Culminating
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1q5e-7vfybxnIKmIUYMjzubQNwLuWqz9w/edit
Career choice: Backend web developer @ Spotify
Tasks And Duties - 1
Some of the day-to-day tasks for a backend software engineer would be the following:
- Review code from other developers.
- Attend meetings.
- Write code.
- Test features.
Education / Training - 2
As hinted in the job title, you do actually need an engineering degree for this job, specifically a degree in software engineering which you can only obtain through university.
In addition, you would need backend web development experience preferably, in Django/Python
How I would get there (program) - 3
One program I would 10000% be very interested in is Software engineering at the University of Waterloo
Software engineering is the branch of computer science that deals with the design, development, testing, and maintenance of software applications; I.E. Programming.
Admission requirements:
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GPA: minimum GPA: 3.7 or ~91%
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Courses: Physics, English, Calculus and vectors, Advanced functions, Chemistry + (recommended Computer science) all in gr12
Program time: 4y
tuition cost: ~120k
coop profit 40-120k
Over the four years that It would take to get this degree the total cost would be around 120k HOWEVER with coops I would earn between 40,000 & 130,000 depending on how many coop terms I take and the salary that they offers.
What are the skills needed to get this job? - 4
Some of the skills needed to land this job would be:
- Proficiency in backend web development skills
- I am achieving this by working as the backend lead for Metropolis and backend developer for MCPT
- Good technical communication skills
- This is something I get by just taking on the roles listed before + being in the ICS and TEJ classes. As well as tutoring some people.
- Familiarity with Database design & Django.
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These are both things that I get from participating in hackathons which are 36hr competitions where you have to build a project within that time frame, I also get these from my job as Backend Lead @ Project Metropolis
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EC’s to do if I want to land the job - 5
At the moment I’m really doing all I could for this.
In order to get the job I would first need a degree so that’s what these are targeted for.
I’m an exec or VP of 3+ technology clubs, I do tutoring on this subject (CS) & I actively do competitions and beat out current university students.
Salary (USD) - 6
- min: 160k
- med: 202k
- max: 425k (senior)
Environment & Work Setting - 7
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FULL FORM
The typical work environment for a backend web developer at Spotify is primarily office-based. This aligns well with my interests and career goals, as I thrive in collaborative, team-oriented settings. I am comfortable with the expectations of intensive work and tight deadlines, and I find the challenges motivating. The indoor office environment provides a focused atmosphere, which is crucial for software development. In summary, this work environment complements my passion for technology and software engineering.
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Office-based work environment
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Team-oriented and collaborative
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Comfortable with intensive work and deadlines
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Focused atmosphere for software development
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Aligns with my passion for technology and software engineering
Potential career transfers - 8
- Data Scientist: Skills in backend development transfer to data science. Analyzing data, using databases, and programming are crucial. Ideal if you’re interested in data analysis and machine learning.
- Full-stack Developer: Extend skills to work on both frontend and backend web development. Offers versatility and well-rounded expertise. Great choice if you enjoy the complete web application development process.
Point form
- Data Scientist: You would be able to transfer your Logical thinking, Data Analysis & Computer programming skills.
- This would be suitable as It also aligns with my interests but not as preferable as backend web dev.
- Full-stack Developer: I would be able to directly transfer all of my skills that I learned as a backend web developer as Full Stack is basically a simplified superset of backend + frontend developer.
- This would not be as suitable as simply staying a backend developer as I do not enjoy frontend which is half the job.
Transferable companies - 9
You could transfer to any number of companies or organizations. An example of some would be
- Apple
- Any government
- Any company that operates on the web
- any company that has a website that stores information or performs some kind of big calculation. (e.g. calculating statistics)
Company / BIO (Google)
Location: Global (in person & remote)
- Google search
- YouTube
- Android & more
Employees: 150,000+
Why I would want to work there: Google stands out as my preferred employer due to its global influence, culture of innovation, and opportunities to work on projects with a broad reach. This aligns well with my career aspirations and the desire to collaborate with industry leaders in a dynamic, creative environment.
Pros and Cons - 10
Pros
- High starting salary
- Great benifits
- Flexible hours
Cons
- Intensive workloads and tight deadlines
- Frequent code reviews and meetings
- Continuous learning and skill updates required (could be considered a pro)
How do I plan to pursue this career? - 11
4u Courses I plan on taking (or AP)
- Advanced functions
- AP Computer Science A
- AP Computer Science Principles
- Calculus and Vectors
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Computer Engineering
Goals for GR11/12
- 90+ avg for gr11 98%avg for gr12
- President of 1/2 clubs and vp of 2/3 clubs.
- Participate in as many Hackathons as possible