Is a career in web development right for you?

Web development is a term that most of us are familiar with but if you’re not exactly sure what the day-to-day job entails, it’s hard to know if it would be the right career for you. 

First off - what does a web developer do?

Generally speaking, as a web developer, you’ll be doing things like this:

• Coding new websites and developing existing ones
• Finding and fixing bugs
• Meeting with project stakeholders 
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest trends

However, there’s a whole world of possibilities that sits beneath web development to explore. There are different specialisms and roles depending on the type of company you work for too. The three main types of web developers are - front-end, back-end, and full stack. 

What do the different types of developers do?

Front-end developers

Simply put, this type of developer works on the front of the product - what you’ll see as a user - for example, a website shopping basket page. 

Back-end developers

This type of developer works on what’s behind the scenes (the back). The parts you don’t see. It is the back-end developer’s job to make sure the front-end, server, applications, and database all communicate. 

For example, if you buy something online, you’ll use the front end to complete a purchase which is your shopping basket experience. However, it is what goes on in the back end that means your purchase gets to you. 

Full-stack developers

A full-stack developer can work across the ‘full’ spectrum - from front end to back end. 

How do I know if I could be a web developer?

It’s not always easy to know if a career would suit you. You know what you like doing but not necessarily what jobs that will match up with.

A career as a web developer might suit you if you like to: 

Solve puzzles

If you enjoy puzzles and problem-solving then you’re on the right track. To be good at web development you need to be able to think abstractly. Recognising patterns, solving problems, amalgamating information, analysing ideas, and creating things. 

Find a solution - you’re curious and determined

Patience is a virtue but here more than most. This links in with problem-solving. You’ll be regularly presented with obstacles to overcome so you can't be someone who gives up easily. You need to be driven to find a solution. Curiosity and determination are often the reasons people don’t give up easily and they’re essential for this type of job. 

Learn new things

You’re always absorbing new information and looking to learn things for yourself, without someone telling you that you have to. A career as a web developer will see you learning new things constantly. It’s a space that’s evolving at speed, so if you enjoy learning and being challenged in that way, you’ll find web development extremely rewarding. 

Think of new possibilities

This quote sums it up perfectly. For you nothing is a problem, it just needs a new solution. You’re innovative so coming up with new ideas isn’t an issue, it’s what makes you tick. 

 

It's not a bug. It's an undocumented feature.

-Anonymous 

Be creative - seeing something come to life before your eyes

Web development isn’t often given the credit it deserves for how creative it is. It’s not just a science it’s an art. Yes, you’ll be coding and what you see in the background is functional but what you create and bring to life is something beautiful. 

Be meticulous 

Is your attention to detail particularly good? Do you spot the tiny things that other people don’t? It’s something you can learn to be better at but a natural bias will help you no end when searching for bugs for example. 

You already love coding

If you’re already into coding or have at least tried it and liked it, then that’s half the battle. The other elements above are what will make you stand out and be able to build this into a fulfilling future for yourself. 

To round up

If this sounds like you, then a career as a web developer might be worth considering. It’s about being innovative, creative, meticulous, and inquisitive. We're always interested in hearing from anyone looking to work in development. Check out our careers page. 

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