Favorite Parts of Being a Software Engineer at Big Tech Company
Matthew, a Software Engineer III at a large tech company, most enjoys the constant learning inherent in the role, which keeps the work engaging and challenging, allowing one to "be a scholar" and continuously acquire new knowledge; additionally, Matthew finds the opportunity for creativity in software development appealing, noting that while it may be more prevalent at smaller companies or startups, the "art to software development" remains a rewarding aspect of the field.
Continuous Learning, Creativity, Software Development, Technology, Career Growth
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Matthew Gagliardi
Software Engineer III
Big Tech Company
University of San Diego
U.C. Berekely . M.A. mathematics
Mathematics, Data Science, Statistics, Philosophy
Arts, Entertainment & Media, Technology
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
Took Out Loans
Video Highlights
1. Continuous learning is a key expectation in the role due to ever-evolving technology and platforms.
2. Software engineering offers opportunities for creativity, especially in startups or smaller companies with nurturing environments.
3. The role provides intellectual challenges and fosters a sense of continuous growth and development.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your role?
One thing I enjoy, and I've been reflecting on it a lot recently, is that you're expected to learn. I love being a student, a scholar. That's why I went into grad school, even though I didn't finish my PhD. But I definitely love being in the classroom and learning new things.
Literally, in my current role, that is a huge part of the job. There's new technology, new platforms, and new ways of doing things. You are expected to be a scholar to get up to speed and to know how deeply you need to dive into a topic. This isn't so that it becomes all-consuming, but just enough so that you can make use of it. I love that.
I feel like, although there are tedious days and boring tasks like any job, in the grand scheme of things, there's really never a dull moment in what I'm doing because I'm expected to be a learner at all times. I think that's something I really enjoy. I feel like I'm being challenged.
That's one aspect I really love. The other, I think, is the opportunity for creativity. I'm at a much bigger company now than where I started, and that becomes less the case in bigger companies. But definitely, if you end up working at a startup or a smaller operation, you can, if you have an idea and are working at the right place, meaning a nurturing environment with people who want to see you succeed, you can take your idea and run with it.
Often than not, you have some latitude to be creative and to explore an idea. If you find that, that's great; that means you're in a good company. In general, you will find that as a software engineer. I like that aspect too. I feel like there's a real art to software development, and I love that creative aspect.