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Steps to Becoming a Web Developer
A web developer is one of several IT careers that can be self-taught from home at a young age. While this self-education is a great start, most employers require some formal education to ensure you have the universal skills needed for successful web development, especially when collaborating on team projects.
Most employers require verifiable proof of experience to hire web developers. Starting as a freelance developer early is a smart move. After earning an associate or bachelor’s degree, gaining reputable work experience is essential for career advancement. Continued education is also expected to stay updated on the latest technology trends and tools.
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Step 1: Degree/Training
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Step 2: Internship/Experience
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Step 3: Build a Portfolio
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Step 4: Continued Education and Career Advancement
Step 1: Earn a Degree / Get Training
The first step to becoming a web developer is acquiring the necessary education or training. While some individuals enter the field through self-study and online tutorials, earning a formal degree or completing structured training programs significantly increases your job prospects. An associate or bachelor’s degree in web development, computer science, or a related field provides a solid foundation in coding languages, web design, and programming principles.
Alternatively, bootcamps and specialized training programs offer intensive, focused instruction, often completed in a shorter time frame. These programs can be a great option for those looking to switch careers or enter the workforce quickly. Regardless of the path you choose, the key is to develop a strong understanding of coding languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and back-end technologies. Building a portfolio during your training can showcase your skills to potential employers.
Step 2: Begin an Internship / Gain Experience
Once you’ve acquired the foundational knowledge and skills in web development, the next step is to gain hands-on experience. Internships are a great way to work on real-world projects while learning from seasoned professionals. Many companies offer internships for web development students, as do some computer science programs, allowing you to apply your technical knowledge, refine your coding skills, and understand the workflow of professional development teams.
Freelancing or working on personal projects can also help you build experience if internships aren’t immediately available. Contributing to open-source projects or creating websites for local businesses can demonstrate your abilities to potential employers. The key is to compile a portfolio showcasing your work, as employers often prioritize demonstrable experience when hiring web developers.
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Step 3: Build a Portfolio
A strong portfolio is essential for showcasing your skills and landing web development roles. Your portfolio acts as a visual résumé, giving potential employers or clients a clear sense of your capabilities. Include examples of your best work, such as fully functional websites, interactive applications, or redesigns of existing websites. Highlight a variety of projects to demonstrate your range, such as responsive designs, e-commerce platforms, or custom content management systems.
Ensure that your portfolio is polished, well-organized, and user-friendly. Consider creating your own professional website to host it—this doubles as an example of your skills in action. Include detailed descriptions of each project, explaining your role, the technologies used, and the challenges you overcame. A great portfolio not only demonstrates your technical abilities but also shows your problem-solving skills and creativity.
Step 4: Continued Education
A web developer will not remain employed for long without continued education and professional development. Technology changes daily and you will be required to keep up with the latest trends. One way to verify your web developer skills is to complete various professional certifications. These will often be offered by major tech companies, such as Microsoft and Oracle. Any additional professional credential will also increase your prospective pay and make you more valuable to your employer.
If you wish to advance within a company or within your web developer career, you should complete another degree. If you only have an associate’s degree, complete a bachelor’s degree. If you already completed a bachelor’s degree, pursue a master’s degree. You can take courses online from accredited colleges and universities, and it is likely your employer will reimburse at least some of your continued educational expenses.
Career and Salary
Where Might You Work?
Nearly all companies require a web developer in some way. You might work independently as a freelance web developer or a consultant. This will allow you a flexible work schedule and the ability to select the type of clients with whom you work and the type of websites you develop. It is possible to work for small or large businesses. Many employers will allow web developers to work remotely today, so you can have a better work-life balance and a better quality of life.
Some people will choose to work for a web developer company. These companies employ dozens or hundreds of web developers. It is even possible to work for the government, politicians, restaurants, and much more. If you do work in an office setting, consider the best environment for you to work efficiently and effectively, such as whether or not you can work in a cubicle, open plan, or an office.