A person who has an imaginative mind to come up with new computer programs and who is concerned about the different aspects of software development process is known as a software developer. Since my early days, I always hunted to become a software developer. It was my fantasy to become a person who plays a vital role in today's technological world. Being a software developer is fascinating as it is linked to a job, which satisfies customer's need. Software developer basically starts by asking how the customer wants to use the software. Then they do works like analyzing users’ main needs and solving their problems. They design, install, experiment and update the software system on a regular basis. My dream jobs involve understanding both the requirements related and unrelated to the functionality of software programs (O’Neill, 2001). The levels of security and performance needs are requirements that are not related to the functionality of the software. To perform a given work, the job involves using program codes for specific programs. I will also have the responsibility to research new process that will make work easier in an organization. Furthermore, the occupation will likewise permit me to make business more proficient and to give quality and fulfilling administrations identified with innovation. It will allow me to review the computer system, produce detailed specifications for a program and write the program codes (Totaljobs, 2015). Software development is not only linked with the development of software but also upgrading and maintaining the systems thereafter. Some of the works as software developer may include making new mobile applications and developing database related to finance. Software developers are in charge of the overall process for a software program.
My dream job requires me to act rationally as well as ethically. I will have access to private information during my work period, which I might have to keep secret according to laws and policies. Not only that, but I will have to encourage my colleagues not to do illegal works. I will have to work in good faith and see what reflects best human values. Moreover, I will be responsible for the effective management of the works I do. Furthermore, I need to work with a project manager who supervises the overall growth of the project so that the mission is accomplished on time, meets standard as well as target costs. I have to work in a close circle with project manager and system analysts to make sure my work meets the company's objective. The project managers are sometimes called the information technology (IT) project managers. I generally need to work with computer programmers. But in some companies, developers do both the developing and coding of the program rather than providing guidelines to the programmers.
Some of the qualifications of software developers are as follows.
One must have passed the undergraduate level from a reputed university in technical subjects like computer science, information technology, software engineering, and mathematics or business information systems (Geer, 2006). As these are the technical subjects, it will help developers to code the computer programs that consist of mathematical concepts like the sequence in calculus. Not only develop, but I can examine and keep the computer programs updated. For a software developer, a very clear understanding of software and programming language is a must. He/she should not only focus on theoretical knowledge, but should have an innovative way to solve problems. Besides educational requirements, a good software developer should possess good communication, interpersonal and technical skills. Without one of these skills, he/she might not excel in his/her field. Software developers might as well possess sufficient knowledge about the field in which they work. Recent developments have focused on ethical and moral values of the developer that guides the software developers.
Payments and reward package:
“There is no such thing as a free lunch” (Safire, 1993). So I expect my dream job to have something for me as well. The rewards and payment package include various things ranging from payment methods to different benefit packages. I will want my organization to pay me on the hourly basis for the work I perform. I seek to get extra charges per hour for the work after office hours. These works could be analyzing the financial systems of the organization or designing each piece of an application. I also want my dream job to provide me compensation for the work I perform for the entire month as monthly salary. I believe it will motivate me if constant raises, bonuses and incentives keep coming for my outstanding performance. Based on my performance, I will expect to get an annual raise as well as several benefits packages. After doing a lot of hard work, I will expect to get a paid leave and vacation for refreshment. I want organization to provide health benefits including part of my medical costs, if any.
The rewards discussed above provide a win-win situation for both the employer and the employee. As a software developer, I can be satisfied with my job if it is paid as hourly wages and a monthly salary. It will motivate me to work for an organization if my work is recognized and rewarded timely. I will make effective computer programs and with more enthusiasm, if I have the right compensation plan. Software developers are innovative people, so if I will get paid vacation once or twice a year I will work harder and avoidable absenteeism will be reduced. I always expect to learn new things continuously and if my needs as a software developer are fulfilled, chances are I will be willing to dedicate myself to the organizational needs. Benefit packages will motivate me to work as desired by the organization.
There are several laws, which ensures my right as a software developer is protected. The organization should provide me compensation equal to the service I give. Gender bias should not be done in an organization while compensating the employee. The law provides me with the right to sue the organization, in case it denies compensating for the services I offer. Job experience and seniority should play the major role while compensating the employee. In addition to all these things, right compensation and rewards would motivate me to constantly perform outstandingly, develop my self-confidence and give inner peace.
Performance appraisal to evaluate my job performance
Performance appraisals are meant to evaluate the overall performance of an employee in an organization. It is a systematic process to know my position based on my performance. Performance appraisals can show where do I stand and if I can grow any further. To see the strength and weaknesses that I possess while doing my job is the main idea behind the program. It helps to keep important records for determining rewards and salary raises. This appraisal program provides suggestions and feedback related to my current performance. Moreover, performance appraisal guides the way I work, evaluates and maintains different kinds of training programs that my job requires.
According to Grote (1996), the performance appraisal program to measure my performance is outlined below. The rating scale goes like this: excellent (consistently exceeds standards), outstanding (frequently exceeds standards), satisfactory(generally meets standards), needs improvement (frequently fails to meet standards), and unacceptable (fails to meet standards),.
Performance appraisal program
Status: Software developer
Completion date:
Self-evaluation by employee:
Overall rating
Employee comment: In a nutshell, after seeing all my strength and weaknesses, I see myself as an outstanding software developer performing quite well. Nevertheless, I think there are some parts where I need to work hard.
Software Developer Supervisor comment: Seeing the overall rating scale, he is an outstanding employee in the organization performing above average. The employee can gain excellence if he focuses on his weaknesses and tries to improve that part.
Recommendations for improvement
Employee comment: In the coming year, to become a better team player and help build a co-operative environment, I would like to take the executive management course.
Signatures
Employee signature
Human resources signature
Conclusion
In conclusion, the performance appraisals measure my strength and weaknesses to perform the job. The organization can see my effectiveness and efficiency while performing a job. If the organization thinks I'm not worth the job, they can always demote me. Performance appraisals serve as a tool to determine the compensation and benefits package. Additionally, it helps to improve my dream job and act as a motivator in the whole process. Rewards and pay motivate me as well as creates the win-win situation for both the employer and employee.
References
Geer, D. (2006). Software developer profession expanding. IEEE Software, 23(2), 112-115. doi:10.1109/ms.2006.56
Grote, R. C. (1996). The complete guide to performance appraisal. New York: AMACOM.
O’Neill, E. (2001). User-Developer Cooperation in Software Development. doi:10.1007/978-1-4471-0355-4
Safire, W. (1993, February 14). ON LANGUAGE; Words Out in the Cold. The New York Times.
