Software Engineer
Builds the apps, websites and systems people use every day.
Why it may fit you
- Included to widen the options you have seen
Your evidence for this career
Based only on the experiences and strengths you have entered. Add more in My Evidence.
Strong evidence
Nothing here yet — two experiences showing the same skill will move it here.
Some evidence
Nothing here yet.
Evidence to build
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Listening
- Technology
- Problem solving
- Digital skills
- Working with data
- Attention to detail
- Planning
- Working independently
What you may need to develop
Teamwork
Why it matters: Employers want a specific example, not the word itself.
Your current evidence: Limited evidence identified so far.
Ways to build this
- • Write up one team experience: your role, a disagreement, what you did
- • Join a team activity outside your course
Communication
Why it matters: Named in almost every job advert, and usually tested at interview.
Your current evidence: Limited evidence identified so far.
Ways to build this
- • Ask for written feedback after a presentation or piece of writing
- • Write a short summary of something technical for a general reader
Listening
Why it matters: Underrated, and central to advisory, care and client roles.
Your current evidence: Limited evidence identified so far.
Ways to build this
- • Volunteer in a support, buddy or peer-mentoring scheme
- • Interview someone about their career and write three notes from it
Technology
Why it matters: You do not need to be a specialist — just comfortable and willing to learn.
Your current evidence: Limited evidence identified so far.
Ways to build this
- • Complete a free introductory course in a tool used in the sector
- • Build something small and keep it as a portfolio item
What they do
Software engineers design, write and improve code. Work ranges from mobile apps and websites to the systems behind banking, healthcare and games.
What your day could involve
- Picking up a task and understanding what a user needs
- Writing and testing code
- Reviewing a teammate's work and giving feedback
- Fixing a bug reported by users
- A short team stand-up to plan the day
Skills employers often look for
People skills
- • Teamwork
- • Communication
- • Listening
Technical skills
- • Technology
- • Problem solving
- • Digital skills
- • Working with data
Professional skills
- • Attention to detail
- • Planning
- • Working independently
Qualifications
There is usually more than one way in. A degree is one route — not the only one.
Typical degree routes
- • Computer science
- • Software engineering
- • Maths
- • Physics
- • Any degree plus a portfolio
Apprenticeships
- • Level 4 software developer apprenticeship
- • Level 6 digital and technology solutions degree apprenticeship
Other routes in
- • Self-taught with a public portfolio
- • Coding bootcamps
- • Moving across from IT support or testing
Certifications worth exploring
Only worth doing if it helps you. Experience and evidence usually matter more than collecting certificates.
Useful now
- A free beginner course (Python or JavaScript)
Lets you build something small quickly — that project is your evidence. - Git and GitHub basics
Employers look for a place they can see your work.
Useful later
- Cloud fundamentals (AWS, Azure or Google Cloud)
Most teams now deploy to the cloud.
Optional specialist
- Security or mobile platform certifications
Only once you know which area you enjoy most.
Organisations to Put on Your Radar
Examples to explore — illustrative, not job adverts or endorsements
Large employers
A global technology company
Technology
Roles to look for: Graduate engineer, intern, apprentice
Why explore it: Strong training and mentoring.
Specialist organisations
A software house or digital agency
Software services
Roles to look for: Junior developer
Why explore it: Varied projects for many clients.
Public sector
A government digital service
Public sector
Roles to look for: Junior developer, apprentice
Why explore it: Work used by millions of people.
Charities and NGOs
A charity with a digital team
Third sector
Roles to look for: Digital assistant
Why explore it: Technology with social purpose.
Start-ups and growing companies
An early-stage start-up
Technology
Roles to look for: Junior full-stack developer
Why explore it: Wide responsibility, fast learning.
Organisations in my region
A local employer with an IT team
Varies by region
Roles to look for: Apprenticeships, junior roles
Why explore it: Many mid-size local firms hire apprentices.
What should I look for on an employer's website?
- Graduate programmes — Structured schemes with training, usually opening a year before they start.
- Apprenticeships — Earn while you learn. Look for the level — Level 2 or 3 up to degree level.
- Internships — Paid experience over summer or a placement year. Often the main route into graduate roles.
- Insight days — One-day or one-week introductions, often for Year 12, 13 or first-year students.
- Volunteering — Many employers run volunteering days or support local projects you could join.
- Work experience — Short placements or shadowing. Ask directly — many are never advertised.
- Entry-level roles — Assistant, coordinator or support job titles are real doors into a career.