In this series, SheCanCode takes a look at what qualifications and skills are needed for roles across the tech industry. We will also look at earning potential and the prospect of career growth as a software engineer, as well as pointing you in the right direction of companies and open job roles.
What is a Mobile Developer?
Essentially, a Mobile Developer is a type of Software Developer who specializes in mobile technology and building apps for systems such as Android, iOS, and Windows. Developers can also create mobile versions of web or computer-based applications. If you’re interested in broader roles, Becoming a DevOps Engineer or Becoming a Full-Stack Engineer involves additional skills and specializations that extend beyond mobile development.
A career as a Mobile Developer could be a great choice for someone with the right skills. Becoming a Full-Stack Engineer involves understanding both mobile and web development, as the demand for Mobile Developers is incredibly high due to the rapid pace of technology changes and the increasing number of people using their mobiles over a laptop or desktop computer.
Qualifications
If you want to pursue a career as a Mobile Developer, a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or Mathematics would be a good place to start.
If you’re looking to change careers and you have a degree in another subject, you could try looking for Graduate Training Schemes. These are open to people with degrees not relating to IT and you would receive on-the-job training.
There are also apprenticeships available for those without a degree. You can browse the Government’s website for open apprenticeships in Software and Mobile Development.
You will have to have a good knowledge of coding and programming tools to keep up to date with the latest innovations. There are a few major mobile platforms and if you’re working for any of these you will need to know its core language – for example, Objective-C for iOS, C# for Windows Phone and Java for Android.
If you want to brush up on these skills, there are a number of resources and courses you can take, such as:
Learning Android Application Development – Udemy
App Developer Training – Apple
Skills
Because of the fast-pace nature of the development industry, you will need to be able to adapt, embrace change and be able to learn things quickly.
Problem-solving skills and strong communication skills are also important as you will have to work with clients and colleagues to troubleshoot any issues.
Earning potential and career growth
The average base salary for a software engineering the UK is £58,000 per annum, while in the US it’s $114,000,
From Mobile Developer, there are opportunities to move into Senior App Developer roles and then Project Management. You could also learn React Native and get a role as a Front End Developer. Due to the demand of mobile development, you could eventually take on contract work and become self-employed.
Ready to become a Mobile Developer? Discover roles at companies who value diversity:
Mobile developer roles on the SheCanCode jobboard.
