Andrew Parisi
Parkland HS
Parkland School District
Allentown, PA
Career Investigation
Career Investigated: Software Engineer
Table of Contents
FCCLA Planning Process Page
Online Submission Form
Self-Assessment
Evidence of Career Research
Experience with Business, Industry, Agencies, and Organizations
Samples of Related School Work
Use of FCS Standards
Career Planning
Works Cited/ Bibliography
Identify Concerns:
I need to look for a career that can afford my lifestyle of Upper
Middle class, while still leaving me enough time to relax at the end of
the day.
Set a Goal:
The Software Engineer Career has the capability to afford my
lifestyle while also fitting many of my personalities.
Form a Plan:
I am conducting research for this project. I will be collecting
research about being a Software Engineer through Xello and College
websites. I will be completing this research project from September
23rd to October 3rd. I am completing this project so I have an idea of
a possible career for my future.
Act:
I will conduct research from Xello, talk with people in the field,
and document my information in the Career investigation Portfolio.
Online Submission Form
Don
e
Taking the Skills Lab assessment on Xello
enabled me to align my personality traits
Self-Assessments with careers that are most compatible with
those characteristics.
Career Research - Software Engineer
Job Description - A Software Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains software
applications and systems. They collaborate with teams to create innovative solutions, write
efficient code, conduct testing and debugging, and produce technical documentation.
Utilizing various programming languages, they ensure software is scalable, reliable, and
secure while staying updated on industry trends.
Duties and Responsibilities - Software Engineers write, test, and maintain code, ensuring
functionality and scalability. They collaborate with teams, conduct testing, create
documentation, and provide user support.
Qualifications - Qualifications for a Software Engineer include a Bachelor’s degree in
Computer Science, proficiency in programming languages, relevant experience, and
familiarity with Agile methodologies. Strong problem-solving and communication skills are
essential.
Career Research - Software Engineer
Entry level positions - Entry-level positions for Software Engineers include Junior Software
Engineer, Software Developer Intern, Quality Assurance Tester, and Web Developer. These
roles provide valuable experience and opportunities for growth in the field of software
engineering.
Advancement Opportunities - Advancement options for Software Engineers include moving
into roles such as Senior Software Engineer, Software Architect, or Engineering Manager.
With experience and expertise, they can also explore specialized areas like DevOps, Data
Science, or Cybersecurity.
Job Outlook - The job outlook for Software Engineers is highly promising, with strong demand
driven by the increasing reliance on technology across various industries. Employment for
software developers is projected to grow significantly over the next decade, fueled by the
need for new applications and advancements in areas like artificial intelligence and
cybersecurity.
Salary - $60,000 to $180,000
Samples of related school work
I have done are coding classes.
Use of FCS Standards
Technology and Society (Standard 11.2): This standard emphasizes understanding the
impact of technology on society, which is essential for a career in software engineering.
Projects:
Programming Projects: I have completed coding projects, such as developing a simple
application or website, which helped me practice programming languages and software
development concepts.
Career Planning
To achieve my career goal of becoming a Software Engineer, I will pursue a Bachelor’s
degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering to build a solid foundation in
programming and software development. I plan to learn multiple programming languages,
such as Python, Java, and C++, through coursework and coding bootcamps to enhance my
technical skills. Gaining hands-on experience through internships and co-op opportunities
will help me understand real-world applications. I will also attend tech meetups and industry
conferences to network with professionals and build a strong portfolio through personal
projects and contributions to open-source software. Additionally, I will create a budget for
my education expenses and be open to relocating to tech hubs for better job opportunities.
Works Cited (MLA) Bibliography (APA)
Michigan Tech University. [Link]/cs/undergraduate/software/what/. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
Xello. [Link]/options/career/640/?uuid=913b9fa8-3c64-4d5a-993f-55be4a71c8de. Accessed 1
Oct. 2025.