With so much of our lives now relying on the Internet, Web development has become a lucrative career path. The biggest organisations in the world have an almost insatiable need for people with Web development skills, and with that skillset, you can work almost anywhere in the world, for almost any business you like, in just about every sector.
Web development is also a very straightforward career in terms of the tools and up-front investments that you need to make. Tradespeople need all those tools in their kit (and, likely, a vehicle of their own). Performers and artists need to build up a portfolio. Doctors need all that equipment and to be part of all kinds of professional associations. Web developers, meanwhile, only really need a decent computer and, potentially, the need to switch their Internet service to something that will allow them to work quickly and reliably at all times. That’s it for up-front investments to be able to work as a Web developer.
What a lot of people don’t realise is just how varied the jobs – and skillsets – in Web development are, and how to get started. Before you go looking for a course in Web development, or start talking to recruiters, it would help to know what kind of Web development you want to work in.
Types of Web development
Below are some of the most common types of Web development, though as the Internet continually evolves, new types of skills and opportunities are constantly emerging. Web 3.0 and crypto, for example, are just now starting to provide Web developers with opportunities that didn’t exist just a few years ago.
Front-end development: Front-end developers create the interfaces that allow people to interact with Websites, and are specialists in HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
Back-end development: Back-end developers make sure that the Website is running smoothly behind the scenes, by focusing on databases, server software, API integrations and security.
Full-stack development: Some developers work across both the front end and back end of a Website. These developers are important as they understand how the complex interactions between front and back end works.
Website development: These people create the actual Websites. Unlike front-end developers they tend to focus more on the visual presentation and interactivity than the underlying coding.
Mobile development: These developers focus on making sure that the Website experience is excellent for people accessing the site on their mobile devices and tablets.
Game development: Game developers have a major role to play in Web development, as many sites feature interactive features and gamification rewards. Most video games now have online components, too, and game developers often specialise in making sure the online play experience is excellent.
Embedded development: These developers specialise in IoT, and creating applications that allow everything from lightbulbs and air conditioners, through to self-driving cars and drones, to access and use the Internet.
How can I become a Web developer?
Many great Web developers are self-taught – at least, in those initial stages. As long as you have a computer and access to the Internet you can download the tools that you need to develop software, and there are plenty of online tutorials and communities that can help people get started.
Going from enthusiast or hobbyist to professional requires a bit more commitment, however. Once you realise that Web development is the future career for you, there are a couple of steps that you
should take on your way to a first salaried position:
Decide what you want to specialise in. Web developers are hired based on specialities. You’re never going to find a job listing for a “generalist” Web developer, so make sure you know what you want to specialise in first.
Learn the programming languages that are relevant to that speciality. Whether that be Java, C++, HTML, Python or otherwise. There are more programming languages than is possible for any one person to learn, so make sure you focus on learning the ones that you’ll actually need in your future day-to-day job. This is where some formal courses might come in handy, if you plan on studying.
Build a portfolio. You can certainly work on creating some sample applications solely for the purpose of having them in the portfolio, but helping out a local business by building an eCommerce platform for them, or coding up a game for the iOS app store shows that you can apply your skills to real-world situations.
From there it’s time to start applying for jobs, however you should also understand that because Web development is such a competitive field, standard job sites are an inefficient way of securing work – you’re going to be competing with dozens of other developers for every job listing.
Instead, learn how to work LinkedIn, join local business groups and startup incubators. If you can master the art of networking, then you’ll find that job opportunities will come and you won’t even need to apply for them.
Finally, be sure to be flexible in your career goals, and ensure that you’re always learning. The Internet is in a constant state of improvement, iteration, and innovation, and the most successful Web developers are the ones that are willing to commit to a career of learning and redefining their jobs. The benefit of doing so is that you never need to be worried about being made redundant because Web development is never going away.
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