Day in the life of a Software Engineer

Cynthia S.
Cynthia S.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the growth in software engineers’ jobs is at least 21 percent in the coming years. If you are interested in software engineering, this job, with its bright prospects, surely has a lot to offer. But before you make that final decision, you might want to find out about a typical day in the life of a software engineer.

Let’s start with the fact that the type of job that you have is sure to have a significant impact on the kind of day and life that you are going to have. Whether you are working as a freelancer or a full-time employee, big factors are determining how your day goes. Factors like the structure and age of your company will play a big role. Be it a startup or an established company; it will make a difference. Before we get into the detailed itinerary about the typical day of a software engineer, you need to know that these are the people who bring solutions to millions of people. So their lives are not going to be as easy as others. There is sure to be a new challenge or in the jargon of techies “new fire” every day.

Software Engineers in the morning

Yes, an engineer’s life can be challenging, but don’t worry; it still allows you to have your cup of tea and a regular breakfast like all others. Once you are done with that, it’s time for you to head towards your office. Now one immense advantage with software engineers is that they can work from anywhere and anytime.

Mails and Meetings

Once you have made it to your office and started your system, it’s time for you to check your computer for any important emails and updates, and once that has been done, checking on their RSS subscribed feeds is what they usually do. This not only upgrades them but also enables them to find a better way to do things in software engineering.
After updating work done, our engineers head to their meeting with the product managers and go through the day’s tasks, which is called a “Stand Up.” This meeting happens daily in which the team goes through the tasks that need to be done or already done or if there are any blockers for the day. And once you are back on your desk with the work for the day, it’s always wiser and fun to browse through your Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms. We did mention staying updated after all!

Software Engineers in mid-day

You start coding. You will spend time-solving issues or building world-class software for your organization. You will be distracted by folks asking questions on ‘Slack,’ ‘Flock,’ ‘Lync’ of whatever instant messaging tool your organization uses. If you are busy and want to concentrate, you tell your team “working heads-down” or “DND” (Do not Disturb). After a few hours of scanning your brains to resolve the many programming issues, its soon time for lunch. One excellent fact about the IT industry is that they have the most amazing cafeterias and there is a wide variety of food always available. Just the right way to recharge your batteries and connect with your co-workers. In a lot of cases, software engineers have been known to work with designers very closely. They often work with designers to give the final looks to the website and resolve the various coding related problems.

One great part of being a software engineer is that you are always surrounded with likewise people with whom you not only get an opportunity to resolve and discuss your issues but also ensure that your learning graph is always moving up. You can freshen up with a cup of coffee and tea as and when you like.

By the way!

Despite what a regular day in the life of a software engineer might look like, the truth is that there are no definite patterns in their life and what their day might look like in their versatile job profile. In today’s time and age, there is a need for efficient and competent software engineers. Right from the design section to finance to manufacturing and a large number of sectors, the need for software engineers is like never before.

Software Engineers by late afternoon

Coming back to the routine of our engineers, by evening when you are just thinking of leaving office and heading home, you might be asked to stay longer at the office as compared with the other professionals in your firm. But this is a very rare scenario, and as long as you are getting your work done in the daytime, there is no need and requirement for you to give in longer hours. Unless a “fire” emerges after work hours, you will come back recharged. If a “fire” emerges, your phone will go nuts with emails, texts, and whatever alert systems your organization has configured for “support.” Or if you have to communicate with an off-shore team, you will spend some time in your evening to communicate with a team that is sitting a few thousand miles away from you, and they are just starting the day!

 

And if that day happens to be a Friday, your co-workers will propose a happy hour at your favorite joint near work. You will spend a few hours before heading home.

All said and done; it is vital to acknowledge the fact that you can give your best to yourself and your company only when you deliver the best in terms of your potential and dedication. For a person who is hardworking and true to what they do, any day is sure to be a good one.

 

Are you ready to be a Computer Science professional? If so, read more about Computer Science and all its branches.

Meet The Author

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Cynthia S.

Cynthia S. is an educationalist and currently works as a lecturer at one of the reputed universities on the West Coast. She has a bachelor’s and is currently pursuing an online master’s in education. Cynthia has over ten years of experience in the field of higher education.

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