Mobile software engineers are in high demand

For Shweta Garg, the smartphone has been a “fascinating gadget which opens up a world of opportunities for users through apps and in-built features.

“I wanted to solve real-life problems through mobile software development, use the smartphone as a gadget providing convenience for users and create more engaging content,” says Garg, currently working as a software engineer at Samsung Research Institute.

After completing her bachelors of science from Delhi University, Garg went on to pursue her master’s in computer application before joining Aricent, a software engineering company.

In her current role at Samsung, Garg develops and maintains new and relevant applications – right from the conceptualisation of the app idea, to the theme, the user interface, to the delivery and even the post-launch support of the apps.

So, what do mobile software engineers do? The role involves studying consumer insights and trends to identify scope of new innovations that make a difference for consumers.

However, identifying the scope of innovating something new is only the first step. Mobile software engineers need to then work on coding and developing the product. Once the same is ready, they need to interact with designers to make sure that the application is designed in an user-friendly and it is engaging.

These engineers need to work closely with marketing teams to narrow down what is needed for the roll-out of the software application and co-ordinate with the designer to get that done. They also need to interact with the test team to see if there are any problems and rectify them too.

Samsung’s S-bike Mode feature is a project very close to Garg’s heart. The S-bike Mode feature is aimed for two-wheeler riders.

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The feature makes sure that only urgent calls come through when one is driving. “I studied the issues bikers face receiving phone calls while riding. I thought how a feature could help them be safer on the road. My role involved right from understanding consumer needs to conceptualisation of the app, presenting the idea to a larger set of the research and development team to developing the app and getting it designed. I also interacted with the test team to see if there are any problems and solved them too,” says Garg, who has been with Samsung for over four years now.

This S-Bike Mode feature was made for India and was so successful that Samsung has taken the technology global, says Garg.

Another feature that she worked on, which has made it to the Galaxy range of smartphones globally is the Ultra Data Saving mode, that lets users monitor data usage and save up to 50% data.

“Your attitude is the most important trait to have to become a mobile software engineer. You should find strength in yourself as you will be facing new challenges every day. Plus, you have to be interested in coding. This was as been an area of interest since college and I worked to shape my career in this direction,” says Garg.

For her, the best part of being a mobile software engineer is the opportunity she gets to grow, to learn and to make meaningful innovations that transform lives.

The smartphone space is a dynamic, ever-evolving and highly competitive space. With more and more smartphone companies entering the market, the challenge is to keep a brand new, meaningful and relevant for customers.

“The biggest challenge is to continue to stay ahead of the times. Technology evolves by the day; and we have to keep working with tight timelines while bringing innovations to life,” Garg says. She’s also quick to add that “nothing is impossible in this field.”

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There is a huge demand for mobile software developers in every sector in India – right from ecommerce sites to companies with a focus on technology.

There is unlimited scope in this field if one can deliver a product that is user-friendly.

For aspirants, an interest in coding, a passion to innovate, determination to overcome challenges and focus on work are important.

It’s worth it, especially when you’ll see your software, made in India, used by the world.