Web development is a flexible professional
field, one that affords prospective students multiple ways to gain the training
and experience necessary to begin their careers. Below is an overview of steps
interested individuals can take to enter this career field.
1
CHOOSE A DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIZATION
Each element of a website is linked to something else, and
it’s a complex job to build a website successfully. Depending on their specific
jobs, web developers will be proficient in using various software programs
(e.g. JavaScript frameworks, version control, CSS), and will have not only the
specialized knowledge that characterizes their roles, but also an understanding
of the process as a whole. Prior to starting out, it’s wise to get an
understanding of the type of web development work that seems interesting—such
as user interface design, mobile application development, or front-end
development—to best set the stage for future education and training.
2
GET AN EDUCATION
No specific degree or educational path exists for careers in
web development, and it’s possible to become a web developer with or without a
formal education. While it’s certainly possible to learn coding languages
independently, there is more to web development than coding. Individuals who
can implement coding skills within a broader context may have an advantage, and
that’s where a formal education can help prospective developers gain
foundational knowledge of web development principles and practices, expose them
to project management and situations that require problem-solving, and
encourage critical thinking.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an associate
degree is the most common minimum educational requirement for employment.
However, Robert Half Technology notes that a bachelor’s degree in computer
science or a related field is traditionally necessary for career advancement.
More recently, coding boot camps such as Code Academy and App Academy have
emerged as short-term, intensive training options for students to gain
career-specific coding skills that can boost their chances for employment.
3
DEVELOP TECHNICAL SKILLS
Despite the real advantages that come with an organized
education, web development is still a field in which concrete skills can trump
education when it comes to employment opportunities. Companies want employees
who can produce, and how or where something was learned is secondary to simply
being able to do it. Prospective web developers should have expertise in the
three core programming components: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They should also
learn about CSS and CSS frameworks such as Backbone, Bootstrap, and Foundation.
Finally, to build applications, developers should be proficient in back-end
languages such as Ruby, Java, PHP and tools such as Oracle and SQL Server.
4
PRACTICE YOUR CODING SKILLS
Web developers learn by doing. Set up a Github account and
push code to the site. An active Github profile can get the attention of
employers searching through stacks of resumes, and demonstrates not only what a
candidate does to solve programming issues, but also the thinking and
strategies behind those solutions. Practicing coding and getting used to using
Git prepares developers to work as part of a team, as well as manage complicated
site and application builds.
5
LAUNCH AN ONLINE PORTFOLIO
Employers want to see results, such as current examples of
successful site and application builds. With a portfolio, developers can test
new technologies and tools, as well as demonstrate their coding talent and
technical capabilities. Standout portfolios can help candidates clear that
crucial first hurdle: landing a job interview.
