Importance of Software Engineering: Top 7 Benefits
Technology drives the world around us. Today, global industries and companies recognise the importance of software engineering as a significant area to invest in. It’s not surprising that software skills are in high demand given that software engineers are the people who build the applications that enable us to thrive in a digital world.
Discover the benefits of a career in this field and why software engineering provides an appealing study path for international students.
What is software engineering?
Software engineering is a branch of computer science. Broadly speaking, it is the discipline of creating and maintaining software.
Software engineering requires a varied technical skills base and expert knowledge of programming languages to design and develop software. It involves working to specific methodologies such as Agile development and continuous integration, designed to make development processes more efficient and ensure high-quality outputs.
The importance of software engineering
Why is software engineering important for businesses? Through continuous investment in technology, companies can reduce costs and offer a better service to their customers.
It is equally important for society, as software engineering benefits global connectivity and allows everyday tasks to be completed safely and efficiently. The role of software engineer is fast becoming a top career choice for ambitious students seeking good employment prospects and a rewarding career. LinkedIn released their annual Jobs on the Rise list for 2023,revealing software engineers were in the top 25 of in-demand job roles in the UK. In 2022, demand for software engineers grew by 17% and this doesn’t look to be slowing anytime soon (LinkedIn News UK, 2023).
There are many benefits of software engineering but here are the top seven reasons:
1. High demand
All around the world, software engineers are in high demand. Recent research found that more than 10% of all jobs advertised in the UK are in this field (ITjobswatch, 2020). With companies eager to stay competitive in a rapidly changing technology landscape, they are increasingly investing in roles that can drive their digitisation.
The field of software engineering provides significant opportunities for growth. It is a diverse and varied employment path, where you can continuously develop your technical skills and progress in your career to earn lucrative salaries. If you’ve ever wondered “What is software engineering?” in the context of specific careers, typical job roles include:
- App developer
- Database administrator
- Cyber security analyst
- Game developer
- Information systems manager
- IT technician
- Multimedia programmer
- Quality assurance tester
- Software engineer
- Software tester
- System administrator
- Web designer
- Web developer
2. High-paying salary
The earning potential of technical roles proves one of the most popular benefits of software engineering. Recent research by employment agency Reed found that in the UK, the average annual salary for a software engineer is more than £57,000 (Reed, 2024).
Average salaries for the role of software engineer are much higher than in other professions due to the specialist skills and advanced technical knowledge required. As global industries expand their digital footprint, technology expertise becomes increasingly valuable, creating market demand for these skills.
3. Better job prospects
If you're wondering why software engineering appeals to so many students, it can be helpful to understand the breadth of job roles it can lead to. Graduates with degrees in this field can go on to work in different areas of technology and explore their individual interests, such as app development or cyber security.
With their skills in high demand, software engineers have strong employment and long-term career prospects. They can be selective about the industry they work in and the size of the company they choose, whether it’s a multinational healthcare provider or an Esports start-up.
As your skills develop, you could progress to higher levels of seniority or become subject matter experts in specific disciplines. Both routes offer rewarding long-term career advancement opportunities.
4. Problem-solving
Do you enjoy solving challenges? Software engineering requires a variety of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Overcoming complex challenges is at the heart of this discipline, requiring a methodical, logic-based approach to identifying technical issues and improving processes.
Software engineers enjoy highly rewarding careers, as they are directly responsible for technological advancement. You could design innovative, creative solutions to complex problems.
5. Scalability and flexibility
Software engineering is critical in supporting business growth and innovation. As businesses grow, so do the needs of their software systems. Increased numbers of users may be accessing systems more regularly, and system requirements may evolve. A good software engineer recognises these needs and will design with scalability in mind, so that systems can handle an increased load without affecting performance. Their design approach must also support the addition of new features, known in software engineering as flexibility.
6. Global reach and accessibility
Software engineering benefits many aspects of digital connectivity and inclusivity. Increased access to the internet and mobile technologies has grown the reach of digital software, making it readily available to billions of people.
As technology adoption increases, you could have an important role to play in driving accessibility by considering factors such as language, design requirements, and specific user needs. This could be achieved through applying inclusive design principles, implementing screen-reading technology, or developing a mobile app that works without an internet connection.
7. Leveraging technology
A software engineer has a large virtual toolbox of technologies that enable them to design innovative solutions. Using your critical thinking skills and technological expertise, you can create software systems that drive economic and societal progress.
Such tools include:
- Programming languages, such as Python and JavaScript.
- Frameworks such as React and Django, used for building applications and user interfaces, such as React, Angular and Django.
- Libraries of software and programming languages such as Pandas, NumPy and TensorFlow.
- Development methodologies, including Agile, Scrum and DevOps.
These resources enable more efficient ways of working, consistent standards and higher quality outputs for software engineers.
Study software engineering at the University of Strathclyde
Begin your software engineering education at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre. On successful completion of your programme, you can progress to the University of Strathclyde for your degree study, subject to receiving the required grades.
The University of Strathclyde is a multi-award-winning academic institution offering state-of-the-art facilities. It is the only university to have won the coveted Times Higher Education University of the Year award twice (in 2012 and 2019).
Discover why software engineering is a popular choice at the University of Strathclyde
The University is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional, and on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer.
All programmes combine theory and practice to maximise your career opportunities within the field of software engineering. Students also gain real-world industry insight through development of student projects in collaboration with sponsoring organisations.
How to get a career in software engineering
Wondering how to find your way into an engineering career?
University of Strathclyde student Cameron Gemmell tells us why he chose to study a BSc in Software Engineering at Strathclyde and how the course has prepared him for the working world.
Undergraduate programmes:
The Undergraduate Foundation Programme in Engineering and Sciences is a pathway designed to prepare international students for degree-level study. You will study a range of core academic modules and develop the skills and English language level required to progress to the second year of degree study at the University of Strathclyde.
The International Year Two Computer Science is an undergraduate pathway leading to the third year of a four-year BSc degree or a five-year MEng degree at the University of Strathclyde. You will study a range of core subject modules while improving your academic English and study skills.
To progress to an undergraduate degree at the University of Strathclyde, you will need to complete your pathway programme with qualifying grades.
Postgraduate programmes:
The Pre-Masters Programme in Engineering and Sciences is a two-term postgraduate pathway programme design to prepare you for your chosen postgraduate degree at the Faculty of Engineering or Faculty of Science at the University of Strathclyde. It is designed to equip you with the academic English skills and specialist subject knowledge required for postgraduate study at the University of Strathclyde.
There is also the option of the Accelerated Pre-Masters Programme for those who meet the higher English language entry requirements. This 12-week programme offers excellent academic and English language teaching to prepare you for postgraduate success.
Entry requirements:
Find out the entry requirements, fees and visa information for the pathway programmes at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre.
FAQs
Is software engineering a good career?
Yes, software engineering offers excellent career prospects with high demand, competitive salaries, and opportunities for innovation and growth.
What is the main purpose of software engineering?
The main purpose of software engineering is to develop reliable, efficient, and scalable software solutions to meet the needs of users and businesses effectively.
Is it hard to be a software engineer?
While software engineering requires dedication and continuous learning, with passion, persistence, and the right resources, many find success in this field.