web developer

Knowing how to code is the next level of literacy that all of society will eventually need to learn. For now, however, it’s an excellent way to make yourself marketable in a huge range of roles. Knowing how to code opens so many doors regarding where and even how you work. Becoming a web developer is one of the most popular ways to take your career.

Web developers may take on various projects, from websites to apps. Their work will primarily be focused on creating an experience for the target audience (the general public, employees, etc.).

While anyone can become a web developer, it takes a lot of time and effort to become a good developer. If you have that dedication, then use this guide to help direct your efforts into this exciting career path:

Education Options

How you learn how to code is entirely up to you. Technically, you can use free tools and trial and error to get where you need to be. However, this is one of the longest and most frustrating options since you’re just as likely to learn something wrong as you are right.

That’s why you should consider formal education options, starting with a degree. An online computer science degree will cover various topics essential for any web developer. You can specialize in web development and be trained in vital topics like Big Data or statistics.

Practice Makes Perfect

One of the best ways to improve your portfolio, especially when just starting, is to focus on your projects. These projects can become a viable business model for themselves and give you real-life practice that you can use as work experience (even if no one pays you).

Practicing and finishing is excellent practice; if the result is impressive enough, it is also a great way to start building up your portfolio.

Job Opportunity Types

You have a few options for getting paid for your work. You can work as an in-house developer for either a company or an agency. If you work for an agency, you’ll work with many clients the agency finds on your behalf. Sometimes, your company will provide white-label web development services, so your team will produce websites under clients’ names.n.

The other way to approach your career is to take yourself freelance. You can still work for agencies on an ad hoc basis, but your primary approach to earning an income will be to find clients (and have clients find you).

Advertise Yourself

Regardless of your route, know that your career will be better off if you market yourself. Show what you’ve done on social media, market your skills and the finished results, and you’ll grow an audience you can monetize and showcase your skills to potential employers and clients.