Tech careers have become more and more sought by candidates dreaming of a rewarding profession, and software development is one of the favorites in this case. Every tech enthusiast’s goal is to have a go at popular, big-name companies like Microsoft, but this career path might be unclear for most. So, what does it take to become a renowned Microsoft developer? A lot of work, of course, but you should also possess some valuable skills we will discuss in the following. Giants like Microsoft will only recruit the best of the best, so if you want to take this route, you need the determination to work on your objectives and patience to wait for success because it does not happen overnight. With that in mind, here are some valuable insights into this career and various degrees of expertise Microsoft’s job listings are looking for.
What does a Microsoft developer do?
Microsoft developers are software engineers or computer programmers with strong analytical, technological, and problem-solving skills, specializing in computer science. This field might sound challenging, but you have a real chance to win if you are passionate about coding and programming languages. Before digging into the topic, let us clarify what a computer programmer is, as it might not be obvious with so many careers in the tech industry abounding in the market. So, as their name also suggests, software developers are tasked with taking the software developed by engineers and writing an instructional code using C++ that will determine its level of functionality. Software developers working at Microsoft also run tests to assure operational software. Software developers can test either applications or systems, so if you are considering this career path, you should carefully determine which of the above-mentioned best suits you. Although these might appear to be the same thing, they are not: systems software developers design software operating systems rely on while applications software developers design software for things such as spreadsheet or word processing programs. What brings them together is the individual software components that make a program functional. The Microsoft developer job description may encompass several titles, including software engineer, computer programmer, program manager, and web developer. A program manager, for example, proposes features, directs, and manages the software development while a web developer creates private and public apps and pages.
Things required to become a developer at Microsoft
As you can see, the range of Microsoft development jobs is broad, and each requires unique talents. However, there are certain aptitudes every potential software developer should possess:
Certifications
It is nothing new under the sun that you need to have earned a degree to work for Microsoft or, at least, be presently enrolled in a computer science or engineering program (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate). Computer programming is the first skill required to become a software developer, and, unfortunately, it is not learned at home but by taking part in adequate training programs. Thus, you may want to apply for credentials like MCSD (Microsoft Certified Professional Developer) or MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) to be a valuable candidate for the Microsoft team. Such certifications include, besides Microsoft.NET Framework, the Microsoft Visual Studio family, which opens many opportunity doors. Moreover, you can demonstrate your abilities in a particular platform like Web, Windows, and even Windows Azure. So, consider enrolling right away if you want to take your preparation to the next level. And do not forget to weigh the cons in all this situation. If you are 100 % sure you want a career in software development, great, but if you are not that convinced, take your time and thoroughly research the domain. You need to know that a career in Microsoft development and tech, in general, implies a lot of time spent in front of a computer, which, in time, can lead to injuries like myofascial trigger points, eyestrain, tendon injuries, or cervicogenic headaches. Computer-related injuries are not so widespread, but it does not mean they cannot affect your health. So, if you pursue a career in software development, ensure your employer offers the best work conditions. Injuries acquired in the workplace fall into accidents and need proper attention. Therefore, in the event of ever falling victim to such an incident, consider contacting a personal injury lawyer from a reputable firm like Personal Injury Claims Care for professional legal advice.
Object-oriented programming
This type of programming has a real moment, with big companies, including Microsoft, using it to develop various applications. Object-oriented programming (OOP) implies picking a programming language (C++, C#, Java Script, X++, Smalltalk) and studying its applicable concepts: interfaces, inheritances, objects, methods, etc. It would also be helpful to learn the language’s design patterns, as these are universal languages to share with other fellows.
Functional programming
The software industry is evolving, so programming languages like C# have become more functional. Thus, to keep up with these language changes, you need to learn the basics of functional programming. Some of the most sought-after functional languages include Haskell and Clojure, used for solving different problems. Through functional programming, you will also learn the immutability value, significance of high-order function, and the benefit of closures.
Database knowledge
Living in a data-driven world makes it imperative to secure information properly. Cloud proved one of the most viable storage solutions, so, as a software developer, you need some database knowledge to store the developed applications. Several cloud data store models are available, but you do not have to master them all. Focus instead on one and work on improving it with each day passing. In time, you may be able to understand T-SQL (Transact-SQL), the language of databases and also one of the challenging programming languages. Hardware and network knowledge, as well as the basics of version control systems, are aptitudes cherished by Microsoft. As you can see, becoming a software developer is far from easy, but if you are truly passionate, you can become a successful Microsoft developer.
About the author
Cynthia Madison is an author at SmallBizClub.com with a solid technical, business, and financial foundation. She’s responsible for providing share-worthy articles that deliver value straight to the point. Cynthia enjoys watching thought-provoking TED talks on technology advancements in her spare time. She lives a “never stop learning” life.
