How Long Should I Be a Junior Engineer? (With Advancement Tips)

Software engineers are computer programming professionals who create computer applications. These might include word processors, webpages or communication programs like email. If you're interested in becoming a software engineer, you might begin as a junior engineer, then proceed to upper-level positions. In this article, we describe different types of engineers by level, answer the question "How long should I be a junior engineer," list skills that can help you grow professionally and provide tips for advancement.

Read more: Learn About Being a Software Engineer

What are the types of engineers?

During your career as an engineer, you might hold a variety of job titles. Here are a few common types of engineers:

Junior engineer

Junior engineers are entry-level programming professionals who work under the supervision of managers or senior-level engineers. They might have three or fewer years of professional programming experience. Some junior engineers may be recent graduates working their first professional programming job. These individuals may have experience with one or two programming languages. They may also be most familiar with one area of programming, including back-end, front-end or database work. Engineers at this level may benefit from guidance and mentorship from upper-level engineers on their team.

Mid-level engineer

Mid-level engineers may have 3-6 years of professional programming experience. These years of experience can help them gain knowledge of multiple programming languages and full-stack experience, including back-end, front-end and databases. They may also understand how to function efficiently as part of an engineering team. For example, they may have excellent time management and communication skills. Mid-level engineers may complete more independent work than junior engineers.

Senior engineer

A senior engineer may have six or more years of professional programming experience. These individuals understand most programming languages and may be quick to learn new techniques and programs. They may also help guide and manage lower level professionals. This can involve offering advice, delegating work or offering project management support.

Read more: The Life of a Software Engineer: A Definitive Guide

How long should I be a junior engineer?

You might expect to be a junior engineer for two or three years after entering the workforce. This can be a proficient amount of time to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to advance to a higher level position. During those years, you might seek opportunities to learn new skills or take part in a wide variety of projects. This can help you advance more quickly to a mid-level position. You can also use this time to develop your professional network and build useful connections with upper-level software engineers who can act as mentors or advocates in the future.

After two to three years in an entry-level software engineering position, you might ask your supervisor about advancement opportunities. If the company at which you work opens applications for a mid-level engineer, you can apply as an internal candidate to be considered for the position officially. You can also apply to mid-level engineering positions at other companies.

Skills for advancing as an engineer

Developing your skills can help prepare you for an upper-level position. Here are some specific skills that you might choose to develop:

Intermediate to advanced programming

Advancing your programming skills can help you advance from a junior to mid-level engineer. This can include expanding the number of programming languages with which you're familiar. In each language, you might understand how to write commands, create applications and repair broken code. To improve your programming skills, consider asking to work on a project that involves a new type of programming. You can also train yourself in new languages by enrolling in courses or tutorials. Some companies may pay for these courses or allow you to complete them during work hours because they contribute to your career development.

Time management

The ability to manage your time well may help you make valuable contributions to your engineering projects. It can also help you complete all your assignments on time, which can help establish you as a reliable team member. As you advance to mid- and senior-level engineering positions, you're likely to work on more complex and time-consuming projects. This makes time management an important skill to develop early in your career.

Troubleshooting

Software troubleshooting involves identifying and fixing code errors or software bugs. While this is an important skill for any level of software engineer, as a junior engineer you may receive a greater level of support when troubleshooting. The ability to diagnose software challenges and implement the appropriate solution independently is a skill that you can develop with practice, and may help you advance to a more senior position.

Teamwork

Software engineers often work on projects as a team. This can include brainstorming new ideas, testing programs or troubleshooting code. Teamwork is important in this field because it can help improve software development efficiency and innovation. This means that the ability to work well with a team of other professionals is an essential skill for a mid-level engineer. Specific teamwork skills include listening to coworkers, communicating your thoughts effectively and offering support when appropriate.

Read more: 12 Essential Engineering Skills for Your Resume

Communication

Communication is an essential skill for a mid- or senior-level software engineer. This skill can both help individuals function well as part of a team, and help them communicate effectively with individuals outside their team. For example, upper-level engineers might communicate directly with clients or shareholders to understand their product goals. The ability to correspond clearly via email, over the phone or at an in-person meeting can help engineers take part in and lead projects effectively.

Tips for advancing as an engineer

Here are some tips to help you advance your software engineering career:

Ask questions

Asking questions can be a great way to learn more and become better at your job. It's normal for junior engineers to have some knowledge gaps, and asking questions can help you understand new material in a wholistic manner. Asking questions may also help demonstrate your understanding of your own knowledge limits and that you're eager to learn more. This might impress managers and help you advance to a higher-level position.

Seek out new experiences

As a junior engineer, it's helpful to look for opportunities to get involved in new types of projects. This can introduce you to new strategies, tools and techniques. For example, you might learn how to use a new programming language or troubleshooting strategy. You can also observe how your colleagues navigate unfamiliar challenges. To achieve these goals, consider volunteering for projects that differ from your previous work. You can also talk to a supervisor or mentor and explain that you're interested in new experiences to expand your skill set. They may help you find interesting opportunities with which to engage.

Related: How To Get Hired as an Entry-Level Engineer (With Steps and Tips)

Connect with a mentor

Getting a mentor can be a valuable experience, and may help a junior engineer advance to a higher-level positions. Mentors are generally managers or senior-level professionals within your department who can answer work-related questions. They might also meet with you periodically to discuss your career development, set goals or offer advice. This can help improve your knowledge, abilities and confidence, which can help prepare you for a job as a mid-level engineer. Your mentor may also help decide when you're ready to advance, so forming a healthy relationship with them can be a helpful way to demonstrate your abilities.