How To Become a Web Designer: Web development or web designing has become one of the most desired careers. This has to do with the fact that careers in anything internet-related will keep being around for many decades now. The reasons why graduates are gravitating towards tech careers are many.
The opportunity for flexible schedules, a young and ever-challenging work environment, and competitive salaries are just a few of them. Much to the advantage of employers, the talent pool is huge, meaning that the field is also extremely competitive and only the best will come out thriving.
From designing entire websites to building landing pages and designing an educational website theme from scratch, the career path for web designers can take quite unexpected turns.
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How To Becoming a Web Designer 2024
Before deciding if a career in web design is suited for you, you might want to do some research and find out what becoming a web designer means. How To Becoming a Web Designer.
Be Familiar With The Job Description Of Web Designer
Being a web designer does not only mean setting up pretty websites and playing with fonts and colors. The internet is evolving, meaning learning never actually stops. You need to be familiar with the new trends, adapt to changes fast, and be proactive, always. But what exactly are the daily tasks of a web developer?
1. Utilizing various programming languages, such as HTML, C#, and PHP.
2. Constant collaboration with the project manager regarding the budget and design of a
project.
3. Keeping an open communication line with clients, management, and other colleagues.
4. Attending training courses or classes to better your skills and learn about news in the industry.
5. Using various designing software, such as Photoshop, to design graphics.
6. Being familiar with and implementing security protocols in your work.
In terms of skills and qualities, if you want to become a web designer, you need to develop quite a
few:
(1) Having a proactive attitude
(2) Strong attention to detail
(3) Be willing to learn every day
(4) Working well under pressure
(5) Being able to work in various environments
(6) Being organized and disciplined
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Get An Associate’s Degree In a Related Field
Fortunately, in web design, your skills and abilities matter more than your degree. But although you don’t need it, an associate’s degree can sometimes help you prove yourself in front of others. Let’s say that, at a job interview, the competition is left between you and another designer who has about the same skills.
Chances are, your degree will serve as leverage and the power will shift your way. Most colleges offer a degree in web design and development, so it should not be hard to find one that suits your criteria.
If you don’t want to go back to school again, you can also try some summer courses or shorter programs, which will give you the certification that you mastered some of the most important tools. At the same time, having a certification from Microsoft or Oracle added to your resume can’t hurt, right?
Consider a Bachelor’s Degree As Well
A bachelor’s degree in web development can open up a whole new window of opportunities. If you choose a program that suits your needs, you can gain valuable experience that will help you in the work field. If you consider getting a degree in web development, you need to know that there are two forms of accreditation that you can choose from. The first is regional accreditation, which is offered by the majority of schools and provides the maximum benefits.
The second type is national accreditation, which even though it sounds more important, may not offer you the same benefits. To apply for a bachelor’s degree program, you do need to meet some requirements.
The first ones are having a GPA of at least 2.5 and getting official transcripts from all previous schools and courses you have attended. Then, you need to gather all the documents needed to complete the applications.
You will need a resume and letters of recommendation, to back up your application and show the admission board that you are serious about your intentions. Most institutions also require you to take an SAT or ACT before admission and submit your scores.
Enroll in Design Courses For Experience
If you are looking for ways to build up your portfolio for future employment, you may want to enroll in some accredited courses. You can find plenty of options either online or at an institution. Those courses are not only a way to better your knowledge and skills, but they also help you expand your portfolio.
As part of the courses, you will also have to get some projects done, which can then be used to show potential employers what you have been doing until now. Oracle, for example, has two courses that can help you, Oracle Application Express and Oracle Certified Expert.
The first one focuses on developing applications and the second one includes a variety of courses you can take, such as Java, Virtual Networking, Business Intelligence, or Cloud administration. Microsoft and Amazon also have some great courses that are highly valued in the industry, such as Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer and AWS Certified Developer.
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Start Developing Your Career
After taking care of your education and setting the ground for your career development, it’s time to think about landing your first job. But before that, you need to decide which type of career path is suited for you. Do you want to start working in a company, or as a freelancer? Both paths have advantages and disadvantages, which have to be taken into consideration before making a decision.
Freelancing gives you the advantage of having more control over your career because you are the one to decide which jobs to accept, which trajectory should your career take, and how much workload you can handle.
The disadvantage is that your income may fluctuate quite a bit and it may take a while before you can feel financially and professionally stable.
Working in a company means you might have to complete some tasks which are not always pleasant or fulfilling. On the other hand, you will have quite a bit of financial stability and opportunities for professional growth, as you will be working with more experienced people, which can help you in the long run.