How to transition from computer programmer to software development manager
Are you a computer programmer aspiring to transition to a software development manager? Do you know the roles of a software development manager? How long have you been in the programming industry? Do you have the necessary qualifications? If yes, then you have all it takes to transition to a software development manager. This post is more managerial than programming, and for that reason, you will be a leader to your team. As a manager, your onus to ensure everything is done correctly without necessarily micromanaging your team. You should also ensure individual team members are aware of their roles and what is expected of them. This will improve team efficiency, thereby enhancing productivity.
It’s essential to differentiate your previous role from the current one, as this will help you forge a good relationship with your team. A computer programmer is responsible for writing codes, testing, debugging, and even updating computer programs. It’s worth noting that coders write computer instructions based on the developer specifications. This means they can’t write anything that comes into their mind. This ensures the programmers don’t deviate from the required project. Otherwise, the final project would be different from the desired one. As a team manager, get an update of what programmers are doing at each step’s end. Also, conduct tests to ensure the system is faultless, and if there are faults, highlight them and inform your team to set it right.
What do you need to transition to a software development manager?
Education
A bachelor’s degree is a requirement for managerial posts in software development. Software development leaders should be proficient in computer programming concepts such as programming languages, platforms, and software development methodologies. You can become adept at these principles by pursuing bachelor’s degrees in management information systems, computer science, information technology, or any other related field. You can also pursue a master’s degree in any of those courses to broaden your software knowledge. It can be terrific to dream of becoming a software development manager if you’re unfamiliar with most programming concepts, and that’s why it is recommended to further your software knowledge before stepping up your pursuit for your dream career.
Skills
The role of a software development manager requires both technical and managerial skills. A software development manager is obliged to split the process of finding a software solution into precise plans, assigning tasks to individual team members depending on their distinct skills and expertise in various fields. To transition from a computer programmer to a software development manager, you must know various programming languages and applications. You should also be informed of using a development environment, project management software, and exceptional organizational skills. Without these skills, you will find this job more challenging to manage and underperform in your role.
Certifications
Certifications are not necessary, but it’s still recommendable to have one or two. For instance, having a certification for solving complex projects can be an added advantage in your pursuit of transitioning from a coder to a software development manager. This should include the approach and strategies to find solutions to an intricate project, including a framework for debugging and analyzing every project stage. As a programmer, you can consider enrolling in several certification courses related to your field to broaden your knowledge. These certifications can propel your quest to become a software development manager at some point in your career. It’s worth noting that a managerial position comes with a pay rise, among other privileges. However, this leadership post comes with its challenges.
Experience
Employers prefer to promote a computer programmer with several years of working experience in a managerial post. Besides experience, employers favor a programmer with a solid background of programming principles and a few years of work experience in leadership posts. If you aspire to become a software development manager in your organization, seek membership in an acknowledged software development team at the entry-stage to acquire the required skills and knowledge. This will help boost your chances of bagging this post in your organization whenever there is a vacancy.
Working Conditions
A software development manager should have a favorable environment to execute his or her duties. A manager should have a flexible working schedule to create room for other activities. For instance, for a manager to collaborate with clients from various parts of the world, they should have an adjustable working schedule due to different time zones. Besides occasional travels, managers have a neat and conducive physical office from where they discharge their duties. This makes them more efficient in their work and thereby delivering the desired results.
Salary
A software development manager pockets a yearly average of $72,000, varying from employer to employer and the organization’s location. Other privileges depend on the employer, and substantial experience in your specialization area may result in a pay rise.
What will be your new roles?
Unlike a programmer whose roles are limited, a software development manager is tasked with a handful of functions. Software development managers act as team leaders in various fields, such as medical research, finance, etc. Some of their roles include designing web applications, software, web services, recruiting, training, managing staff, draft and supervise budgets and deliver progress reports to senior managers. They can co-work with various department leaders to establish the software needs, sit with the management to find out how software applications can meet business objectives or technocrats and non-technocrats end-users once the software has been finalized.
Also, they test and debug computer programs, redressing performance problems, and making changes where necessary. There are plenty of similarities between computer applications software engineering and software development management. They are fast evolving, thereby compelling the programmers and managers to keep up to date with the ever-changing technologies. As a software development manager, there is a need to keep up with emerging trends.
Other functions include:
Development Strategy
Software managers work closely with other professionals, such as marketers and business managers, to establish the requirements’ desired software programs. If the software is for internal use, then the manager should work with the department heads to determine the functional requirements. If the software being developed is for a client, you must identify the market demands and evaluate the prevailing competitive programs’ performance. The functional requirements form a starting point for a software development methodology that gives the developers an insight into what they are about to build.
Team Resources
Managers are tasked with ensuring that developers can access the resources they require, like the development tools, means of communication, and even computing systems. The volume of resources required tends to vary from one stage to the next, so it is the manager’s responsibility to ensure there is no scarcity of resources among the team members. Programmers can use cloud computing to minimize the usage of computing resources in compliance with project requirements. Instead of investing in permanent infrastructure, developers can opt to lease extra computing capacity from an external service provider.
Scheduling
A software development manager ensures the development team complies with the set deadlines. The manager has to inform the developers about the project timelines. The manager works closely with the marketing team to coordinate development schedules and set timelines. Software managers endeavor to finalize product developments within the shortest time possible to get enough time for marketing the product.
Conclusion
Transitioning from a computer programmer to a software development manager is not a walk in the park, as seen from the above. There are a handful of requirements that you have to meet before you transition to a development manager. Since this is a managerial role, you will have more responsibilities than you had when you were a programmer. This is something that you have to be prepared for seeking the job. You must also be proficient in various programming languages such as C, C++, Java, PHP, and many more.