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Ask HN: Can non degree-holder use the title Software Engineer?

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Ask HN: Can non degree-holder use the title Software Engineer?

#1

Post by fallenatreus »

Just feeling curious: Can someone use a software engineer designation without the formal education path (such as Computer Sc. degree etc). I always thought that to use a professional designation, you need to have professional qualification. Is there any laws/regulations/bodies that govern use of title of 'engineer'? I am interested to know, apart from learning to program and developing/designing software solutions, what makes a software engineer an 'engineer'?

Or is there a career path one has to take. After how many years in industry a person can start to call himself an engineer?

PS: Also curious what's the nuances of distinction between a Software Developer Vs Engineer?

Re: Ask HN: Can non degree-holder use the title Software Engineer?

#2

Post by LinuxBender »

I think you are asking a legal question? I am not a lawyer, but I can say that some governments in some countries require specific certifications in order to hold certain titles for certain government jobs. Otherwise the answer is yes, you can have whatever title you want provided that title does not imply any legal requirements doctor, lawyer. Your CV and interview with a business will help them determine if you meet the definition of your title. I have phone screened people that listed themselves as Sr/Principal ______ engineer and they could barely Google any of the answers. They won't get in trouble but they also won't get hired.

Re: Ask HN: Can non degree-holder use the title Software Engineer?

#3

Post by bdcravens »

There's little to no regulation around the term. You'll find job postings for "junior software engineers" that need very little experience. Bootcamps use "software engineering" in their marketing, so I presume graduates call themselves that when they finish (even though at that point, they're qualified for little more than apprenticeship roles)

Re: Ask HN: Can non degree-holder use the title Software Engineer?

#6

Post by st1x7 »

Yes, if you get hired for a job with the title software engineer, you are one. There are no education requirements for this. Same with any other title in tech. The distinction between developer and engineer doesn't really exist - engineer just sounds a bit fancier so some people prefer it over developer.

Re: Ask HN: Can non degree-holder use the title Software Engineer?

#7

Post by ThrowawayR2 »

Depends on what legal jurisdiction you work in. In the United States, job titles in the software industry are neither standardized nor enforced by any organization so people are free to call themselves whatever they like, regardless of education, experience, or even ability.

The downside of this is onerous and often poorly done interview processes designed to attempt to assess what the applicant is actually capable of.

Re: Ask HN: Can non degree-holder use the title Software Engineer?

#9

Post by seanwilson »

I have a software engineering degree and I don't think you should call yourself a software engineer until you've actually worked in that capacity on actual projects for a while. You could ace the degree but not have the experience to deliver real projects until you have practice.

Besides that, a lot of job titles are arbitrary, made up and not consistent between companies. Call yourself what you think you're qualified to do and want to do. Same if you're freelance or a consultant, because nobody is going to give you a title.

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