Job titles to consider as you embark upon your job search journey
Completing a software engineering bootcamp equips you with the foundational skills needed to begin a career in tech. However, with so many different job titles and roles in the industry, it can be challenging to know where to start your job search.
In addition to the titles listed below, you should also keep a close eye on a variety of job boards and create profiles on sites such as otta.com. Otta does a great job of matching people to jobs based on their previous backgrounds, technical skills, and company preferences. Keep an open mind and look for ways to apply your previous experience as well.
This guide outlines the various job titles that are well-suited for software engineering bootcamp graduates, helping you identify roles that align with your new skills and career goals.
1. Junior Software Developer
- What It Is: A Junior Software Developer works under the guidance of senior developers to write, test, and maintain code for applications and systems.
- Why It’s a Fit: This role is designed for entry-level professionals, making it ideal for bootcamp graduates. You’ll apply the coding languages and development practices you learned during your bootcamp.
- Skills Required: Proficiency in one or more programming languages (e.g., JavaScript, Python, Ruby), understanding of software development life cycles, problem-solving skills.
2. Front-End Developer
- What It Is: Front-End Developers focus on the user-facing side of websites and applications, working primarily with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create interactive and responsive user interfaces.
- Why It’s a Fit: If you enjoyed the front-end aspects of your bootcamp experience, this is a natural starting point. It allows you to leverage your skills in creating visually appealing and functional web pages.
- Skills Required: Proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, familiarity with front-end frameworks (e.g., React, Angular, Vue.js), understanding of responsive design principles.
3. Back-End Developer
- What It Is: Back-End Developers handle the server-side of applications, managing databases, server logic, and application programming interfaces (APIs).
- Why It’s a Fit: For those who enjoyed working with databases and server-side logic during the bootcamp, this role allows you to focus on the underlying technology that powers applications.
- Skills Required: Proficiency in server-side languages (e.g., Node.js, Python, Java), database management (e.g., SQL, NoSQL), understanding of RESTful APIs and server architecture.
4. Full-Stack Developer
- What It Is: Full-Stack Developers work on both the front-end and back-end of applications, providing a comprehensive approach to web development.
- Why It’s a Fit: If you have a well-rounded skill set from your bootcamp, this role allows you to apply your knowledge across the entire stack, from the user interface to the database.
- Skills Required: Proficiency in both front-end and back-end technologies, understanding of full-stack frameworks (e.g., MERN, MEAN), ability to manage end-to-end development processes.
5. Web Developer
- What It Is: Web Developers design and build websites, ensuring that they are functional, user-friendly, and visually appealing.
- Why It’s a Fit: This role is a direct application of the web development skills learned in a bootcamp and is a common entry point into the tech industry.
- Skills Required: Proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, knowledge of content management systems (CMS) like WordPress, understanding of web development best practices.
6. Technical Support Engineer
- What It Is: Technical Support Engineers provide troubleshooting and support to customers or internal teams, helping to resolve technical issues with software or systems.
- Why It’s a Fit: This role is suitable for those who enjoy helping others and have strong communication skills. It also offers a chance to deepen your technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
- Skills Required: Strong problem-solving skills, knowledge of common software issues, experience with ticketing systems (e.g., Jira, Zendesk), basic understanding of networking and system administration.
7. Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer
- What It Is: QA Engineers are responsible for testing software to identify bugs, performance issues, and other defects before the product is released to users.
- Why It’s a Fit: If you have a keen eye for detail and enjoy problem-solving, QA can be a great entry point into the software industry. It’s also a role that offers insight into the entire development process.
- Skills Required: Knowledge of testing methodologies, experience with automated testing tools (e.g., Selenium, JUnit), understanding of software development life cycles.
8. DevOps Engineer (Entry-Level)
- What It Is: DevOps Engineers focus on the tools and processes that enable continuous integration, delivery, and deployment of software.
- Why It’s a Fit: For those interested in operations and infrastructure as well as coding, this role blends development and system management tasks.
- Skills Required: Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, version control systems (e.g., Git), scripting languages (e.g., Bash, Python), understanding of cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure).
9. Systems Administrator (Entry-Level)
- What It Is: Systems Administrators manage and maintain an organization’s IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, and other hardware and software systems.
- Why It’s a Fit: If you have an interest in IT infrastructure and enjoy working with systems, this role offers a path to developing a broad skill set in technology operations.
- Skills Required: Understanding of operating systems (e.g., Linux, Windows), networking basics, experience with system monitoring tools, familiarity with cloud services.
10. Application Support Analyst
- What It Is: Application Support Analysts provide technical support for specific software applications, helping users with troubleshooting and ensuring the software runs smoothly.
- Why It’s a Fit: This role is ideal for those who enjoy solving technical issues and interacting with users. It also provides an opportunity to understand applications deeply.
- Skills Required: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, familiarity with the supported software applications, customer service skills, understanding of software development basics.
Conclusion: After completing a software engineering bootcamp, you have a wide range of job titles to consider based on your interests and skills. Whether you’re drawn to front-end development, back-end work, full-stack roles, or support positions, there’s a path for you in the tech industry. Tailor your job search to the roles that align with your strengths and passions, and be open to exploring different opportunities as you start your career.