Web development is one of the most in-demand fields in the world today. Employment rates are rising faster than in any other sector. At the same time, unemployment rates are also considerably low. Companies are rapidly developing diverse needs for which they require web developers in one form or another. Mobile applications development is the biggest shift being seen in this industry. Besides this, companies of every scale require complex management systems to deal with the large amounts of data which they receive daily.
Together these factors create a sound environment for individuals to pursue a career in web development. Given below are the steps and best practices required to become a web developer.
Select a development specialization
Web development is a wide field where there are a range of specializations. While it is possible to learn different fields at the same time, in order to become a skillful web developer, it is best to start with one specific field. There are several elements of a website and each of those are linked to one another. Specialization provides a sound foundation for the professionals to build their careers. However, considering the complexity and interconnectivity of a website, web developers must be aware of various programming languages the process as a whole.
Get the necessary degree
The greatest thing about pursuing a career in web development is that there are no hard and fast rules for a specific educational degree. Developers can even acquire the necessary skills without a college degree at all. Despite this, developers who can apply their skills in a wider context stand a greater chance of building a successful career. Prospective web developers can integrate their knowledge of coding skills with project management or situations where critical thinking and problem solving is needed. This helps them boost their chances of progress.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that an associate degree is the minimum requirement for employment. That is not always the case. In recent times bootcamps have been gaining popularity among potential pursuers of this field where a unique mix of fundamental and advanced skills are taught over a short period of time using experiential learning techniques.
Acquire the relevant technical skills
In order to become a skillful web developer, technical skills take precedence over everything else. Organizations are more likely to hire professionals to can execute certain tasks rather than knowing how or where they learnt it from. An educational qualification might provide a certain edge but at the end of the day, technical skills are going to win the game. Web developers must be proficient in the three programming components, i.e. HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Also, for a focus on mobile applications, back-end developers must be experienced in languages such as Java, PHP and ruby as well as tools like SQL Server etc.
Spend time practicing
In web development, practice makes perfect. The more time a developer spends polishing their skills in real life environments and dealing with practical situations, the greater their experience. Budding developers can create GitHub accounts and push codes onto it. These accounts are effective in making the review process simpler for potential employees. Rather than having to scavenge through tons of resumes, they can easily log on to Git accounts and observe the work of a developer. Moreover, on GitHub, these employers don’t only see the work, they can also look at the problem identification and solving process undertaken by a professional.
Create an online portfolio
Since web development is a field where professionals are in great demand, it is preferable to create avenues which can help developers stand out from the rest. An online portfolio is the most effective way to do this. It is a great way for developers to practice and implement latest tools and techniques to demonstrate their expertise. Examples of project executions like application builds and launches as well as website development are just a few things which can be added to the online portfolio. It helps developers land job interviews with companies looking for qualified employees in the field. Diversity is one of the key factors which help a portfolio become unique.
Becoming a skillful web developer requires a careful combination of knowledge, skills and experience. There are various fields in this arena and companies require professionals in almost all of them. The wider the experiences and projects which a developer has worked on, the greater are their chances of landing a lucrative job. The portfolio is another step towards showcasing the relevant skills to the world and allowing companies to skip the unfruitful process of looking into CV’s and go straight towards observing practical demonstrations which candidates have already done in real world environments.