Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Software Engineers
Christian, a Target Software Engineer, wishes they had known the importance of adaptability and strong learning strategies over mastering specific coding languages before entering the industry; the ability to "learn on the spot" and "investigate answers" is crucial for tackling the "challenger problems" faced daily in their role.
Adaptability, Problem-Solving, Continuous Learning, Technology, Learning Strategies
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Christian Vasquez Leon
Software Engineer
Target
University of California, Berkeley, 2020
N/A
Mathematics, Data Science, Statistics
Apparel, Beauty, Retail & Fashion, Technology
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
Scholarship Recipient, Immigrant, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Adaptability and learning strategies are crucial skills in the software engineering industry. Proficiency in one specific language is not as important as the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies and challenges.
2. The job often involves tackling new and unfamiliar problems, requiring the ability to find solutions and decide on the best approach. This necessitates strong problem-solving skills and critical thinking.
3. Being presented with a problem and finding multiple solutions is a common aspect of the job. This highlights the importance of creative thinking and resourcefulness in finding solutions to problems.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
Something I wish I knew back in college is that it's not just about being an expert in a particular coding language, framework, or technology. While knowing the basics is important, it's also crucial to be adaptable.
This means developing strategies for learning new technologies and figuring out answers on the spot. A lot of my job involves being presented with a challenging problem and finding multiple solutions, then deciding which one is best.
You could be an expert in JavaScript or Java, but in the actual industry, you might end up working with a completely different language like Scala or Groovy, or another framework.
So, I wish I knew then that you have to be adaptable and have good learning strategies. Sometimes that can be just as important as being an expert in any one language.