3 Career Paths Software Developers Might Want to Pursue

Working in the tech field is a matter of choice for a lot of people out there. However, with so many tech careers available, it might be quite hard for you to pick the one that suits you the best. Keep in mind though that for those who deem themselves as ambitious shouldn’t settle for any position in the industry. Therefore, you need to pick a position that you want to hold in the future, inquire about the entry position that will set you on this path and work your way up. Also, it’s important that you understand what each of these positions represents. Here are three career paths that you should choose from.

1. Software architect

A software architect is a person whose duties are to interact with clients, product managers and developers so that they can create an initial model and design that will later be built. They also need to ensure the quality of design by constantly reviewing the code and work on a prototype of software in a hands-on manner. They also need to excel at collaborative working, seeing as how they sometimes act as a bridge between various parties of developing bridge.

However, becoming a software architect is not an easy task. It requires you to possess a deep technical knowledge which comes not only from formal education but from experience in the field, as well. You see, no one starts their career as a software architect. So, start by looking for available software developer jobs in order to make the first step on your path towards becoming a software architect.

Of course, due to the above-described nature of this field, you need to keep in mind that there are several characteristics that the majority of software architects need to possess. Other than well-developed technical knowledge, they need to be communicative, resilient to stress, responsible and possess great analytical skills.

2. Lead developer

One of the positions that a lot of people would die for is one of a lead developer. The simplest way to describe a lead developer would be to say that they’re a connector between the development team and the rest of the business structure. They’re there to be a business administrator and an IT expert at the same time. One of their jobs is to provide feedback to the marketing and sales teams which should, from this point, come up with the strategy for promoting the product in question.

Now, in order to become a lead developer, you should start as a software developer, software engineer, web developer or a full-stack developer and then work your way up towards becoming a senior developer. From this point on, you’ll get in charge of the majority of technical duties that a lead developer is in charge of. Prove yourself in this position and you might become a candidate for the position of a lead developer in no time.

3. Tech project manager

The next position that you might want to set your mind on is one of a tech project manager. What a tech project manager does is planning, scheduling and budget management, alongside with overseeing the execution and taking care of the ongoing maintenance. The simplest way to describe their position would be to say that they’re there to ensure that the development team has all they need from the perspective of infrastructure. 

For one to become a tech project manager, they need to obtain a certificate in the field of a project manager. Remember that managerial skills take precedence over IT. After all, every developer is an IT person, so what they need right now is someone who is proficient in all the fields in which they lack experience and knowledge. Needless to say, a Bachelor’s degree is a bare minimum. As far as traits and qualities go, strong analytical skills, great business skills and, most importantly, organizational and leadership skills are more than necessary. The pay is formidable as well, seeing as how the national average is a six-figure salary.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many different career paths that a software developer might want to pursue in the future. Making the right choice is not easy, seeing as how each of the three above-discussed differs in duties, responsibilities and the very nature of work. Therefore, you need to do your research and be honest about which of these career paths you actually see yourself pursuing. Remember that while pivoting might be an option, you don’t want to waste too much time and energy just because you’ve made the wrong choice.