last will require the development of mobile applications and software systems. As these devices become more popular across all sectors, it will be necessary to integrate current computer applications with more mobile technology.

Growing security concerns also give rise to new software needs. Concern over computer security will likely give rise to continuing investment in software that protects computer networks and systems infrastructure. The growth of “cyber-based security” will result in an increased demand for software developers to design, develop and secure applications in this area and integrate them with older systems.

Unlike other computer professions, jobs in software development are less likely to be outsourced offshore since application development requires significant hands-on research and development.