Wanna be a software engineer? IBM shows you how

Some of them are employed, some are students, and some are merely curious. But they are all eager learners wanting to become not just computer programmers but software engineers.

We’re referring to the eight people who have enrolled in the first-ever advanced computer software engineering course being offered by IBM through its Advanced Career Education (ACE) program starting this month.

The students, who come from different backgrounds, said they wanted to become certified software engineers and develop software products that are now in-demand here and abroad.

IBM’s Learning Services manager Agnes Africa said the software engineering course goes beyond software programming as it provides students with a deeper understanding of the software development process.

In 17 months, she said students could learn to analyze, design, verify and test, document, maintain and manage software projects.

"We want to produce software engineers, not just programmers," said Africa, adding that training in software engineering is a good investment, especially during this time of crisis.

There are few jobs available nowadays and the slots that are open are in the field of IT. Majority of IT jobs now are in software development because virtually all manufacturers and companies are looking for software that will suit their needs.

Programs

The students take the course three times a week, four hours per session, and complete a program in less than six months. There are three programs being offered: basic IT skills, object-oriented application development, and advanced software engineering. One has to take all three programs to earn a diploma.

Unknown to many, IBM has been active in educating IT professionals in various countries. Its Learning Services has training facilities in more than 56 countries and enjoys the expertise of more than 2,000 instructors. Each year, more than 200,000 students attend at least one IBM class.

Kathleen Maria Zeta, IBM’s program manager for ACE, said continuing education is what IBM wants to promote in every area it does business in. In Germany, IBM has a training program for new mothers during their maternity leave. In Venezuela, IBM is training 14,000 new high school graduates in IT. "We also want to do our part here," she said.

Zeta believes that training in software engineering can open more doors of opportunity for Filipino programmers. Many companies outsource their software engineering needs to other countries. "If we can get a share of this big market, then our people can benefit," she said.

IBM has tapped Asia Pacific College (APC) to offer the course through its ACE facilities in Makati, Ortigas, SM North EDSA and Las Piñas in Metro Manila and in the cities of Bacolod and Davao. To promote the program, APC has lowered the tuition fee to P26,000 a program from more than P70,000 in the past. Classes are held three times a day and students can choose which time would fit their schedule.

"This program is really for those who want to advance their career by learning a new skill and becoming IBM-certified," Zeta said. – Junep Ocampo