Ben Nemec graduated from Luther College in 2006 with a computer science major and math minor. He has worked as a software engineer for IBM for 7 years and Red Hat for the last 3 years. As a software engineer, his responsibilities include programming, writing documentation, and working with various clients in industries like NASA, banking, and e-commerce. Software engineering careers offer competitive salaries starting at $40,000-$80,000 annually, with opportunities for bonuses, stock options, and travel depending on the position and company.

1. 1 / 10
Ben Nemec
● Graduated FHS in 2002
● Graduated Luther College in 2006
● Software Engineer
● IBM for 7 years
● Red Hat for the last 3 years
● Live in Rochester, MN

2. 2 / 10
Education
● Computer Science major
● Math minor
● ...And lots more
● One project I worked on in my spare time is
estimated at 8 years of work by itself

3. 3 / 10
What I Do
● Software Engineering
● More than just programming
● A lot of writing – emails, documentation,
specifications
● Required skills vary depending on industry
● Have worked with NASA, Verizon, large banks,
shopping websites, etc.

4. 4 / 10
What I Do
● Work from home
● Takes some discipline
● Some people prefer face-to-face
● A lot of my work is in public
● www.openstack.org
● blog.nemebean.com
● github.com/cybertron

5. 5 / 10

6. 6 / 10
Jobs
● Technology is not going away
● Off-shoring is a thing, however
● Fast moving
● Specific jobs come and go
● The “hot” jobs change frequently
● Probably will change jobs/companies at some point
● LinkedIn

7. 7 / 10
Salary/Benefits
● Start anywhere from $40000 to $80000/year
● Can go up to well over $100000
● Also may be eligible for bonuses and stock options
● Pretty standard insurance, vacation, etc.
● Contract work can be much different

8. 8 / 10
Travel
● Also a benefit
● Red Hat: yes, IBM: no
● Depends on the job and seniority
● If you want to travel a lot, become a technical sales
person

9. 9 / 10

10. 10 / 10