Computer Software Engineers
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Software engineers and designers research, design, evaluate, integrate and maintain software applications, technical environments, operating systems, embedded software, information warehouses and telecommunications software. They are employed in information technology consulting firms, information technology research and development firms, and information technology units throughout the private and public sectors, or they may be self-employed. (National Occupational Classification)
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- O*NET Online - U.S. resource for occupational descriptions and information
- OCCinfo by alis - Alberta-based occupational information
- A Day in the Life of a Software Developer - from the Princeton Review
- Computer Science Overview - Sloan Career Cornerstone Center
- Sokanu: Software Engineer - occupational videos and info (U.S.)
- What is Software Engineering? - Software Engineer Insider
- Interview: Video Game Programmer/Software Engineer - from StudyinCanada.com
- Becoming an engineer-in-training and more - Engineers Canada
- NavigateITMB: Exploring Tech & Digital Careers - Tech Manitoba's guide for occupations in technology and IT
- Computing Disciplines: A Quick Guide (Software Engineering - p.25) - from CERIC
Education
Students interested in Software Engineering may choose to study either Computer Science (in the Faculty of Science) or Computer Engineering (in the Faculty of Engineering) at the University of Manitoba. Graduate studies may be required for some positions, including those in research.
U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
Faculty and Department Homepages
Visit the faculty and department homepage to learn about program application deadlines and processes, as well as additional in-house resources and opportunities.
- Department of Computer Science - Faculty of Science
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering - Faculty of Engineering
Exploring Other Education Options
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Trend Analysis: Job Market Report (Winnipeg Region) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- Occupation Outlook Handbook - Job outlook for the U.S.
- Industry, Prosperity & Growth - Tech Nation (formerly ITAC)
- Engineers Salary Survey - Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba
- EngScape from Engineers Canada - key engineering trends for the coming decade
- I want to be a machine learning engineer... what will my salary be? - The Globe & Mail
- Canada's Best Jobs 2018: The Top 25 - Software Engineer (#23)
- OpportuNext - salary range and job growth prospects - Manitoba
Professional Associations
Professional associations organize events and directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities are also available. This is a great way to learn and network.
- Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba (EGM)
- Canada's Association of Information Technology Professionals (CIPS)
- Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC)
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
- Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- Tech Manitoba (formerly ICTAM) - business directory
- New Media Manitoba
- Tech Nation (formerly ITAC) - partnerships
- Entertainment Software Association of Canada
Job Boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
Other links
External resources that will provide you with additional information about the occupation, areas of work and opportunities to build experience:
- University of Manitoba Engineering Student Groups
- .DevClub - University of Manitoba student group
- U of M WICS (Women in Computer Science) - Student group
- Skull Space - Winnipeg organization that hosts community events, educational seminars, and a shared workspace
- Game Developer (formerly Gamasutra: The Art & Business of Making Games) Resource for careers in the video game industry
- Winnipeg Game Collective (formerly Peg Jam) - Discord group and source of industry information and events from the Winnipeg Game Development Community
- Article: Software engineers: The new in-demand creative - JobPostings magazine
- Women In Science & Engineering(WISE) Kid-Netic Energy - U of M education outreach group
- Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Science, Trades and Technology
- Borealis AI - mentorship program for undergrad students supporting community AI or ML projects
- Careers in Software Engineering - Software Engineer Insider
- Global Grand Challenges of Engineering - National Academy of Engineering