Why did you decide to pursue a career in this field?

This question goes beyond general interest — interviewers want to know if you’ve made a thoughtful and proactive decision, and whether you’re genuinely committed to learning and growing in your field.

Below are two example answers, each showing a different style: one is story-driven, and the other focuses on mindset and motivation.

I first became interested in software development during college, when I joined a student project to build a mobile app. I had no coding experience at the time, but I was fascinated by how a few lines of code could create something useful for people.

That experience led me to take online courses and eventually switch my major. What I love most about this field is that it constantly challenges me to learn and solve problems. I enjoy the creativity and logic involved in building systems, and the fact that even small improvements can have a big impact on users.

That initial spark has grown into a real passion, and I'm excited to keep learning and building things that matter.

• a few lines of code: a small amount of code that can produce meaningful results
• solve problems: use logic and creativity to overcome challenges
• building systems: design and develop structured software components or applications
• have a big impact on users: create real value or improvements for end users
• initial spark: the first experience that sparked long-term interest or curiosity

I decided to pursue a career in this field because I enjoy solving problems and seeing tangible results. Software engineering gives me the perfect environment to do that — whether it’s fixing a bug, improving performance, or designing a new feature, there’s always a clear challenge and a meaningful outcome.

I also value the collaborative nature of this field. Working with designers, product managers, and other developers pushes me to think from different perspectives and build better solutions.

Ultimately, what keeps me motivated is the idea that good software can make people’s lives easier — and I want to be part of that impact.

• solve problems: approach technical or user challenges with structured solutions
• tangible results: visible, measurable outcomes from your work
• collaborative nature: the teamwork-driven aspect of software development
• think from different perspectives: consider multiple viewpoints to make better decisions
• make people’s lives easier: create tools or features that improve everyday experiences