If you're just starting out in the world of software development and looking for a career in New Zealand, you're in luck - this country has a thriving tech industry with plenty of opportunities to explore. Here's a beginner's guide to software development careers in New Zealand. What is software development? Before we dive in, let's start with the basics - what is software development? Put simply, it involves creating computer programs and applications to solve problems and automate tasks. This can involve everything from designing user interfaces and writing code to testing and troubleshooting software. Why pursue a career in software development? There are plenty of reasons to consider a career in software development. Here are just a few: - High demand: With businesses and organizations across all industries relying on technology more and more, the demand for skilled software developers is only increasing. - Good pay: According to Careers NZ, the median salary for software developers in New Zealand is around $90,000 per year. Depending on your skills and experience, you could earn even more. - Continued learning and growth: There's always something new to learn in the world of software development, which means you'll never get bored. Plus, as technology advances, there will always be new challenges to tackle and new skills to master. - Flexibility: Many software development jobs allow for flexible work hours and remote work, giving you the freedom to structure your workday around your lifestyle. What skills do you need to succeed in software development? While the specific skills required will depend on the industry and type of software development you'll be doing, there are a few key skills that will come in handy no matter what: - Programming languages: At a minimum, you'll need to know at least one programming language (such as Java or Python) to get started in software development. The more you know, the better. - Attention to detail: Writing code requires a high level of precision and attention to detail. One small mistake can cause big problems down the line. - Problem-solving: Software development is all about solving problems, so you'll need to be comfortable with tackling big and small challenges on a regular basis. - Communication: Whether you're working on a team or communicating with clients, strong communication skills are essential in software development. What job titles should you look for? There are plenty of job titles to consider when searching for software development roles, so it's important to know what each one means: - Software developer: This is the most common job title you'll come across. Software developers write code to create, improve, and maintain software programs and applications. - Web developer: Similar to software developers, web developers focus specifically on building websites and web applications. - Full-stack developer: A full-stack developer is someone who can work on both the front-end (user interface) and back-end (server-side) of a web application. - Mobile app developer: As the name suggests, mobile app developers specialize in creating applications for mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. - DevOps engineer: DevOps engineers work to streamline the software development process by combining development and operations teams. They focus on automation and collaboration to speed up the release of software. Where should you look for jobs? There are many job boards and websites to explore when looking for software development roles in New Zealand. Here are a few to check out: - Seek - Trade Me Jobs - Indeed - LinkedIn You can also consider reaching out to recruiters and staffing agencies that specialize in tech roles, such as Finite920 and Hays. What companies should you target? New Zealand has an increasingly vibrant tech industry, with many startups and established companies hiring for software development roles. Some of the top companies to consider include: - Xero: An accounting software company that's headquartered in Wellington and has offices around the world. - Vend: A cloud-based point-of-sale software company based in Auckland. - Pushpay: A company that provides mobile payment solutions for religious organizations and nonprofits. - Trade Me: New Zealand's largest online marketplace, which frequently hires software developers and web developers. In conclusion, if you're interested in pursuing a career in software development, New Zealand can be a great place to do it. With plenty of job opportunities, high salaries, and amazing quality of life, there's a lot to love about this industry in this country. Good luck in your job search!