How to Start Studying Web Development
The internet has become an important part of people’s lives, and web development skills are in high demand. Companies are seeking web developers who can help them build and maintain their websites to meet the needs and wants of their virtual clients. If you have thought of becoming a web developer, or you have sparked an interest after tinkering with HTML & CSS code, pursuing a web development degree could prepare you to become a professional.
What Web Developers Do
You most likely know that web developers are responsible for building websites, but they do much more than that. Web developers help in analyzing the needs of users and ensure that only the ideal graphics, content, and the underlying structure are used to help meet the goals of both the website owner and the user. It’s important for web developers to understand database management, programming languages and web design.
Benefits of Formal Education vs. Studying on Your Own
Natural talent can help you get far, especially if it’s in the design field. However, the industry standards have changed, and today you will need more than talent to land a good web development job. With a formal education, you will have the upper hand in many industries.
Let’s discuss the advantages and disadvantages of studying on your own versus completing a web development degree program and then decide:
Studying on Your Own
Being self-taught is cheaper compared to pursuing a web development degree. However, you will need to educate yourself using online resources such as; web development books, blogs and from web development experts that offer free public webinars and tutorials. It also means that you are responsible for how quickly you learn, how much you learn and how well you learn.
Pros
- Study from home
- You will study according to your schedule and at your own pace
- You can learn from reputable and influential people in the industry
- Keep yourself updated
Cons
- The education you acquire may not be well-rounded
- You won’t have a professional portfolio or resume
- You will not be as competitive compared to web developers who have completed a degree program
- A degree will still be necessary if you want to work with a corporation or company
Degree Program
After completing a web development degree program, you’ll have the upper hand in the industry compared to a self-taught web developer. The formal education on your portfolio will prove to employers that you are well-equipped with the industry standards, that you are well updated on the current trends and that you understand the fundamental theories.
Although most of the professionals in web development were self-taught, you should keep in mind that they never had a choice. As the internet was taking off several decades years ago, degree programs on web development weren’t available.
However, today things are more different. You can focus exclusively on web development. In fact, a web development degree program can be a great opportunity for you to concentrate more on the foundations of your ideas, design, and experimentation.
Pros
- You will have a professional portfolio
- Network and work closely with other like-minded peers who will also be potential partners in future
- Learn from those that have worked in the industry
- Expand your knowledge by using a curriculum based purely on industry standards
- You can take advantage of the on and off-campus opportunities
Cons
- More expensive than studying on your own
What Soft Skills Will You Need to work in Web Development?
Good Communication Skills
As a web developer, you will work with several people from different organizations and ensure that their goals are being met on their websites. Therefore, you will need to have open lines of communication and translate technical jargon into simple and understandable non-technical language.
Be Patient
A website is never fully complete, and clients will come back to you with even the smallest details. Be patient with clients when they make requests. This skill also reinforces the need for good communication skills. As a good communicator, you’re less likely to have a long development process.
Love to Learn
To become a successful web developer, you should have a natural curiosity to learn. Web development is always changing, and you’ll need to learn the new trends. Every day new widgets and scripts are released, and you need to stay up-to-date for you to remain relevant.
Are you interested in the world of web design and development? If you want to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Software Development - Web Design and Development Track, ECPI University offers this degree program on an accelerated course. Students could earn their degrees in as little as 2.5 years. For more information on this program, connect with a friendly ECPI University admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Web Development - Bachelor’s
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