Tips to become a software engineer

Bachelor degree in software engineering is still in high demand, and software engineers command two of the top three average salary offers from employers among all majors. Opportunities for software engineers are high as the five of the top ten fastest growing jobs are in the computing-related fields.
Plan for getting a degree in computer engineering. Eventhough degree is not mandatory, it is very difficult for entry level software engineers to obtain a position without a four year degree. Having a degree in software engineering adds weightage to your carrer, and gives edge to face competition from other software engineers.
Study hard from the high school stage, and concentrate more on math subject as the field is based upon logic and mathematical calculations. You need to have pass 10+2 exam in science with mathematics as one of the subjects, and also need to secure good marks in entrance test to get admission into the engineering degree. Look to get specialized in subjects which will helps you to get a job in your chosen category. Software engineering takes a lot of study in different fields, such as programming, operating systems, data management and math.
While you are studying in the college, find an IT company that allows interns to gain real world experience on the inner workings of a company. Most campuses allow interns to work on their systems in a limited capacity. It will helps to gain valuable experience, and is beneficial for your personal growth as well as an addition to your resume. Develop contacts with software engineers, and if possible try to develop some software projects under their guidance. Work on your own side projects.Continue your education to stay competitive in the market place. Buy books about new technologies, take free online courses, and attend seminars and conferences.
Create your resume. Your resume should have your detailed project work which you have done as part of your degree, educational background, other certificates and accomplishments that are related to the IT industry if any. Apply for the job in IT companies. Face the prescribed test, and interview. Make it success and get a software engineering job. Remember, process of test, and interview is different from company to company.