Software development isn’t just about data structures, algorithms and measuring computation complexity. It’s about problem-solving, connecting people, improving business processes, and being commercially savvy.

SMSPortal has just taken on four interns for software engineers, and Brett Skinner, SMSPortal’s software development manager has noticed something they all seem to have in common, and might be an indication that a computer science degree and career as a software engineer might be for you. “Our interns have an eagerness to learn,” comments Skinner. “They come with fresh ideas from university and combine it with what they can learn from our experience, and create new and novel solutions to problems that we need to solve.”

So what are the signs, according to Brett Skinner, that a job in software engineering is for you?

You're a problem-solver Intern Lodewyk van der Westhuizen says “I love solving puzzles, and the message I had to decipher to apply attracted me – and I cracked the puzzle – that’s a huge sense of achievement.” And that’s just it. Many will tolerate problems without looking to solve them, but if you enjoy the challenge of solving problems, and understand the importance of timeframes and budgets in a commercial environment, then that's a sign you could be suited to software development. 

You like computer games Gaming can be good for you, especially games of strategy. These types of games, such as chess, help hone your ability to make decisions whilst taking into account short and long-term consequences.  Even 3D shooters contribute to a brain that likes to solve engineering problems.  The shoot-em-up style of games work in a 3D space and help your ability to visualize problems and their solutions.

You are able to convey your message You are able to get your point across by making logical and well-structured arguments. This skill is vital in teamwork and big problems often take teams to solve.

You are creative Do you get a sense of satisfaction from building something? In the digital world your constraints are different to those in the physical world.   When coding, you have to deal with time and space constraints.

You like the theory Knowing what has come before, helps you to avoid re-inventing the wheel. A solid computer science background is an important aspect of a software engineer’s skillset. By knowing what others have discovered, allows you to use their ideas correctly and build on them.

You’re a team player Coding is collaborative. By working together, you shake out bugs, and refine code to create something which adds value to a business and its customers. For this reason, prospective software engineers need to enjoy working together, and able to feedback and improve the team’s work.

You have a love-hate relationship with technology You love seeing what is new and what has been made possible. But hate that we are not further and always yearn for more. 

Software development in business exists to support the business, its activities, and to help change the way a company performs. SMSPortal continually looks to source talent for its growth. Each year, SMSPortal offers four, two-week paid internships to third-year students at its Cape Town offices.

If you are thinking of a career in software development, SMSPortal’s always looking for new talent for its internships, keep an eye open for the next opportunity. 

Written and distributed for SMSPortal by Sapphire Street. For more information please call Kimberley Clare Ogden on 076 321 8918 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Notes to Editors Established in 2002, SMSPortal has grown to be South Africa’s leading bulk SMS provider with direct links to national and international cellular networks.

Based in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, SMSPortal has the leading SMS gateway as well as offering: bulk SMS purchasing and sending, long and short code numbers, short code keywords and an international service. 

SMSPortal has fostered long-term relationships and forged a reputation built upon a carefully developed, user friendly, reliable, high capacity, online SMS platform. Clients include: well-known retail banks, and clothing stores and supermarkets.