5 stereotypes about software engineers that need to be put to bed
In the world outside tech, the image of the software engineers is a bit different from the image of other professionals. Devs are seen as intelligent and successful, but in a quirky sort of way. Software engineers are often stereotyped as awkward nerds with awkward nerd habits: we eat our lunch in front of a computer, we write in coffee shops, and sometimes even work while drinking beer. As with most stereotypes, they aren’t true. I want to dispel 5 common myths about software engineers.
1. Software engineers are born intelligent and smart
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard someone say “Yeah, but you’re a programmer. You must be smart.” It’s like saying that you’re an athlete because you play sports. Most software engineers are not born with a natural ability to understand and use technology. They need to study hard to become good at programming. They learn it, often painfully, over time. The problem is that the learning curve for most technology is steep. In fact, one of the things that makes technology so hard to learn is that it can be very confusing. There are many different ways to get from point A to point B, and if you don’t know what those options are, you’re going to end up getting there in the wrong way.
2. Software engineers have boring jobs
Creative problem solving is a critical skill that every programmer needs. Some programmers write the next blockbuster game that changes the world, while others work on a website to let you pay your taxes more efficiently.
Creative problem solving is essential for all programmers, regardless of the programming language they use. While coding doesn’t usually involve complete freedom of expression in the same way that art and music do, the creativity involved with coding is a technical one. You get to use logic and reason to solve problems in a unique and powerful way that is very different from how humans think on a regular basis. It’s a creative activity — it requires us to be original, to come up with ideas that have not been done before, and to evaluate them based on the problem at hand. Being good at software engineering is like being a puzzle master. Each piece of software is special and has its own needs and constraints.
3. Every software engineer knows everything about technology
Many people assume that just because software engineers specialize in programming, they are an expert in all things computer-related. They must be an expert on this mysterious contraption if they spend so much time around one, right? Actually not at all.
Computer programming has changed a lot over the last several years. There are fewer computer programmers who are general IT specialists than there were just a couple of years ago. Nowadays, most computer programmers are very specialized. If you want to be an expert programmer, you should learn how to program in one specific language or technology stack. If you want to be a programmer for the web, you should learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, React, and Typescript. If you want to be a programmer for mobile apps, you should learn Swift, Kotlin, or Flutter. You should try to specialize in something.
4. Software engineers only write code
A programmer is not just a writer of the code. Many people think that a programmer just writes the code. That is not true. A programmer has to communicate with his team, manage the project, make sure that the design meets the business needs, and so on. It is very important for the programmers to deliver a quality product to the customers. It is also very important for the programmer to understand the client’s needs. A programmer’s work includes more than just writing the code.
First, he or she needs to ensure that the product works properly. Next, they have to make sure that it is bug free and ready to be deployed. Plus, they need to make sure that you stay on current technological trends. If they don’t, they may be out of step with their competitors.
5. Software engineers lack social skills
People typically imagine a guy who spends all day at his desk and doesn’t talk much when they think of a conventional programmer. But having excellent social and soft skills has always been essential for programmers.
As a programmer, you need to be able to communicate effectively with other members of your team, as well as customers. You will need to be able to explain your code to others, and to understand their feedback.
Conclusion
It has been said that stereotyping is one of the most harmful things we do to each other. Stereotypes are based on false assumptions and therefore inaccurate. Quite often, they are unconscious to us and we just perpetuate these misconceptions without even knowing. However, we can prevent stereotyping by becoming aware of the stereotypes we hold and making a conscious effort to avoid using them. We can also educate others about the harmful effects of stereotyping and encourage them to do the same.
