Considering software development as a career?
We chat to Ayesha from KRS to find out more about the advantages, misconceptions and other considerations about working in this field.
WHAT SORT OF PERSON MAKES A GOOD SOFTWARE DEVELOPER AND IS THERE MUCH MARKET NEED FOR PEOPLE WITH THIS QUALIFICATION?
If you are considering a computer software development career, now couldn’t be a better time. Mobile applications are exploding and being used in almost every industry. Businesses are moving to the “cloud” at a rapid clip and with new languages, platforms, and supporting technologies springing up every day, the industry is definitely growing.
At KRS our first and foremost requirement is a true passion for Software Development. We are looking for the student who is building an application at home in his/her spare time, reading industry blogs or getting certified in a particular language he/she enjoys.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS OR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND DO YOU NEED TO BREAK INTO THE JOB MARKET?
Software Developers usually have a bachelor’s degree, typically in computer science, Information Systems or a related field like mathematics or science. The very basic requirement to join KRS as an intern is that you have a working Knowledge of C#, C++ or Java.
We’ve experienced that recent graduates have a knowledge gap with regards to current best practices and processes that is often not covered in their curriculum. For this reason, our internship opportunity developed by our own Alain King is the perfect way to bridge this gap. In 6 weeks, Alain condenses training to ensure that students can hit the ground running.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ON-THE-JOB ADVANTAGES OF A CAREER IN SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT AND WHAT SKILLS SET WILL BE ADVANTAGEOUS?
Your personal experience in this area is very much shaped and dependant on the company you join after graduation and throughout your career. Some of the advantages experienced by a Software Development career at KRS are;
- Continuous learning
- Flexitime
- Cool colleagues
- A team-orientated work environment
- A relaxed dress code
- Constant creativity and innovation
- Freedom to fail
THE SKILLS AND QUALITIES REQUIRED TO PURSUE A CAREER IN SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT?
- Mathematical aptitude and strong problem-solving skills
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- The ability to work on a team and independently
- Self-development skills to keep-up-to-date with fast-changing trends
- Communication skills
WHAT CAN YOU DO RIGHT NOW TO IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS?
- Write code for fun – you could make some money off what you create
- Design code before you write it
- Improve the code as you write it and continually redevelop your code
- Write code that can be easily maintained by someone else
- Read and study someone else’s code
- Start a blog to showcase your work and anything you find interesting
- Attend Industry related events
LASTLY, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MISCONCEPTIONS YOU’VE COME ACROSS REGARDING THE IT INDUSTRY?
You need to work crazy hours: While there are times when overtime is required, through Agile practices we manage this effectively, which ensures that our staff have a work/personal life balance.
You are exploited as a junior: At KRS we ensure that our remuneration packages are in line with market trends. We review salaries every six months and increases are based on your performance.
All programmers are male: We have quite a few female developers and continue to recruit more females into our workplace.
Programmers are always introverts: Some are, but most aren’t. An Agile environment requires constant communication between the team members and our clients. A developer’s time is split between coding, team communications and reporting to business.
Developers are obsessed with coffee: So this one is mostly true, although some of them prefer rooibos, chai, hot chocolate or mint green tea too.
We say a bit thanks again to Ayesha for the great tips, insights and if you want to find out more, her invitation stands:
“Feel free to arrange a visit at our office for a cuppa and a tour.”
Ayesha Bagus – Talent Manager at KRS