Become aDeveloper

Why choose to become a Developer? Firstly, it’s exciting! Imagine creating a game or app used by millions of people around the globe. 

Developers are in high demand across all industries, which means you’re likely to have a secure job with a good salary. Plus, you can often work from anywhere – all you need is your computer. This career offers flexibility, challenge, and the chance to make a real impact.

• Build innovative apps and websites.
• Solve complex problems with creative coding.
• Work on projects with global impact.
• Shape the digital future with your skills.

Developers are problem solvers. They use languages like Java, Python, and C++ to build software that does everything from running your washing machine to calculating complex stock market algorithms. A big part of their job is also finding and fixing bugs, ensuring software not only works efficiently but is also secure from hackers.

As a Developer, you’ll be at the heart of creating the digital experiences we use every day, from mobile apps to websites and software tools. But your job involves much more than just writing code – you’ll be designing, troubleshooting, and bringing innovative ideas to life. 

Here’s a glimpse into a typical day:

Code and Debug Software Applications
Start your day by writing and debugging code to develop new software features or improve existing ones.

Collaborate with Designers and Project Managers
Work closely with designers and project managers to ensure that the user interface is intuitive and meets client expectations.

Conduct Code Reviews
Review code written by peers to ensure it adheres to best practices and is optimised for performance and security.

Test New Features
Run tests on new features and applications to identify and fix any bugs or errors before launch.

Attend Stand-Up Meetings
Participate in daily stand-up meetings with your team to discuss progress, share ideas, and identify any roadblocks.

Learn and Apply New Technologies
Spend time learning about the latest programming languages, frameworks, or tools to keep your skills on point

The great thing about being a Developer is that you can work in almost any industry. Tech skills are needed everywhere! Here are some cool fields where Developers play key roles:

• Technology and Software
  • Building and improving software products.
• Finance
  • Developing secure online banking systems.
• Healthcare
  • Creating software for medical diagnostics and patient management.
• Entertainment
  • Programming websites and apps for streaming services.
• Automotive
  • Developing software for self-driving car technology.
• Education
  • Creating educational apps and platforms for remote learning.

Being a Developer is exciting, but it does require a specific set of skills. 

Here are the top ones you’ll need:

• Coding
• Problem-solving
• Attention to detail
• Creativity
• Teamwork
• Analytical thinking

Want to get a head start on becoming a Developer? Focus on these school subjects:

• Mathematics
  • Essential for problem-solving and logic.
• Computer Science
  • Understand the basics of how computers work and coding.
• Physics
  • Helps with thinking about systems and processes.
• English
  • Important for writing clear instructions and communicating ideas.
• Design Technology
  • Useful for user interface design and user experience.
• Art
  • Encourages creativity, which is crucial for developing engaging software.

Developers get to work on some phenomenal projects like building robots, designing video games, or even creating apps that help fight climate change. They also get to collaborate with other smart, creative people every day, from designers to engineers, making their workday diverse and interesting.

• Build a New Game Prototype Create a prototype for a new mobile game, testing different mechanics and graphics to see what’s most engaging.
• Design a User-Friendly App Develop a mobile app that helps people learn a new language through interactive and fun exercises.
• Create an AI Chatbot Code an AI chatbot that helps users find information faster on a website, making their experience smoother.
• Collaborate on Open Source Projects Contribute to an open-source project, working with developers worldwide to improve software used by millions.
• Automate Tedious Tasks Develop scripts that automate repetitive tasks, like data entry or file organisation, saving valuable time for businesses.
• Optimise a Website for Speed Tweak the backend code of a popular website to ensure it loads faster, improving user satisfaction and retention.

Australia has many talented female developers making a significant impact in the tech industry:

Mina Radhakrishnan

Co-founder of Different, a property management tech startup, Mina brings her extensive experience from working as a product manager at Uber.

Elanor Huntington

A leader in quantum computing, Elanor is a pioneer in using quantum programming to solve complex problems that traditional computers can’t.

Alexandra Rainey

A senior software developer at Canva, Alexandra specialises in creating innovative tools for design and collaboration.

Tammy Butow

A developer turned site reliability engineer, Tammy co-founded the open-source project ‘Chaos Engineering’ to help businesses build more resilient systems

While STEM skills can be learnt, certain personality traits can make you a natural fit as a Developer. These traits help Developers adapt to new technologies, collaborate effectively, and keep pushing forward even when problems seem tough to crack.

