If you are reading this, you are most likely at a point where you are considering becoming a Web Developer. In every journey, it can be difficult to know where to start and moreso, what to do to enable you to reach your aspirations. This blog is designed to help you make your web development dreams a reality.
Step 1: Decide That You Want To Be a Web Developer
This decision involves researching the roles that you are interested in, seeing what is required and finding out information such as starting salaries, working environments and career progression, amongst other things. Here at The Training Room, we recommend sites such as The National Careers Service or Plotr for a good overview of the job industry and the roles available.
Step 2: Making Sure That You Are a Good ‘Fit’ For Web Development
As with any career, there are traits that will make you more suited to being a Web Developer. A passion for all things tech is an excellent place to start, along with an analytical mind. A person with the ability to problem solve would be an ideal fit for a career in web development. Of course, there are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ traits for a career in web development; as long as you have passion, you can achieve a lot.
During this time, you may scout the internet for free coding tutorials and play around with various languages, for example, HTML5 or Javascript.
Step 3: How to Qualify as a Web Developer
In the UK, to become a Web Developer, it isn’t necessary to hold an IT-related degree. For those just starting in their IT careers, it is possible to take other courses which will give you the necessary footing to kick off your web development career.
Once employed, there is normally on-the-job training which will help to further your development.
The Training Room offers a Web Development course which is designed to give you the core competencies which you will need to secure a junior position. You can read more about The Training Room’s Web Development course here.
Step 4: Study in Your Own Time
The course offered by The Training Room is on an e-learning basis. What this means for you is flexible learning which fits around you and your commitments.
Using our state-of-the-art e-learning platform, you will have 12 months to complete the course at your own pace, so you can slot the course around your current job, social and home-life commitments. You’ll also have access to your own dedicated tutor for any extra help which you need.
Step 5: Specialisation
There are many different routes that you can take with a web development qualification, such as turning your newly acquired skills into mobile development or software development.
Furthermore, you can also specialise in different front-end frameworks and, for back-end development, you can specialise in the various technologies which are used; PHP, C# or asp.net to name a few.
Step 6: Start Your Career
You’ve qualified! Well done. Now to find a job; many Web Developers find work either in-house at various companies, within agencies or even on a freelance basis - there are loads of opportunities within this field that are yours for the taking! You could even choose to work abroad as the languages used for coding are universal!
Whatever you decide to do, when you do a course with The Training Room, you are safe in the knowledge that from registration, for 3 years, you will receive our superb career support to help connect you with opportunities.
Step 7: Getting Down To Business
This step will largely depend on if you are employed or self-employed.
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Employed: The first few months that you work, you should take every opportunity to progress, learn and grow within your role. Take this time to start building your skills up - many companies and agencies will pay for on-the-job training, so take advantage of this and build your skills.
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Self-Employed: Firstly, there are all the legalities that must be dealt with when setting up your own business; this includes all the relevant paperwork, including tax and insurance. Information about being self-employed can be found here. After you have set up your business, you must market your services and work on growing your client base.
Step 8: Reap The Rewards
Once you’re established within your career, it’s time to start reaping the benefits.
Aside from the obvious attractive pay packet, there are other less obvious perks to life as a Web Developer. Flexibility is a big perk - not all Web Developers work in an office, all you need is a computer, and you’re good to go.
Also, if you’re the sort of person who thrives on the acquisition of new knowledge, then this career path is an excellent choice with opportunities to learn and develop around every corner.
Step 9: Continue To Learn
As the IT and tech industries continue to evolve alongside technology, continuing to learn once in work is important. Additional courses allow you to keep updated with any advances in the industry are recommended, and as aforementioned, if you work within a business, this training will often be funded by your employer.
In the world of web development, you will always be learning as it is a constantly evolving field.
Step 10: Celebrate!
You’ve done it! It’s been hard work getting here, but you’ve successfully launched your career in web development. Well done.
If you would like to make your career in web development a reality:
Find out more here