How I Became a Software Developer

Name: Jordan Bailey

Age: 26

Job: Software Developer  

1. What made you want to be a Software Developer?

“I first started programming in college in my computing course and always had a keen interest in technology. The course helped direct my passion for technology and introduced me to the world of programming. I love the craft of tackling large scale problems in complex processes for clients.”  

2. What do you enjoy the most about your job?

“Learning skills to tackle problems through technology is an ongoing process because of new technologies coming and going which means that I am always learning to tackle problems in new ways. The fascination of discovering how software works is what drives me.”

I work for a company that develops and maintains software the council uses – mainly for the planning department. This department uses our software for processing and managing housing developments, construction of new roads and many other areas. I get to explore a vast array of systems, resolving any issues and improving the product along the way.

We work with a long list of clients to find out how a system and website works for them but most importantly, where it doesn’t, to make their jobs easier. The satisfaction of this career comes from discovering our client’s problem to find the best solution and finally (the best bit) making the changes.”

3. What qualifications did you need?

“My entrance into programming consisted of A level computing and a master’s in Computer Science. I also done a placement to hone my skills in a real-world working environment in my second year at university.

Most developers in my work have a university degree in programming in one form or another, but this is not the only route, college placements work well as they teach you programming fundamentals while also giving you real world experience which is what most employers will be looking for.”

4. What does a typical day as Software Developer look like?

 My day consists of checking my emails for any updates on any outstanding work. Reflecting on yesterday’s achievements and creating a set of objectives for the day.

We have a 10am stand-up to go over our previous day’s work and what our plans are for the day. Often if someone has a problem that another team member has had experience with, they will catch-up after the meeting to help one another.

I work on projects to improve products and speak with clients using email or sometimes in meetings to share computer screens to help express a particular point.

I get calls from my colleagues throughout the day to help solve problems they are stuck with, as one of the more senior members of our development team, it is up to us to help more junior team members, as well as with others who may have less experience in an area of the system that we are familiar with.

5. What advice would you give to anyone who wants to be a Software Developer?

“I believe that the core to software development is problem solving. Having the right attitude, being unafraid to ask questions but being mindful to remember the answers is key to being a good developer.

I keep a list of problems I have experienced in programming, how I found them and how I resolved the problem. I often refer to this when coming across a problem as it may be something I have solved before that I can’t remember in the moment. I have found that time and time again this saves my skin to ensure deadlines are kept on track.

For this I have used tools like OneNote to help organise my notes, I would suggest any software developer to have a note taking system which they can refer to throughout their career.”