What Do People Misunderstand About Software Engineering?

A big one is that you need to be a math genius to be a successful software engineer. While those skills are beneficial, programming is not all about complex equations.

I work primarily in web and mobile app development, where basic addition is the extent of the math I use day-to-day. Programming involves logic, problem-solving, and algorithmic thinking. Reasoning and creativity will take you much farther than pure math. 

The fact that I still count with my fingers is proof of that.

Another, is that software engineering is where introverts go to hide. While it’s very easy to find yourself lost in code, collaboration and communication are integral parts of the development process. 

Working in teams, participating in code reviews, and effective communication are essential skills for a successful software developer. 

At a company as big as Facebook, most new ideas require alignment with key stakeholders and leadership so sticking to yourself can only get you so far.