If you work in or with the IT industry, chances are fair you’ve heard others use the terms ‘Software Engineer’ and ‘Software Developer’ interchangeably. Sometimes, it’s a non-issue.Other times, it’s problematic. We recently sponsored the YOW! Conference and surveyed members of the software community for their views on the terms ‘Software Engineer’ and ‘Software Developer’.
More than 200 conference participants spoke to us on the distinctions – and some had quite strong views on the subject. The findings regarding how these two roles are understood are interesting reading.
95 per cent of our survey respondents think that Australian organisations use the terms Software Developer and Software Engineer interchangeably.
However, almost half (45 per cent) think there is, in fact, a difference between Software Developers and Software Engineers.
We have previously highlighted that the job description of a Software Engineer and Software Developer is often used interchangeably in Australia.
However, many important distinctions can be made between the roles too – although these vary depending on the person, organisation, industry or even country you direct the question to.
In essential terms, these distinctions often centre around the fact that Software Engineers are seen to be focused on big picture solutions involving the design, development and maintenance of software systems. Meanwhile, Software Developers are recognised as technical specialists who concentrate on coding on a specific application or function.
67 per cent of our survey respondents agreed that a Software Engineer can undertake a Software Developer’s role, but a Software Engineer’s core responsibility is for ‘larger scale’ solutions.
63 per cent of respondents agreed that Software Development is less ‘big picture’ and more focused on creating functional applications. In addition, almost three quarters (73 per cent) of respondents agreed that Software Engineers focus on organisational-wide ‘best practice’, whereas Software Developers are likely to complete a function for a specific application/system.
Do you think there is a distinction between the two roles? Perhaps you agree with the 45% of people we spoke to who feel there is a clear difference and the two roles should not be used interchangeably.
On the other hand, perhaps you are comfortable using these terms interchangeably.
Here at Hays, we regularly talk to employers who do use the terms interchangeably, and we always ensure they find the exact talent they need to meet their individual needs regardless of the job title used.
However, if you do like to differentiate the key skills and competencies into two distinct lists, here’s some suggestions from the employers we recruit for. We welcome your thoughts on whether you agree or disagree with this division. If you do agree, should any other skills be added to the below?
Our survey of software professionals also found that a significant number (40 per cent) would be more inclined to apply for one role over another when searching for a new job.
Of these, 85 per cent would prefer to apply for a Software Engineer position.
In the next few years, very strong growth is forecast for Software Developers and Software Engineers. According to 2020 forecasting from Deloitte Access Economics, there will be more than one million tech workers in Australia by 2027, increasing from the 772,175 recorded in 2019.
We recently highlighted that Software Developers will be a skill in demand in the years ahead, as organisations continue to count on developers to create a raft of products, tools and services.
We also expect to see demand for Software Engineers across industries such as healthcare, financial services, retail, public sector and defence, as more organisations outside the technology sector develop better software systems to match technologically-savvier business models.
At Hays, we specialise in recruiting technology talent for permanent and contract jobs at all levels.
Thanks to the wide range of relationships we have with IT professionals and organisations, including tech start-ups, fintechs and global tech organisations, we can help you find your next job or team member.
Please do reach out on LinkedIn if you’d like to share your thoughts on the distinction, or lack thereof, between Software Developers and Software Engineers.
Search or apply for your next Software Developer or Software Engineer job or contact your local office.
Robert Beckley is a Regional Director based in Melbourne. Having worked in the Australian IT recruitment market since 2006, Robert leads the Hays Information Technology business in the ANZ region. Robert has a Master’s degree from the University of Birmingham, and two decades of industry experience.
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