People with software development degrees can work in a wide range of roles — from hands-on programming to strategy, design, and management. Here’s a breakdown of common and specialized career paths:

💻 Core Software Development Roles

1. Software Developer / Software Engineer

   • Designs, codes, tests, and maintains applications or systems.

   • Can specialize in web, mobile, desktop, or embedded systems.

   • Languages: Python, Java, C#, JavaScript, C++, etc.

2. Web Developer

   • Builds websites and web applications (front-end, back-end, or full-stack).

   • Works with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Node.js, etc.

3. Mobile App Developer

   • Creates apps for Android or iOS.

   • Uses tools like Flutter, React Native, Kotlin, or Swift.

4. Game Developer

   • Designs and programs games using engines like Unity or Unreal.

   • Works closely with artists and designers.

🧠 Data and AI-Focused Roles

5. Data Engineer

   • Builds data pipelines and systems for analytics and machine learning.

   • Tools: SQL, Python, Spark, Airflow.

6. Data Scientist / Machine Learning Engineer

   • Uses programming, math, and statistics to find insights and train ML models.

   • Libraries: TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn.

7. AI Engineer

   • Designs intelligent systems, chatbots, and recommendation engines.

   • Works on NLP, computer vision, and deep learning projects.

🛠️ Systems and Infrastructure Roles

8. DevOps Engineer

   • Bridges development and operations: automates deployment, CI/CD, and scaling.

   • Tools: Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, AWS/Azure.

9. Cloud Engineer / Cloud Architect

   • Designs and manages cloud-based systems.

   • Platforms: AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure.

10. Systems Engineer

• Works on software that interacts closely with hardware or operating systems.

🔒 Security and Networking Roles

11. Cybersecurity Engineer / Analyst

• Protects systems and data from threats and attacks.

• Tools: Firewalls, intrusion detection, penetration testing.

12. Network Engineer

• Designs and manages communication systems and network infrastructure.

🎨 User Experience and Design Roles

13. UI/UX Developer / Designer

• Designs and implements user interfaces and improves user experience.

• Uses tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or front-end frameworks.

📈 Management and Strategy Roles

14. Technical Project Manager / Scrum Master

• Leads software teams, manages timelines, and ensures agile workflow.

15. Product Manager

• Defines what to build, aligns it with business goals, and prioritizes features.

16. Software Architect

• Designs system structures and makes high-level technology decisions.

🧩 Emerging and Specialized Roles

17. Blockchain Developer – Builds decentralized applications and smart contracts.

18. AR/VR Developer – Creates augmented and virtual reality experiences.

19. IoT Developer – Develops software for connected devices and sensors.

20. QA Engineer / Automation Tester – Tests software and writes automated test scripts.