Why Software Engineering Over Hardware: A Personal Perspective

Choosing between software engineering and hardware engineering can be a daunting decision, especially when both fields have their unique aspects to offer. In this article, I will share my personal journey and the reasons why I eventually gravitated towards software engineering.

My Journey and Current Experience

I obtained two degrees in Electrical Engineering (EE) but my first “real” job was in software. This was a realization that came about during my masters project, where I discovered that the software part of the project was what I enjoyed the most. Despite my background in EE, my career path took an unexpected turn, and I find myself deeply invested in software development.

Personality Traits and Career Suitability

Several personality traits played a significant role in my decision to pursue a software engineering career over hardware. I possess a short attention span and a tendency to lack attention to detail. These traits might not align well with careers in hardware development, particularly in traditional hardware engineering roles that require meticulous attention to detail and patience.

Impatience for Progress

Short attention span and a lack of patience for attention to detail often lead to a sense of impatience for progress in any phase of a project. For instance, if I were discussing requirements, I would be eager to dive into the design phase; if I were working on a design, I would prefer to start coding. Finally, once I start coding, I would be impatient to see the project in action and running smoothly.

Benefits of Software Development

Software development, especially when following Agile principles, offers a faster development cycle, which caters to my impatient nature. Agile methodologies allow for rapid iterations and continuous improvement. Additionally, the ability to quickly test, identify and fix issues contributes to a smoother development process.

Leveraging Strengths and Overcoming Weaknesses

My ability to think intuitively and make quick problem-solving decisions is compensatory for my poor attention to detail. While it means I might overlook some critical aspects, my brain can find solutions with minimal input. However, software development provides a solution for my attention to detail challenges. The advent of rapid prototyping tools and test automation has significantly helped me in this regard.

Test Automation and Regression Suite

One of the key benefits of software development is the ability to perform rapid iterations and test every requirement meticulously. Automated acceptance testing helps ensure that all requirements are met. By automating tests, we can create a regression suite that protects our code from future regressions. This not only improves efficiency but also improves the overall quality of the software.

Regrets and Success

Despite my initial challenges, I have found immense satisfaction and success in my software engineering career. Over 30 years, I have been fortunate enough to have no significant regrets. My journey has been characterized by continuous learning and adaptation to the rapidly evolving field of software engineering.

Choosing between software and hardware engineering is a deeply personal decision. While my background in EE influenced my career path, my personality traits led me to pursue software development. The combination of rapid iteration, test automation, and continuous improvement has helped me succeed in this field. If you share similar traits, software engineering might be the right path for you.