Interview with a Computer Software Engineer.

Interview with a Computer Software Engineer. Skylar BaugherFoundations of TechnologyMr. Aaron Yeiser, InstructorNovember 16, 2010 Table of ContentsInterview...Slides 3-18Job researchSlides 19-23

SummarySlide 24

Citations..Slide 25Interview with an engineerName David Hanna

Position Currently Microsoft Enterprise Services Practice Manager Central Region

Place of employment Microsoft Corporation

Work address One Microsoft Way Redmond, WA

Work phone (513) 293-3900

E-mail address dhanna@microsoft.com

Interview with an engineer cont.Length of employment 11 years at Microsoft 27 years in the industry.

Describe the duties and responsibilities of someone working in software engineering. Work with customers to understand what they need to automate using computers and leverage the correct computer oriented tools to create this automated system.

Interview with an engineer cont.What are some specific jobs in this field?Systems EngineerArchitectProgrammerNetwork EngineerBusiness Analyst

What is your specialty in software engineering? I was a programmer for years, then a Systems Analyst and Systems Engineer. Now I manage a team of several software service professionals across 19 states in the US.

Interview with an engineer cont.What are some of the projects youve worked on?Enterprise Leasing ARMS projectState of Minnesota MessagingChrysler Plant Floor AutomationKentucky Department of Education Live@EDU migration

How lengthy are your usual projects?They truly vary from a low of 3 to 6 weeks to multiple years.

Interview with an engineer cont.How much of your time is spent on the computer?65% now when I was a programmer it was more like 75%.

Does your job deal mainly with people, data or things?Quite a bit of my time is with people to truly understand what is needed. Training takes up the next significant portion of time. It is critical to stay up to date on technology. Actually the actions around creating the systems goes much more quickly.

Are there any specific tools or equipment required for your job?TCP/IP, various computer languages and compliers, Microsoft Software of various kinds.

Interview with an engineer cont.What are the advantages of this occupation?Some work can be performed remotely (from anywhere)It is very rewarding solving problems and helping people automate tasks such that they can use their time in a more efficient way.

Are there any disadvantages?Travel normally you need to work with people face-to-face to understand their needs. This requires travel.

How about advancement opportunities?This industry is growing significantly there is unlimited advancement potential.

Interview with an engineer cont.Are employers evenly distributed or are they concentrated in certain areas of the country?Employers that need Software Engineers are very well distributed the need is pervasive.

Do most people work for themselves, private industry, or the government? Software Engineers can work for any organization as well as consulting companies that are out sourced to all of the above entities.

What are the beginning, average, and top pay one could expect to earn working in software engineering?This can range from a 5 figure salary to well into the 6 figure salaries.

Interview with an engineer cont.Does where you live make a difference in your salary?This can make a difference based on local cost of living as well as risk. There are Software Engineers that are taken into battle zones with the military. This has the potential to dramatically increase the salary potential.

Are there any fringe benefitsYes, insurance, access to equipment and internet properties. 401k, access to plenty of software.

Is there overtime pay?Depending on the employer yes.

Interview with an engineer cont.How many hours do you work per week?At this point approximately 60 it is a busy time of year.

What about vacations?I started receiving 2 weeks vacation due to my length of employment I now have 4 weeks of vacation each year. This will increase to 5 weeks in the next 2 years.

Is there further education offered where you work?There is always further education available. In fact, I am currently required to complete online training classes each quarter of the year.

Interview with an engineer cont.Do you have to travel? Yes

What are the retirement benefits?I have a 401k through my employer.

In what kind of environment is the work done? Indoors? Outdoors?Mostly indoors but I did work to automate a Cement Plant which had me working with Program Logic Controllers out doors.

Interview with an engineer cont.Is it possible to work at home (like if youre sick)? Yes I do quite a bit of my work from home.

Do you work alone or with other people?I work with other people on a regular basis. Generally software is developed leveraging teams of software engineers.

Interview with an engineer cont.Were there any tests or licenses you had to get before you became an engineer?I had to complete my Bachelors of Science in Applied Sciences with emphasis on Computer Science.I completed Certification Tests with the ICCPI completed the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer certification as well as the Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer certification.

Interview with an engineer cont.What is your most satisfying experience so far?Working with Hospitals to leverage software to save lives. By automating a series of testing solutions we were able to predict when a patient would come down with Sepsis in a hospital setting. This would alert the medical staff to take action and save lives.

Is this what you thought you were going to do in high school?Actually yes I had my first computer operator/programmer job at the age of 15.

How about in college?I started in Computer Science, then changed my major to 2 others then back to Computer Science. I truly knew that this is what I wanted throughout my college career.

Interview with an engineer cont.What degree did you get in college?Bachelor of Science of Applied Sciences Computer Science

How long have you worked in your profession?27 Years.

Interview with an engineer cont.Do you know anything about the employment opportunities for people my age?Microsoft does hire some employees right out of college. Microsoft has a program called Digigirlz in some areas of the country - that might be something to look into. Cynthia, my wife that is also employed at Microsoft, is involved in that program.

Interview with an engineer cont.Do you have any advice for someone looking to go into software engineering?Study Math and Logic carefully. Math is critical to success.Start learning about computer programming as soon as possible. There are many tools out there to help you learn.

Job ResearchTitle/Description of the occupation

I want to be a computer software engineer.Computer software engineers design and develop software. They apply the theories and principles of computer science and mathematical analysis to create, test, and evaluate the software applications and systems that make computers work. The tasks performed by these workers evolve quickly, reflecting changes in technology and new areas of specialization, as well as the changing practices of employers

Job Research cont.Areas of specialization and Job prospects

Computer software engineers specialize in the theory of computing systems, the structure of software, and the nature and limitations of hardware.

Job prospects are expected to be best for applicants with a bachelors degree or higher degree and relevant experience. Computer software engineers are supposed to add the most new jobs in the 2008-18 decade. There are excellent job prospects.

Job Research cont.Where this type of person might work/Expected salary ranges

A computer software engineer works in a clean, comfortable office or a laboratory with computer equipment. They tend to work 40 hours a week.

A computer software engineer is expected to make $57,810 to $135,780.

Job Research cont.Duties and responsibilities of this type of occupation/Courses needed in high school to attend university

Software engineers design and develop many types of software, including computer games, business applications, operating systems, network control systems, and middleware.

To be a computer software engineer you need to take AP calculus BC, AP chemistry, AP computer science AB, AP physics B or physics C, and AP statistics in high school.

Job Research cont.College preparation needed

For college preparation you need to get a bachelors degree plus have experience with a range of technologies and computer systems. Many computer software engineers combine their formal education with certificate programs like Cisco and Microsoft-based training. This makes them more valuable to the company.

SummaryComputer software engineers design and develop software. They specialize in the theory of computing systems, the structure of software, and the nature and limitations of hardware. There are excellent job prospects, and they tend to work 40 hours a week. They can make up to a six figure salary. You need to take AP classes, and be experienced with computers. You also need to go to college and get a bachelors degree. I think this could be a very rewarding career.Citationshttp://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/majors/14.0903.html

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos303.htm

http://www.collegegrad.com/careers/proft44.shtml

David Hanna