This document provides 7 steps to enhance one's software engineering career: 1) Enroll in a coding bootcamp to take coding skills to the next level. 2) Consider mastering more than one programming language. 3) Join code repositories like GitHub to contribute to open source projects. 4) Learn code refactoring skills. 5) Create an online portfolio to showcase work. 6) Attend software engineering conferences. 7) Improve non-technical "soft" skills like problem-solving, time management, and communication.

1. By Lee Bob Black
How To Become
An Excellent
Software Engineer

2. Take these actionable steps
to enhance your software
engineering career.
Photo via Breyten Ernsting | Flickr CC | Modified from original

3. 1
Enroll in a Bootcamp Coding bootcamps are
intensive, immersive,
in-person learning pro-
grams. They often last
between one and three
months.
Register for one if you
want to take your coding
to the next level.
Photo via gettinggeneticsdone.blogspot.com

4. There are several programming
language categories (object-
oriented, functional, etc.).
Consider mastering more than
one language.
2
Become Multilingual

5. Photo via GitHub.com
Repositories are
awesome for helping
you develop and
maintain code.
Wholeheartedly join
the coder community
by opening accounts
with BitBucket, CodePlex,
Coderwall, and Github.
3
Contribute to a
Code Repository

6. Restructuring code
in a way that alters
its internal structure
without changing how
it externally behaves
is called “refactoring.”
Get some refactoring
skills under your belt.
4
Learn How to Refactor Code
Photo via wilkernet | pixabay.com CC

7. It’s crucial that potential employers can quickly
see some of your apps and websites. With that in
mind, consider making all of your work accessible
from one digital place. That way your future boss
can easily click around your accomplishments.
5
Assemble a Portfolio
Photo via juhansonin | Flickr CC | Modified from original

8. Each year around the world
there are numerous software
engineering conferences.
Be adventurous. Go to a few.
6
Attend Conferences
Photo via Official GDC | Flickr CC | Modified from original

9. Be mindful of how vital soft skills are
to being an excellent coder. So pump
up your people skills, improve your
problem-solving skills, and tighten
your time management skills.
7
Enhance Your
Non-Technical Skills
Photo via hackNY | Flickr CC | Modified from original

10. Lee Bob Black adapted this presentation from the following article he wrote for SkilledUp:
“How to Become a Software Engineer: You Could Be the Next King of Queen of Code”
Monique Sterling designed this presentation.
skilledup.com