• Creative
• Detail Oriented
• Curious
• Persistent
• Cooperative
• Flexible

Becoming a Developer is often started by heading to Uni and entering some of these courses:

• Bachelor of Computer Science
• Bachelor of Software Engineering
• Bachelor of Information Technology
• Bachelor of Applied Computing
• Bachelor of Science in Game Development

But let’s investigate a little deeper:

Bachelor of Computer Science or Software Engineering

Start with a degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering to gain a solid foundation in programming, algorithms, and data structures. Curtin University in Western Australia offers a Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) that covers essential skills for aspiring developers.

Bachelor of Information Technology

For a broader tech background, a degree in Information Technology will expose you to software development, networking, and data management.

Master’s in Cybersecurity, Data Science, or AI

A master’s degree in Cybersecurity, Data Science, or Artificial Intelligence offers advanced skills in specialised areas of software development. The University of Western Australia (UWA) provides a Master’s in Data Science that integrates coding with data analytics.

Graduate Certificate in Software Development or Web Technologies

A shorter course like a Graduate Certificate from Edith Cowan University (ECU) can quickly provide practical skills in software development or web technologies.

Combine Computer Science with Business

By pairing a degree in Computer Science with studies in Business, you can learn not only how to code but also how to apply technology to solve business problems. This combination prepares you to develop software solutions that are not only effective but also commercially viable.

Tech and Design

If you’re interested in how users interact with technology, combining computer science with design studies can be a game-changer. This pathway lets you focus on user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, making you a guru in creating applications that are not only functional but also user-friendly and visually appealing.

Computing and Ethics

As technology becomes integrated into every part of our lives, understanding the ethical implications of software development is crucial. Studying computer science alongside subjects like philosophy or ethics prepares you to tackle challenges like data privacy and artificial intelligence governance.

During your studies to become a Developer, you’ll gain a solid foundation in programming languages like Java, Python, and C++. You’ll learn about systems architecture, database management, and mobile app development. Plus, your courses will cover critical thinking and problem-solving techniques, preparing you to tackle any coding challenge. Practical projects and team collaborations will also teach you how to apply your technical skills in everyday scenarios.

Gaining work experience is a vital part of becoming a Developer. Finding roles at tech companies can give you a taste of what it’s like to work on actual development projects. These opportunities often involve working alongside experienced developers, learning from their expertise, and understanding the workflow and demands of tech environments. You can start with simple tasks and gradually take on more complex projects as you sharpen your coding skills.

Internships with Tech Companies, Startups, or Research Labs

Gain practical experience by interning with companies such as Atlassian or Canva, where you can work on real-world software projects.

Collaborate on Open Source Projects

Participate in open source projects hosted on platforms like GitHub to build a portfolio and connect with the global developer community.

Not keen on spending years at university straight out of high school? No worries, there are other ways to kickstart your career in development that either add to your degree credits later, or offer a more direct route:

• Join Developer Communities
  • Connect with developer groups like SheCodes,  Women Who Code Australia or Girl Geek Academy to access resources, mentorship, and job opportunities.
• Attend Tech Meetups and Conferences
  • Engage in tech meetups, such as YOW! Conference or PyCon Australia, to learn from industry leaders and network with other developers.
• Certifications in Programming Languages and Tools
  • Obtain certifications in popular programming languages (like Python, JavaScript, or C++) or tools (such as AWS or Azure), available from online platforms like Coursera or through institutions like Murdoch University.
• Bootcamps on Full Stack Development
  • Enrol in coding bootcamps offered by organisations like Coder Academy to gain intensive, hands-on experience in full-stack development.

A career as a Developer opens up diverse opportunities across industries such as technology, finance, healthcare, and gaming. Developers are in high demand globally, whether you want to work for a tech giant, a startup, or freelance. Let’s explore where your career as a Developer could take you!

• Western Australia
  • In Western Australia, opportunities for Developers are booming, especially in Perth’s growing tech start-up ecosystem. Local tech hubs often seek Developers for everything from mining technology solutions to mobile app development. Check in with the WA Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (JTSI) for current happenings in the tech ecosystem and upcoming opportunities. 
• Australia
  • Across Australia, Developers have a myriad of opportunities, particularly in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. The financial services industry, telecommunications, and health sectors are particularly keen on adopting new technologies, constantly looking for skilled Developers.
  • The Australian Government Jobs and Skills Centres latest Developer stats: Developer Programmers | Jobs and Skills Australia