Job : Software developer
Job Description
→ create and maintain computer programs
→ creates systems to run device and computer-related tasks
→ systems software developers
-> create and maintain operating systems of computers and other electronics.
→ application software developers
-> create and maintain programs and applications used on operating systems
-> all games, spreadsheets and phone apps start with application software developers
Key Skills
-> familiarity with computer languages
-> C++, python, java, PHP, HTML/Javascript/CSS etc.
-> familiar with operating systems: Linus, Solaris, HPUX, BSD, Mac OS X, Windows
-> proficient with databases
-> able to work in team environment
-> good oral and written communication skills
-> continued professional development to stay current with changing technology
Average Developer Salaries
In 2014 = $99,530
Educational Background Necessary
-> bachelor’s degree
-> major in computer science
-> degrees in software engineering math
Ontario Universities that offer the required programme
I went to the University of Toronto open house and attended a lecture about the computer science program in U of T. Here are some of the notes I took.
To be in the computer science program in U of T, you don’t need to excel in com science to do com science. But if u started programming in high school, you can skip 1st year. However from the second year onwards, they introduce new languages other than python as well as teach new algorithms.
To qualify, you top 6 subjects but have a 93%-95% average . In the computer science program, one must prepare in problem solving techniques and embrace new way of thinking. You have to have excel in English and Calculus and Vectors
The entrance acceptance is lower in the Scarborough campus but the St George campus has more teachers
In all 3 U of T campuses, the computer science program are the same. However, in the third year of computer science, the Mississauga and Scarborough campus cannot offer the same courses in downtown due to lack of resources.
In Waterloo, computer science is part of the math department whereas in U of T, computer science is part of the humanities, arts and social sciences department. So to take computer science in waterloo, you are required to take a math major as well, but in U of T you can take a humanities, social science or even arts. So in U of T , there are more choices.
In Waterloo, they do the co-op program which involves 4 months of schooling and 4 months of internships and so on. However, in U o f T they do the internship program which involves year long internships.
Due to the location of Waterloo and U of T, for better opportunities, U of T is downtown so more companies are easy to reach for research and development.
To qualify for Waterloo’s computer science programme, you must have taken advanced Functions, Calculus and Vectors, any Grade 12 U English, one other 4U course, and it is recommended to take Grade 11 U Introduction to Computer Science.
During your first year in waterloo, you’ll have to learn the following for computer science
September to December
CS 135 - Designing Functional Programs
MATH 135 - Algebra
MATH 137 - Calculus 1
1 communication skills course
1 elective
January to April
CS 136 - Algorithm Design and Data Abstraction
MATH 136 - Linear Algebra 1
MATH 138 - Calculus 2
2 electives
Self Evaluation
I think my strongest skill in the job is my oral and written communication skills. I am a debater and have gone to writing courses in the USA, so these two are the ones I am the most familiar with so far. Furthermore, these are one of the only few that does not really require past experiences in technology.
My weakest skill is the ability to communicate technical information to non-technical people. I have tried explaining how to use her phone to my mum and she does not understand as I kept using terms that she is not familiar with. I am also not patient, so I may rush in my explaining as if the other person already understands the basics of programming.
What about this job is the most interesting aspect of that you learned?
I did not really think Software developers are needed in the government, but it turns out they are needed in the department of Defense to local civic offices l, running and defending the country from hackers and viruses,