Newbie to software development

I will be finishing my masters in applied and computational mathematics in a year or so and am considering entering into software development. I am new to this field, and have no idea how to prepare for a career in this profession. I would like to know what skills I should have (programming skills) in order to get a job as a software developer or software engineer? I know C++ and am learning Java on my own. When ever I look at job listings, I see a long list of desired skills that employers are looking for (this is for the entry level positions), is it possible to have all these skills upon graduation? Should I obtain certifications, if so, what type of certifications should I seek? I know I'm asking a lot of questions but I am really confused as to how I should begin this process. Thank you so much, any advice would be helpful.

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phantasm

There are few relative certifications for software engineering. If you want to do that kind of work then you should've gotten a B.S. or an M.S. in Computer Science. That curriculum is well suited to prepare you for a job in that field. A dergree in Mathematics prepare you for doing math at a very high level.

Do you have any experience with data structures? How are your C++ skills? Can you learn languages easily?

modatechno

Our particular curriculum is a combination of math and computer science classes. I am taking Data Structures next semester, and have received an A in all my programming courses. I read somewhere that the Java Associate would be a good initial certification to seek. I do learn languages easily. I was thinking about enrolling in the software engineering certificate program at University of Maryland after my masters in complete. This way, I will receive the appropriate training to prepare me for this field.

phantasm

To be honest with, the software engineers I know don't have any certifications. Their resumes usually say enough.

Xcluziv

phantasm wrote: »

There are few relative certifications for software engineering. If you want to do that kind of work then you should've gotten a B.S. or an M.S. in Computer Science. That curriculum is well suited to prepare you for a job in that field. A dergree in Mathematics prepare you for doing math at a very high level.

Do you have any experience with data structures? How are your C++ skills? Can you learn languages easily?

I agree with phantasm, attaing a degree in Computer Science would have been a better route since the curriculum is structured to prepare you for roles as Software Engineers, Developers, etc. Although, sometimes a degree does not substitute for relative experience because most classes are theory based and not real world situations. If you have both, you are a force to be reckoned with

Firecell

phantasm wrote: »

To be honest with, the software engineers I know don't have any certifications.

What about MCPD (Microsoft Certified Professional Developer)?

Specifically, Windows Developer 4, Web Developer 4, or Windows Azure Developer (Cloud).

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