If you are considering becoming a software engineer, you may have a good idea of what a software engineer does, the income you could expect, and what experience and training you need; but do you know what the working conditions and environment will be like? Most people-until they’ve actually begun a career-know what that particular working environment will be like; and yet, it is an extremely significant part of your quality of life. Some choose careers in which they are on their feet all day, moving, traveling, and just on the go-while others, spend 8-10 hours behind a computer five days a week, and then of course, there are all those jobs and career positions in between. So, how do you know what your career work day will look like as a software engineer-characterized by working conditions and environment? Read on, as we discuss a general look at the working day of most software engineers.
Typically, the work week for a a software engineer is at minimum 40 hours per week-across every industry and position. While there is a small sect that freelances in this position, most all software engineers are required onsite and as a part of a company-since their services are needed on a daily basis. This said, because of this, software engineers can typically have great salaries and benefits offered with their position-especially, as it is not uncommon for software engineers to be called in for emergencies beyond the standard 40 hour work week. Add to this that it is expected as a part of the position, that a software engineer be up to date on the latest in industry news, software programming/engineering technological advances, and software applications. Sometimes this includes outside training and sometimes just a weekly amount of research on the subject-but both areas are expected as part of the job, and yet does not come as a part of the 40 hour work week.
Depending on your particular company and industry-and therefore the functions and responsibilities that the position facilitates-your role as software engineer can mean everything from maintaining all in-house applications and computer systems to working on more project management design projects. In most cases, it is a combination of these in a manner which calls forth maintaining in house computers, implementing new applications for clients/in house, and troubleshooting programs and applications that have been designed by you and also by others. This is the general function that most software engineers face, and therefore-though behind a desk all day, or many roles-are required to constantly be communicating with others-with staff, management, and non-technical parties that need clarification on how certain programs work and will affect their daily jobs and responsibilities. It should be noted though-as is true of all computer based job roles in today’s world-that prolonged use of computers can lead to more than just unhealthy bodies due to inactivity; but also, back strain, carpal tunnel, and eye strain. This is why it is advised that if the company you work for doesn’t have programs in place to avoid these common ailments, due to prolonged use of computers in sedentary positions; that you make movements to do so for yourself –through simple exercises, walks, yoga, and take small breaks away from the computer.