David, Software Engineer at HR Software Company: Advize Career Interview
A career in software engineering, as detailed by a seasoned professional, offers a dynamic and rewarding path.
A pivot from chemistry to computer science, fueled by a passion for problem-solving, led to a successful career building impactful software.
The daily work involves creative problem-solving and coding, building upon existing systems, with challenges balanced by the immense satisfaction of creating functional software.
Strong programming skills are essential, but empathy, teamwork, and understanding customer needs are crucial for advancement.
The HR software industry, in particular, offers a fast-paced environment with exciting opportunities in AI. Success hinges on a blend of passion, talent, and the dedication to continuous learning, even outside of work hours.
Undergraduate students can explore entry-level positions, contributing meaningfully from day one. Building personal projects using readily available online resources provides invaluable experience.
The reality involves more debugging and configuration than purely algorithmic problem-solving, but the overall experience is described as highly energizing and rewarding for those with a passion for building and problem-solving.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
David Curtis
Software Engineer
HR Software Company
UC Irvine
None
Computer Science
Technology
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
None Applicable
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Career Path of a Software Engineer at HR Software Company
David's career path began with a pivot from chemistry to computer science at UC Irvine, driven by a realization that "I could do my computer science problems...and after working on them for eight hours, I still felt like I was energized." This passion led to extracurricular projects, internships, and a seven-year tenure at Workday building talent management software, culminating in a management role before pursuing an MBA.
Main Responsibilities of a Software Engineer at an HR Software Company
David, a software engineer at a B2B company, describes their main responsibility as "build[ing] software that's gonna solve the problems that the business needs," typically executing on a vision created by project managers who work directly with clients. This differs from B2C or startup environments where software engineers may have more influence over deciding what to build.
A Day In The Life Of A Software Engineer At An HR Software Company
A day for a software engineer involves receiving project requirements, then creatively problem-solving and writing code to build upon existing systems; this process can be "really energizing" and rewarding, but also frustrating when debugging unfamiliar code, highlighting the need for persistence and a passion for problem-solving to thrive in this role.
Most Important Skills For A Software Engineer At HR Software Company
Strong programming skills and a logical mind are foundational for software engineering success, as David notes, "programming skills are just the most important". However, career advancement often requires additional skills like empathy, teamwork, and the ability to understand customer needs to build solutions that truly address those needs, not just technically sound software.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Software Engineer At HR Software Company
David, a software engineer, finds the most rewarding aspects of his role to be "building cool stuff" and tackling "hard...puzzles" presented by malfunctioning software. This blend of creative construction and challenging problem-solving, he explains, is what draws many to the software engineering profession.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Software Engineer At An HR Software Company
David's biggest challenge as a software engineer wasn't team dynamics, although he acknowledges "that can also be a big challenge," but rather maintaining engagement after years of experience: "I didn't have the attention span to sit in front of my computer for eight hours and do a problem that was easy," leading him to pursue management to address this.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Tax Software Industry As A Software Engineer
David, a software engineer in the HR software industry, finds the rapid pace of change and incorporation of AI, describing it as "a lot of fun," most rewarding. The high demand within the tax software as a service field, coupled with its growing popularity, further enhances the career's appeal.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Tech Industry, According To Software Engineer At HR Software Company
David, a software engineer, identifies "passion and talent" as key ingredients for success in the tech industry, noting that a love for "building things" and software fuels hard work and learning. Alternatively, raw "ability and interest" can also lead to success, though ideally, both passion and talent are present.
What A Software Engineer Wishes They Had Known Before Working In HR Software
David, a software engineer, reflects that the reality of the job differs from introductory coursework expectations; "the day-to-day work is generally not that," often involving debugging and configuration rather than constant algorithm-based problem-solving. This suggests that while a passion for puzzles is helpful, other skills and interests can also contribute to success in the field.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Software Engineers
Entry-level software engineers are treated as "full members of the team," immediately contributing to building "functioning code." A software engineer's core responsibilities remain consistent throughout their career, with increased impact and mentorship opportunities at senior levels.
Significant Career Lesson From A Software Engineer At An HR Software Company
David, a software engineer, emphasizes that "passion" distinguishes top engineers; the dedication to constantly learn and improve, exemplified by working on projects outside of regular hours, ultimately leads to greater skill and happiness compared to peers.
College Experiences That Helped a Software Engineer at HR Software Company Succeed
David, a software engineer, suggests that undergraduates interested in the field should leverage readily available online resources to build personal projects, noting that "it's really easy to see if you like it or not". This hands-on approach, even involving teamwork on "bigger and better things," provides valuable experience and strengthens a resume.
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