04/10/2023
New developments are transforming the field of software engineering as we know it. So how can you set yourself apart from the competition now and in the future?
The world of software engineering is in an exciting transition period. The growing necessity for digital transformation, alongside advancements in computing power and speed, has unlocked infinite possibilities, inspiring breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, automation, big data/data analytics and more, along with even more niche areas like quantum computing and deep tech.
This means the demand for skilled software professionals is on the rise. In fact, forecasts show that the number of software engineering jobs will swell by 25% in the next ten years—a faster rate than average in comparison to all other occupations. With a promise to stay on the cutting edge of technology and innovation, as well as the new opportunities emerging every day, there’s never been a better time to explore this evolving industry.
Current state of the landscape
Social and ethical questions take center stage in software development, but many other emerging trends are increasingly redefining the dynamic field. However, some of the most interesting innovations are happening in the realm of low-code/no-code technologies.
These tools offer businesses and other nontechnical users a simple, more accessible way to fulfill their development needs. Using a visual approach to software development and intuitive drag-and-drop methods, low-code/no-code platforms require minimal hand-coding; they make it easier than ever to create complex apps or deploy software solutions quickly and effectively.
As they become increasingly prolific, these and other innovations prove they fill a growing niche for software engineers in markets that are yet to be fully explored. With the right training, you’ll develop the know-how to take advantage of new opportunities.
The Master in Software Engineering
This is one of the needs that the Master in Software Engineering aims to meet. Designed for savvy STEM professionals who want to stay competitive well into the future, it equips you to find new solutions to the challenges posed by tech to business and society.
The program recognizes that today, software engineers need much more than advanced technical skills; a deep understanding of the social and ethical concerns that should guide the real-world application of tech is almost non-negotiable. What does AI or algorithm-based automated decision-making mean for the future of work? Or facial recognition systems and generative AI for the future of copyright, privacy and more? These are some of the questions that next-gen software professionals will have to grapple with, and the Master in Software Engineering aims to give you the tools to do so effectively.
What makes this program different?
The Master of Software Engineering stands out for its end-to-end perspective of the landscape—enriched by expert insights from actual industry leaders—and a holistic, well-rounded approach. However, the program’s most unique feature is its emphasis on the synergies between the worlds of business and software.
There are many academic offerings focused on software, web and app development. But the Master in Software Engineering goes beyond traditional education in this area to give you a distinct edge in the job market after graduation. Some of the competitive advantages of this program include:
- A comprehensive approach to business
As mentioned, low-code/no-code development is quickly becoming an essential part of doing business today. Companies like Mailchimp, Google Forms, Salesforce Lightning and Zoho Creator are already using such platforms to allow users with little to no prior programming or coding knowledge to create their own apps quickly and easily.
But it’s important to remember that such platforms have to come from somewhere. Software engineers provide these pre-made designs for app creation. What’s more, companies will still need your expertise to develop and maintain low-code/no-code tools, making knowledge in this area essential for all future coders. Some even argue they could be the first step in closing the talent gap and addressing the labor shortage in tech.
In this sense, understanding the needs of business will put you well ahead of the competition.
The Master in Software Engineering gives you a truly global view of the software business. It’s based in one of Europe’s biggest tech and commercial hubs, giving you direct access to the industry’s most well-known movers and shakers. And with students, alumni, faculty and a research and corporate partner network that extends to at least 160 countries worldwide, you’ll enrich your learnings and career development with a wealth of diverse knowledge, experiences and insights.
But this program doesn’t just train you in essential business fundamentals; it also delivers numerous opportunities to practice them hands-on in real-world scenarios. Extracurricular initiatives like the annual Global Immersion Week allow you to visit various international destinations and immerse yourself in some of the most important global business markets.
- Develop, Manage, Venture
Rigorous and immersive, the Master in Software Engineering is a truly 360° program. You’ll go much further than the technical side of software—particularly cloud technology and low-code platforms—to master the entire lifecycle. Product development is a process, a series of steps that include conceptualizing, designing, developing and marketing software solutions.
In the end, you will learn how to develop software products and sell them, as well as tackle product management effectively.
More importantly, you’ll gain the know-how to select and participate in winning entrepreneurial ventures. IE University is internationally renowned for its focus on entrepreneurship, leveraging innovation to generate positive social change. Consequently, its well-established ecosystem offers direct links to the industry and infinite opportunities to create meaningful connections. Whether you’re planning to launch a startup, disrupt existing institutions, fund great ideas or mentor upcoming entrepreneurs, this program offers you the keys to disrupt the software industry.
- Focus your specialization
With the Master in Software Engineering, you can design your own unique path to your professional goals. Delivering unmatched flexibility and customization, the program allows you to concentrate your studies on one of four specialization areas: AI, Cloud & DevOps, Cybersecurity and Gaming.
Studies show that revenues in the cloud market will practically double before 2027. Consequently, the demand for skilled cloud computing experts is projected to grow just as fast, presenting new opportunities for ambitious software engineers. You’ll study a comprehensive range of topics, such as cloud architecture, security, deployment models and performance optimization, as well as scalability and infrastructure as a code. Your learnings will immerse you in Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure, today’s biggest cloud platforms.
These all serve to help you build a firm foundation in cloud services, which is fast becoming a vital skill in modern software engineering.
Predicting the outcomes
By arming you with a well-honed set of advanced skills and competencies, this program is the ticket to fulfilling careers in a wide range of industries and sectors. Some of the competitive roles you can look forward to include software engineer, app or game developer, cybersecurity specialist, web designer and many more. The digital world is always evolving and the Master in Software Engineering will help you stand out long into the future.
