Is Web Development for Me: Six Quick and Easy Ways to Know!
Technology is such a broad industry that no matter where your interest lies, you'll find a branch that will suit you. But of course, some branches are more popular than others, encouraging more people flock to it.
One example is web development, which refers to the process of building and maintaining websites either for the internet or an intranet. Given that businesses -- whether they're a mom-and-pop shop or an international conglomerate -- must have their own websites to remain competitive in today's digital age, there is a great need for web developers everywhere across all sectors and industries. More importantly, these websites should be user-friendly for mobile use. Pew Research states that around 95% of Americans own a cellphone. Around 77% have a smartphone they use as a primary device for going online.
The Outlook for Web Developers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for web development from 2016 to 2026 is 15%. The average growth rate for all occupations is only 7%, so a projection of 15% signifies a much faster growth rate. This means web developers will still be on demand even more than halfway into the next decade. It's definitely a lucrative career path to take based on the numbers alone.
However, like with any other lucrative career paths, competition is and will be tough. You should have at least above average skills and talent to stand out, as well as enough perseverance and patience to improve your craft. Before you decide to become a web developer, you have to ask yourself if you’re cut out for the job.
Fortunately, there are quick and easy ways to tell if web development is the right field for you even before you start:
1) You like coding
Web development entails a lot of coding; you must like learning about it and actually doing it not just as a hobby, but as a profession. You don't have to find it easy, because there will be times that it's difficult depending on what project you're working on. But you have to find it challenging in a positive way whenever you encounter a roadblock.
2) You enjoy learning
Technology evolves fast, so web developers need to keep updated on the latest trends, tools, and techniques. They also need to stay abreast of changing needs of users. If you want to be a web developer, you should be open to learning continuously on top of performing your tasks. You should be able to adapt your skill set accordingly to stay relevant in the field.
3) You have patience
You'll need plenty of patience. You'll start at the bottom, so you should be fine with working your way up and developing your skills. You'll encounter various problems when working on different kinds of projects, so you should be okay with trying out solutions until one sticks. You'll also work with clients with varying temperaments and personalities. You have to know how to talk to and work with each one to make sure they have realistic expectations and you can share their vision for their website.
4) You're organized
Passion can take you only so far. To succeed, you have to be organized with your ideas, resources, files, and codes. Web development is like making a movie: many elements need to come together to form the finished product. You should know how to coordinate everything, and the key to doing that is by being an organized person.
5) You manage your time well
Good web developers know how to break down huge tasks into smaller, manageable pieces. They plan in advance so that they won't cram a week before a deadline. You should know how to manage your time well and make the most out of the notice provided to you by clients. You'd think four months is a lot of time to build a website from scratch to launch, but not when things don't go as planned.
6) You're both creative and technical
It takes a certain amount of creativity to be a web developer, especially if you want to work the front-end, which is focused on how websites look and feel. But it also requires programming skills to execute the creative ideas you have in mind.
Are you interested in web design and development? If you want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Software Development - Web Design and Development Track, ECPI University offers this program at an accelerated pace. For more information, connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Web Design & Development Track - Bachelor’s
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