How to Build Your Web Developer Portfolio
Web developers are becoming vital to businesses around the world. As the internet continues to evolve and grow, a solid website is a company's ticket to a successful future. This website is a portal that facilitates B2B (business-to-business) and B2C (business-to-consumer) operations. Corporate leaders know that a top notch website is essential to staying relevant.
These websites must be fun, flexible, and, above all, functional. Business leaders are investing the resources needed to keep their sites at the top of the pile. In order to achieve this, they are increasingly turning to in-house and freelance web developers who have the skills modern commerce depends on.
Strut Your Web Development Stuff
Want to create a powerful profile? Build a website from scratch. Include all the coding and design the tools that your education has taught you to construct.
Not sure what to build? Contact a local company that you know needs a website or might benefit from an upgrade. Do the work at cost and include the finished result in your portfolio. Not only will you demonstrate your skills, you will gain a valuable reference which future clients can contact. Most importantly, be sure that your client provides a reference or testimonial that you can put online so that prospective clients or employers can easily find it.
Remember to take it slow and be patient. Your first site won't be easy, but it will give you valuable, practical experience that you can learn from. It will also give you a chance to fill in the blanks and strength some of the weak points in your skills set.
In addition to your skills developing websites, highlight your other areas of expertise. Strong research, writing, and graphic design skills can prove quite handy to employers. You want to present yourself as a complete package, not a master of one skill.
Highlight Your Education
It is important to highlight your education whether you presenting yourself as an independent freelancer or submitting your resume to a company for review. Your education is the cornerstone of your capabilities and it is important to show potential employers and clients what you have learned.
As websites become more advanced, it is critical that you demonstrate a knowledge of how websites used to work, how they currently work, and how they might work in the future. This is a strong strategy because it shows that you can fix what's broken regardless of the age of the website. Moreover, it shows that you know how to improve a website so that it is competitive and relevant within the realm of the internet.
Working in a field that is as dynamic as web development means that you will always be learning something new. Things change quickly, and continuing your education is essential for success. Indeed, your education is just beginning the moment you finish your coursework and concentration in web development.
Of course, all the effort you put forth will be well worth it. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the web development field will experience 27% growth in the next 8 years.
See if Google Recognizes you as a Web Developer
Google can be your greatest supporter or your staunchest opponent. Before you start applying for jobs, Google yourself to see what the net knows about you. Dig into the web to see what's out there and make sure everything available is presenting yourself in the most professional light possible. While you are doing this, make sure your work is easily searchable and your name is attached to the projects you have worked on.
"Badges? We Don't Need no Stinkin' Badges!"
This famous movie quote bears little relevance in an era when badges show off your skills and highlight your expertise. Sites like Open Badges allow you to earn awards and show off your talents. The site allows you to rate your skills in various areas and it allows your peers to review your work and give you valuable feedback you can use to strengthen your skill sets.
Additionally, highlight your professional affiliations. Discuss the meet-ups and groups you belong to that help you improve your skills. By showing how well-rounded and active you are within the tech community, you can open doors that you may not even know exist.
If you’re interested in web development and want to set yourself apart from the crowd with a formal education in your field, consider ECPI University’s Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science degree with a concentration in Web Development. To see if our year-round class schedule and accelerated learning format is right for you, contact a knowledgeable admissions advisor for more information.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Web Development - Bachelor’s
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