A software developer is a profession in which a person builds or develops computer software and/or applications. There are many specialized field paths for a software developer including Web Development, Fullstack Developer, Front End Developer, Back End Developer, Mobile Application Developer, Game Developer, Quality Tester, Machine Learning, AI Developer, DevOps and UX Designer. These career paths are often highly specialized requiring a person with education and working knowledge in a specific combination of several programming languages. When looking at the differences in what each specialty requires and offers, my career path upon graduating college is to be a fullstack engineer. "A full-stack developer is an IT professional skilled in assembling both the front end and back end of computer applications (Lee, 2025)."
The requirements for a Full-Stack Software Engineer vary based on unique job requirements, however there are standard skills a student must have to be eligible for a career in this field. Soft skills needed for the job include "adaptability, creativity, patience, and problem solving (Skillsoft, 2025). "Hard skills and knowlege needed includes a solid foundation in HTML5, Javascript, CSS, HTML, and Programming languages specific to the position applying for. "The Front-End of a website is constructed using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript programming, frameworks, and libraries including React and Node.js, which is what users see on their computer and smartphone screens. The Back-End of Web Development handles functions and database interaction facilitated through programming languages like Python, JavaScript, and SQL (Noble Desktop, 2025)."
A Bachelor's Degree Program is a general requirement of most Full-Stack Engineer positions. An academic program should fulfill all of the following curriculum to adequately prepare a student for a career in this field:
Along with a formal degree, Full-Stack Engineers should complete certifications. These certifications can be completed through online courses and bootcamps or in person programs, which are designed to prepare students for specific careers upon completion. There are several reputable certification and boot camp programs for web development and software engineering career paths. These programs vary greatly in cost and subsequent opportunities, however many gaurantee a position following completion, making the expense a worthy investment. Some programs offer scholarships and financing options, which are moreso available for accredited programs. A certification program for Full-Stack Software Engineering that provides an adequate curriculum that both prepares students for entry level positions or internships and is affordable can be found at Codecademy. This online developer educational platform offers many career paths, certifications, and bootcamps. The only downside is that they are not accredited, however they do help with job placement.
Full-Stack Software Engineers offer a range of payscales, with the average annual income being around $130,000. "As of Dec 24, 2025, the average annual pay for a Full Stack Software Engineer in the United States is $134,771 a year (ZipRecruiter, 2025)." These positions are highly competitive, with many companies offering internships for new graduates. Some internships require assessments to qualify for these roles to ensure candidates demonstrate a minimum level of working knowledge of the programming skills needed for specific positions. Entry level positions range from $15 an hour to $45 an hour depending on the company and other factors for the position. There are opportunities that also pay a rate for each task or work assignment completed which is a good way for students to gain experience while building their portfolio. Github offers opportunities for students to correct errors in code to build their portfolio but does not pay for this work. They offer their own internship program and have the option for freelance developers to open a sponsorship account which allows funding providers to fund indie projects. Their platform also offers task related developer-to-developer work, making their company and platform a launching pad for new developers in every field. Benefits vary as much as specializations for Full-Stack Software Engineers. Some companies offer full benefits and a housing stipend, depending on the job and location. Internships that require temporary relocation typically offer this housing benefit. Students traveling abroad for work study programs are an example of who might benefit from a housing stipend, or a qualified candidate for a position that requires a full relocation. Employees for positions that are temporary, such as working for a company on a project with a planned end date often provide housing for the duration of the offered work. Localized companies tend to offer full health and retirement benefits, such as companies offering ongoing, regular employment.
