We surveyed 16,837 software engineers to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical software engineer. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a software engineer?
Low
High
Working as a software engineer typically requires higher levels of intelligence when compared with the average career. This means that software engineers are required to actively learn new things related to their discipline and solve complex problems.
Can I learn to become a software engineer?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a software engineer typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a software engineer?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a software engineer. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for software engineers.
Do software engineers work full-time or part-time?
90% of software engineers work in full-time roles while 10% work part-time.
Is being a software engineer stressful?
Low
High
Stress is not uncommon amongst software engineers, with daily work sometimes being quite demanding.
Is being organized important as a software engineer?
Low
High
Some level of organization is generally required to be a software engineer.
How competitive is the workplace for software engineers?
Low
High
Software engineers tend to see lots of competition in the workplace, with desire to get ahead of co-workers being common.
Does being a software engineer require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Software engineers will have to sometimes face time pressure on the job.
Are software engineers allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Software engineers are afforded a certain level of ability to express themselves creatively, compared to other careers.
Do software engineers have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
While sometimes the direction is set, occasionally software engineers will have some flexibility over the direction of their work.
Is being a software engineer physically demanding?
Low
High
Work as a software engineers is rarely physically demanding, making it a suitable option for those unable to perform physically strenuous tasks.
Are software engineers exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
While sometimes repetitive, software engineers tend to have opportunities for variety in their work.
Does being a software engineer require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail is a vital skill for software engineers, as small mistakes can make or break one's ability to succeed in the career.
Does being a good software engineer require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
The ability to be compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as a software engineer.