What can I do with a degree in Software Engineering?

Our society relies on software or software-based systems, for example in transportation, entertainment, telecommunications, government, business, health, avionics, and many other areas. These systems often have a high degree of complexity, consisting of millions of lines of code produced by large teams of engineers or programmers.

We also critically depend on the timely and cost-effective completion of such systems, and on their reliable and efficient operation. To meet all these targets, a disciplined and well-founded approach to the design, creation and operation of software (or software-based systems) under real-world constraints (economical, ethical, technical, legal) is needed.

The software engineering programme provides a unique blend of foundational courses in computer science and engineering, and practical work through a series of projects. The projects provide excellent opportunities to develop skills as a team player, to develop creative solutions to complex and challenging problems, to implement these solutions and turn them into usable systems, and to work with recent and exciting software technologies.

What skills have our graduates gained?

Through their Software Engineering degree graduates develop a valuable set of skills that are transferable to a range of careers. These skills include:

Analytical, logical and quantitative thinking
Practical application of engineering technology and science
Problem solving that applies to real-world issues
Ability to design, code, test and maintain software
Experience working in a software development team
Oral and written communication skills
Creativity and innovation
Commercial awareness and entrepreneurship
Coping with rapid technological changes.

Applied learning is an important part of your degree through lab work, work placements, and project courses in the professional years. These experiences can deepen your skillset, awareness of
others, working knowledge and employability.

Where have our graduates been employed?

There is a strong demand for software engineers. Graduates are not only needed in software production companies, but also in many companies whose products involve significant amounts of software.
Employers such as these have recruited Aotearoa New Zealand graduates for software roles:

IT eg, Intergen, ICM Asia Pacific Group
Web giants eg, Google, Microsoft Corporation
Smart technologies and network companies eg, Allied Telesis Labs, Aviat Networks
Banking and financial services eg, ASB, KPMG, Optiver, FNZ
Consultancies eg, The Testing Consultancy, Assurity, Soltius NZ
Testing eg, Planit Software Testing Australia
Tech companies eg, Liverton Ltd, Palantir
Not-for-profits eg, Asia New Zealand Foundation
Gaming industry eg, New Zealand Racing Board
Automation companies eg, Macro Automation, Tui Technology
Government eg, Government Communications Security Bureau
Software companies eg, Hilltop Software, Atlassian
Education eg, University of Canterbury, University of Otago
Film and audio production eg, Weta Digital, Fusion Entertainment
Healthcare eg, Orion Health, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare.

What jobs and activities do our graduates do?

Software Engineering graduates are employed in a wide variety of jobs — see some examples below.

Note: Some of the jobs listed may require postgraduate study. See the ‘Further study’ section.

Software engineer, graduate software engineer

Analyses customer needs, evaluates computer software and researches new technologies
Develops software programs for new products
Manages software development projects

Programmer, software developer

Determines specifications and writes code
Builds prototypes of software programs
Tests and fixes computer programs and systems
Maintains and upgrades programs and systems
May develop and integrate technical aspects of websites/mobile apps along with other workers

Network engineer

Installs, maintains and supports computer communication networks
Sets up computer network systems and access
Analyses and resolves faults in networks

Game developer

Researches the user market to meet their needs
Writes computer code, sources graphics/sounds
Tests games and fixes any issues
Creates new and improved version releases

Database coordinator / administrator

Supports an organisation’s data infrastructure and analytical needs
Maintains the database and controls access
Ensures data is stored appropriately

Systems programmer / engineer

Writes programs to interface with the hardware
Designs diagnostic programs, operating systems and software
Works with both hardware and software systems to resolve faults or improve efficiency

Software test engineer

Designs and creates testing tools
Carries out software compatibility testing with hardware and operating systems
Develops standards to determine the quality of software and when it is ready for release

Embedded software engineer, firmware engineer

Creates and codes embedded software (firmware) in electronic devices
Assists in manufacturing and design
Works on debugging and testing firmware

Applications / support analyst

Pre-loads standard applications on computers
Instructs computers through tasks and computer languages
Plans software upgrades and provides staff training for an organisation

Entrepreneur and CEO

Develops an idea to form their own business
Gets involved in a start-up
Offers their services as a consultant

Get started with Entrepreneurship here

What professional bodies do our graduates link to?

As they progress, students and graduates often join professional bodies or organisations relevant to their area of interest. These organisations can provide regular communications and offer the chance to network with others.

Social media networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter can provide avenues to keep upto-date with industry knowledge, networking opportunities, events and job vacancies.

Careers Software Engineering (PDF, 1MB, 4 pages)

For more information

see the Software Engineering subject page

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