Software engineering is an exciting career if you enjoy working with technology, solving problems, and project management. But there’s more to becoming a software developer or engineer than just learning to code. There are other important skills and qualities that you may consider improving if you want to see your career and small business take off.

Learn why software engineering is an excellent job choice and tips to become a better software engineer.

Why become a software engineer?

The job outlook for software engineers is extremely positive, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Between 2021 and 2031, the number of software engineering positions is expected to grow by 25%. That’s much faster than the 5% average for all occupations. That’s over 411,000 new jobs that will need to be filled.

Software engineers also enjoy excellent pay in many areas of the country. The average yearly salary is nearly $121,000. However, you could potentially earn much more. California currently has the highest average salary at $146,770.

Six tips for becoming a better software engineer

While coding skills are essential to software engineering, they aren’t the only important skills. There are many other qualities and talents that can help you move up in your career. Here are six steps that you might consider as you become a software engineer.

1. Find a mentor

Finding a good mentor is one of the best things aspiring software engineers can do for their careers. A mentor provides advice that could help you plan your career path. Under their guidance, you may even gain access to better job opportunities.

Mentors are often people within your field who have years (if not decades) of experience and knowledge. However, they can be people outside your immediate area of expertise. If you are interested in growing your business, you might seek a small business leader as a mentor, even if they are not in software engineering.

2. Follow industry leaders

Industry leaders can also provide you with insight into software engineering and development. As experts in the field, industry leaders can provide context on the field’s history and current state. They can help you keep up with changes in the field and understand the decisions that their company and the wider industry are making.

It’s easier than ever to follow and connect with industry leaders thanks to social media. Sites like LinkedIn, as well as personal blogs and industry newsletters, are great places to find thought pieces and commentary from industry leaders. If possible, consider attending in-person events where you can see leaders speak live and potentially connect with them in real life.

3. Hone your teamwork skills

Software engineering and development is often stereotyped as solitary work, but it’s often a team effort. If your small business employs software engineers, then you will obviously need to work with them. Even sole proprietors are likely to work with other engineers if they contract or subcontract for other companies.

Teamwork is also an important skill to have for the admin side of your business. You may need to work and interact with a bookkeeper, contract lawyer, marketing assistant and other professionals to keep your business running smoothly. Poor teamwork might lead to costly mistakes, accidents, and other unplanned events that could devastate your business.

4. Practice your communication skills

Communication and teamwork go hand in hand. Sharing ideas effectively and efficiently is a big part of software development and running a small business. Learning to get your ideas across concisely so people will listen can make a huge difference in your career.

There’s more to great communication than sharing your own ideas. You also need to listen to what others have to say. Listening to others, whether they’re your employee or a client, can help you run your business more effectively.

5. Never stop learning

Technology is rapidly changing. New programming languages, frameworks, and libraries are introduced all the time. Even with a software engineering degree and years of experience under your belt, it may be difficult to keep up with the changes.

To truly learn software development, you must be committed to lifelong learning. Part of becoming a software engineer is keeping up with industry changes and new applications. If you continue to learn new skills and hone your existing ones, you could have a long and successful career.

6. Protect yourself and your business

Running any small business comes with risk, and this is no different for software engineers and developers. A strong risk management strategy helps you identify potential problems and take steps to avoid them.

However, accidents and other events may still happen. A safety net created by business insurance could help protect your professional reputation and bank account. Software developer insurance—policies designed for software engineers and developers—help protect your small business against industry and general risks. You may consider different types of coverage, such as Professional Liability and General Liability, to help you manage the financial fallout of a variety of potential hazards.

BizInsure understands software engineers

As you work towards becoming a better software engineer, consider business insurance to protect your career and small business.

BizInsure makes it easy for busy software engineers and developers to find coverage that fits their needs. Compare quotes, buy online any time and receive instant coverage for your software engineering business.

Get software developer insurance quotes now and protect your small business today!