by The job of a web developer includes the functions of a designer, marketer, and a messenger.
Organizations use various online platforms for news, advertising, announcements, call-to-action, entertainment, etc.
To benefit the most from the web, such organizations hire web developers to create platforms that will attract and persuade visitors.
With online activity being widely popular, there are numerous employment opportunities for web developers out there.
Article Table of Contents
What Does a Web Developer Do
The job of a web developer includes various aspects of design and appearance (front-end) or technical and structural functionality (back-end).
Besides, they deal with maintaining and updating websites.
Web developers usually handle programming, designing, and communication with clients.
Their job also involves sources of information and dealing with people providing technical and creative advice for projects.
Responsibilities
- Find out the needs, expectations, and desired themes or appearances for the website of the client on the meetings and conferences.
- Determine, develop, and test applications based on the clients’ specifications and line of business or activities for the given site.
- Use HTML, CSS, and other programming codes.
- When necessary, consult with the design team, IT personnel, and software engineers to determine the security and information for the site.
- Work with the design team to fix the layout of the website.
- Test the applications and links of the website for errors, breaks, and denied access and efficient use.
- Ensure that the content is accurate and up-to-date, including public information, event announcements, hours of operation of the store or facility.
Essential Skills
Creativity:
To design catchy and easy to navigate websites, web developers should be creative and innovative.
Communication:
Web developers need excellent communication skills to understand the needs and desires of the client correctly.
They also need to advise clients on potential obstacles in the design clearly and honestly.
Besides, they need to be able to explain the technical terms in simple words.
Design:
Web developers use various design tools, techniques, codes, and drawings.
To create top-notch and innovating designs, they need to be aware of the latest tools and programming languages.
Concentration:
To create certain features, developers white long codes.
They have to review and proofread their codes to ensure the codes, hypertext protocol, and links are correct.
The activity of the site or visitors can be disrupted with a single mistake in the code.
Customer service:
Web developers receive information, evaluation, suggestions, and questions from clients all the time.
They should deliver prompt, courteous, and accurate responses.
Additionally, they need to demonstrate some customer service skills by listening and producing a site according to specifications, needs, and wishes of the client.
How to Become a Web Developer
Web developers need an educational background in computer science, design, or web development.
Mostly, developers rely on the demonstration of their portfolio rather than skills.
Training and Qualifications
Typically, web developers have an associate’s degree which they can obtain at community colleges or technical schools.
They can also get certifications available at four-year colleges.
Such programs are often available online or as extension programs.
The level of education required for a web developer often depends on the employer or the organization owning a website.
Companies seeking for back-end development may require a web developer with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related area.
For other positions, it’s enough to have a high school diploma or an associate’s degree or certificate in web design.
If an employer needs graphics and visuals, they may need a candidate with a degree in computers with some classes in graphic design.
Experience
Employers usually need developers with some experience.
As a general rule, it includes one to five years.
Additionally, companies that operate in a certain industry will need a developer to have experience in this sector.
For example, dealing with business accounts, web developers need some experience in a commercial setting.
To perform tasks for an educational establishment, developers may have web pages for schools in their portfolio.
Governmental agencies need web developers with experience in creating sites for citizens to search records, pay taxes, obtain laws, or get information about places of interest in the area or state.
Employers value website portfolios of web developers over the length of services, especially for awarding internships.
Web developers may include sites they have created for charities or nonprofits on a volunteer basis in their portfolio.
Freelancers can promote jobs with local companies who might need development services.
When looking for a job, whether it’s a full-time position or an internship, a web developer should demonstrate the portfolio items similar to the website or business a company runs.
Working Hours
Typically, web developers work full-time.
According to O*NET survey, 52% of web developers work over 40 hours per week.
Developers usually work in an office setting.
O*NET reports that 93% of developers work indoors and approximately 8 out of 10 of them are sitting all the time.
Usually, clients communicate with developers through emails or phone calls.
So, the job doesn’t require travel since developers can work remotely and even control computers and sites that way.
Since websites are accessed around the clock, developers may have to be on call after hours if any problems with the site occur.
Career Outlook
According to the BLS, the employment rate of web developers will grow by 24%.
Online shopping, ordering, bill paying, and other e-commerce activities are some of the reasons for such accelerated growth.
Organizations also hire web developers to create mobile products.
According to the Pew Research Center, about 72% of Americans owned a smartphone in 2015.
According to the BLS, one of seven web developers is self-employed.
On average, developers make $70,660, while one in ten developers makes over $116,620.
Conclusion
The Internet is a vast resource for multiple activities.
So, companies and nonprofits need web developers to improve their online presence, missions, and goals.
Web developers need experience and a decent portfolio to have better career prospects and nail successful projects.