Software engineer as a product

Introduction

For a long time, I’ve been wanting to share an idea that has been lingering in my mind: Software Engineer as a Product. I believe this concept holds immense value for those starting their careers and aiming to maximize their time and energy.

Rather than viewing yourself as just a person, think of yourself as a product—specifically, as a software product. In this context, I’ll explore the key traits of successful products and explain how these can be applied to a software engineer’s career, helping you streamline your learning path, avoid distractions, and focus on what truly drives success in the tech field.

Idea

Most successful software products begin as an idea—whether it’s a thought, an observation, or an encounter. Similarly, many of us became software engineers because the idea of it sparked something in us, influenced by various factors. Just like successful products don't remain stuck in the idea stage, many of us didn't just have the thought of becoming software engineers; we acted on it. We turned that idea into a reality through learning, growth, and taking action.

Research

Great software products undergo a series of research phases—some during the initial stages and others when a blocker or bottleneck arises. Similarly, as a software engineer, it’s crucial to research the market trends and the tech ecosystem within your geographical location. However, if your location lacks the opportunities or resources you're seeking, broaden your research to include global trends and markets.

You should also investigate the sustainability of the career path you're considering and the skills required for success. Use resources like roadmap.sh to study career roadmaps, and consider booking mentorship sessions with professionals on platforms like adplist.org or other credible sources. The goal is to be well-informed about the journey ahead, so you can maximize your time and energy, making well-informed decisions that will guide your career growth.

Development?

A software product can leverage all kinds of technologies, but the choice of technology is driven by the product’s needs and requirements. Similarly, as a software engineer, you don’t need to learn every technology or everything related to a technology. Instead, let the results of your research and the demands of the industry guide which skills you should focus on learning.

When learning a new skill, avoid starting with full courses or purchasing lengthy, expensive courses. Instead, look for crash courses—ones that are simplified and straight to the point.

Testing and Iteration

Just like every software product undergoes testing and refinement, you too need to test your knowledge through practice. Start by building simple projects using the skills you've already learned, and gradually increase the complexity as you progress. This process helps you focus your learning, solidifies your confidence in what you've learned, and strengthens your understanding and memory of the topics.

Deployment

The ultimate goal of any software product is to be used, and similarly, as a software engineer, your goal is to apply your skills in real-world scenarios. At this stage, it’s important to start documenting your experiences, building a project portfolio, and refining your resume. Regularly review and update them to ensure they reflect your growth and achievements. Additionally, engage in mock interviews to familiarize yourself with the interview process.

This is also the right time to seek internships or volunteer roles to gain hands-on experience and further develop your skills in a professional setting.

Marketing stage

Even the greatest product on Earth still needs publicity, and as a software engineer, you will need the same. It’s important to share your work, document your challenges, experiences, and solutions, and engage with others in the community. Networking can open doors, and many great job opportunities come through referrals. This is why your character as a software engineer matters. You need to understand your values, practice humility, have confidence, be a great listener, communicate effectively, and excel at negotiation. Most importantly, you should document your projects and contribute to open-source initiatives.

While this may not be the final stage, it’s an important one. Just as products evolve based on feedback, user experience, and technological advancements, you too will continue to improve as a software engineer. You can always take full courses to deepen your expertise in specific skills that have evolved and continuously work on self-improvement. But at least, by this point, you’ve got your foot in the door.

Good luck, readers!