A Day in the Life of a Software Engineer

Have you ever wondered about becoming a software engineer? Interstates' Austin Van Bockern, a Senior Application Developer, answers questions about his career and what you might expect in the daily work life of a software engineer. 

What's Your Area of Expertise? 

Software engineering—being given a problem, then designing and architecting a solution using software. 

What's Your Background?

I graduated in 2018 with an AAS degree in Computer Programming from Southeast Technical Institute (now Southeast Technical College). While I learned the fundamentals of software development at Southeast Tech, I would credit my on-the-job experience for most of the knowledge and skills I use at Interstates today. 

What's the Most Interesting Challenge/Project You've Solved?

While working with a client in Virginia, we designed and implemented a custom software solution in close collaboration with them. This project was particularly interesting because the initial documented requirements from the client were quite vague. To ensure we delivered a solution they'd be happy with, we set up recurring meetings to demo our progress and discuss upcoming tasks. Most of these meetings led to changes in our original plan and the direction of the solution we were developing. When the software was finally delivered, the client was thrilled with the final product—and how could they not be? We built it together! 

What Does a Typical Day Look Like for You?

Each day looks different—my work typically involves a blend of writing and reviewing code, designing new software, working with automation delivery teams, and providing support to our clients as they depend on our solutions to accomplish their goals. 

Are There Skills You Wish You Had Learned Earlier?

With the industry moving towards web-based software solutions over the past few decades, I think I would have been better off if Southeast Tech's curriculum had been more focused on web development rather than desktop application development. 

What Misconceptions Do People Have About Your Job?

Many people, including students pursuing a career in software development, assume developers spend their day typing away at a computer, rarely leave their desk, and seldom communicate or collaborate with others. While that might be true at some companies, at Interstates, I've experienced the exact opposite. In my role, I'm in constant communication with my team, my leaders, and other teams. This ongoing collaboration is essential to developing and delivering high-quality software products within the timelines our clients expect. 

What Advice Would You Give to Someone New to Your Field?

Be prepared for constant learning and growth—better yet, actively seek it out! In the software industry, things evolve rapidly; it's easy to fall behind. Be intentional about learning and staying up to date with new tools and technologies as they emerge. Stay agile and avoid becoming too attached to a specific way of doing things. 

What Advice Would You Give to a Client?

When collaborating with Interstates on a software development project, staying focused on the problem space is crucial. The more clearly you can articulate your challenges, goals, and pain points, the better positioned we are to design a solution that truly fits your needs. 

Some clients come to Interstates with a predefined idea of the solution without fully unpacking the issue they need solved. While those ideas are valuable, they might constrain our understanding of the problem. Think of it like going to a doctor: if you can describe your symptoms, your doctor can prescribe a treatment. If we understand the real problem, we can design and implement a software solution to solve that problem. 

What Technology or Innovation Are You Excited About in Your Field?

I'm excited about the future of web development. Comparing the state of web technologies from when I started at Interstates in 2018 to now, the progress has been remarkable. Web technologies have advanced by leaps and bounds, and things can only get better from here. I can't wait to see what the future holds! 

As web technologies continue to evolve, deploying and upgrading our software on the plant floor will become increasingly efficient for our team. At the same time, our clients will find it easier to access that software—whether they’re on-site or working remotely.