For this assignment, you will conduct research on the career path (Software Developer) you plan to pursue and develop a PowerPoint presentation that addresses the following:
Professional Organizations. Find a minimum of three professional organizations that may help someone enter the desired career field.
Volunteer Opportunities. Identify volunteer opportunities related to the field you are exploring that would help someone confirm the field is right for him or her.
Program of Study Requirements. Provide a brief summary of the requirements needed to complete your program of study.
Career Search Information. Include the following: A job description for an ideal or "dream" job in the desired career field from Indeed.com or another job site; a comparison of the job description to the program of study you are in; an explanation of what courses in the program will give you the skills needed to either succeed in that job or prepare someone else for that job; an explanation of what you need to do to ensure you gain the skills in those courses; an explanation of how networking and mentoring can help you achieve success; and an explanation of how a Christian Worldview might inform your decisions about your career path.
Full Answer Section
Here are some program of study requirements for a software development degree:
- A bachelor's degree in computer science: This is the most common degree for software developers. It typically includes courses in programming, data structures, algorithms, and operating systems.
- A master's degree in computer science: This degree is typically for software developers who want to specialize in a particular area, such as artificial intelligence or machine learning.
- A boot camp: A boot camp is a short-term, intensive program that teaches software development skills. Boot camps can be a good option for people who want to change careers or who want to learn software development quickly.
Here is an example of a job description for a software developer:
- Software Engineer: The Software Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of programming languages, data structures, and algorithms.
Here is a comparison of the job description to the program of study requirements:
- The job description requires a strong understanding of programming languages, data structures, and algorithms. The program of study includes courses in these topics.
- The job description also requires experience with software development tools and technologies. The program of study includes courses that teach these tools and technologies.
Here is an explanation of what courses in the program will give you the skills needed to either succeed in that job or prepare someone else for that job:
- The courses in the program will teach you the skills needed to succeed in a software development job. These skills include programming, data structures, algorithms, software engineering principles, and software development tools and technologies.
- The courses in the program will also teach you how to teach software development skills to others. This is important because software developers are in high demand, and there is a shortage of qualified software developers.
Here is an explanation of what you need to do to ensure you gain the skills in those courses:
- You need to attend all of the classes and participate actively.
- You need to do the assigned readings and homework.
- You need to practice programming and problem-solving skills.
- You can also get involved in extracurricular activities related to software development, such as hackathons and student organizations.
Here is an explanation of how networking and mentoring can help you achieve success:
- Networking can help you meet people who work in the software development field. These people can give you advice and help you find a job.
- Mentoring can help you learn from someone who has experience in the software development field. A mentor can help you develop your skills and prepare for a career in software development.
Here is an explanation of how a Christian Worldview might inform your decisions about your career path:
- A Christian Worldview can help you make decisions about your career path based on your values. For example, you might choose to work for a company that shares your values or that is committed to social responsibility.
- A Christian Worldview can also help you balance your career with your other commitments, such as family and church.
Sample Answer
Here are some professional organizations that may help someone enter the software development career field:
- Association for Computing Machinery (ACM): The ACM is the world's largest computing society, with over 100,000 members. It offers a variety of resources for software developers, including conferences, publications, and career development programs.
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) logo
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE): The IEEE is another large computing society, with over 420,000 members. It offers a variety of resources for software developers, including conferences, publications, and standards.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) logo
- Software Engineering Institute (SEI): The SEI is a research and development organization within the Carnegie Mellon University that focuses on software engineering. It offers a variety of resources for software developers, including training courses, publications, and tools.
Software Engineering Institute (SEI) logo
Here are some volunteer opportunities related to the software development field:
- Code for America: Code for America is a non-profit organization that connects software developers with local governments to help them solve problems.
- Girls Who Code: Girls Who Code is a non-profit organization that teaches girls coding skills.
- The Odin Project: The Odin Project is a free, self-paced online course that teaches web development skills.
