How to become a Software Engineer: Apprenticeship vs. college

Software engineering is one of the fastest-growing and most diverse fields. Professionals can specialize in many areas, including back-end development, mobile app development, and network programming. As they level up their skills, many advance to management or consulting roles.

The demand for skilled professionals will remain high as technology evolves. For example, many companies are searching for Software Engineers with artificial intelligence and DevOps expertise. Aspiring tech professionals can follow several paths to gain relevant skills, such as getting a college degree or doing a professional apprenticeship

People often assume that Software Engineers need a bachelor’s degree in computer science. But many top companies value interpersonal and technical skills more than a formal education.

For example, 80% of Accenture’s recent hires(opens new window) don’t have a four-year degree, and the company aims to recruit 20% of its entry-level employees from apprenticeships. Numerous startups and small tech companies also prioritize skills over degrees.

This growing emphasis on skills-based hiring means that there are many paths to a successful career in software engineering. Here are four ways to gain in-demand skills and unlock new career opportunities.

A bachelor’s degree is the traditional entryway to become a Software Engineer. You can enroll in a computer science, information technology, or software development program.

Colleges provide a solid foundation in software engineering principles and coding languages. Students may also take classes on cloud computing, game development, operating systems, software architecture, and other topics. But college is also an expensive route for many. The average cost of attending a public, in-state university in the United States is $24,000 per year(opens new window) when accounting for tuition and room and board.

A coding bootcamp is an immersive, short-term program focusing on practical skills. This training typically takes three-to-six months for full-time study; part-time programs last longer.

Bootcamps prioritize job-ready skills that tech professionals use during the software development process. Students typically learn popular programming languages, associated frameworks, and software design tools.

Bootcamps are popular, but they can be just as expensive as a year of college. Students pay an average of $8,300 in tuition(opens new window), but some programs charge over $20,000.

These programs also prioritize gaining technical skills, not learning the underlying software development principles. This knowledge gap may make it difficult for participants to adapt to new technologies and advance their careers.

Many websites offer self-taught courses on software engineering. For example, Coursera and edX have classes on back-end development, Java programming, and user interface (UX) design. These courses typically take one-to-six months.

Many self-taught courses are free or less expensive than an equivalent college class. These classes also let you customize your education by choosing when and what you study.

But self-taught courses have several downsides. You may need to design your curriculum or learning pathway, which can lead to knowledge gaps. You also won’t receive personalized feedback from the instructor on class assignments and personal projects. As a result, it may take longer to refine your software engineering skills.

An apprenticeship blends structured learning and practical experience. Apprentices typically take foundational courses to deepen their theoretical knowledge and develop coding skills. They also gain practical experience working for an employer.

Apprenticeships typically last 12-to-24 months. Multiverse’s Software Engineering program is 15 months and includes a 12-week bootcamp. The program also uses project based learning to teach apprentices how to design web pages, web applications, and other software systems; i.e., learn the durable technical skills that will most set them up for success in their roles.

Multiverse apprentices also receive free tuition and get paid a competitive wage while learning at a top company.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to preparing for a software engineering job. Some people prefer a bachelor’s degree, while others favor the on-the-job learning an apprenticeship offers. Here are a few factors to consider as you weigh your options.

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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics(opens new window) projects that the number of jobs for Software Engineers will increase by 26% between 2022 and 2032. The industries(opens new window) that hire the most Software Engineers include:

Software engineering positions often have lucrative salaries and offer ample room for career growth. Here’s a typical career progression and the average salary for each role:

Source: Glassdoor

Keep in mind that salaries will vary depending on industry, company size, and geographic location.

You’ll need the right skills to pursue software engineering roles. These abilities will give you a strong foundation in this field.

Software Engineers write code for a broad range of software applications. According to Stack Overflow’s 2023 Developer Survey(opens new window), these are the most commonly used programming languages:

Software Engineers must follow strict quality and security standards to create effective software. The International Organization for Standardization(opens new window) has established widely recognized standards for software development.

The software development process can be complex and full of trial and error. Strong problem solving abilities will allow you to debug and troubleshoot applications.

The software engineering field changes quickly as new applications, languages, and data structures emerge. A commitment to constant learning will help you adapt and upskill as needed.

Earning a college degree typically takes four years. But you can become a Software Engineer in as little as 15 months with a Multiverse apprenticeship.

Anyone can learn to code with dedication and practice. HTML is the quickest programming language to learn. Other easy languages include CSS, Python, and JavaScript.

Many online forums offer free coding practice. An apprenticeship will also pay you to develop your programming skills.

The software engineering field offers many exciting job opportunities. An apprenticeship is the best way to prepare for this career path. You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of software engineering principles and programming languages. You’ll also enhance your technical leadership skills while solving real business problems.

Explore Multiverse’s apprenticeships to learn more about how to jumpstart your career in Software Engineering. When you’re ready to start, fill out our quick application(opens new window) and our team will contact you with the next steps.