Web Developer

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Become A Web Developer

Have you ever built your own web site, complete with database-driven interactivity, just for fun? Has researching the latest tools and advances in computer technology become a hobby that keeps you up late into the night? Then perhaps you should consider a job as a web developer.

Web Development in a Nutshell

Web developers oversee all aspects of the development of Internet web sites and web pages, which can include search engine design, web content development, database programming and web server configuration.

Many web developers build functionality and interactivity into web sites that offer social networking services, such as MySpace or Friendster. They might also design the back end systems that run e-commerce sites, such as Amazon.com, or they might develop sophisticated email and calendaring applications that can be used on the web, such as those offered by Google.

Education Requirements for Web Developers

While education requirements vary greatly in this field, employers often seek candidates who have earned their bachelor's or associate's degree in fields such as computer science, information science or management information systems. Most colleges, community colleges and vocational schools offer educational programs in these fast-growing fields.

However, computer technologies advance very quickly, and web development is a relatively new and expanding occupation. Because of this, many web developers are self-taught and continue to update their skill set based on emerging technologies, as opposed to being formally educated. Employers generally hire candidates that possess the skills needed for the job, regardless of their educational background. These skills can vary widely, and often include expertise in applications such as Ajax, JavaScript, MySQL, PHP, Visual Basic and others.

Day in the Life of a Web Developer

Web developers work in a variety of fields and office environments; you may be hired by an individual, work for the government, freelance your services to many different companies, or work for vast corporations among teams of other web developers. You may also collaborate with web designers who are building the visual "front end" of a web site while you focus on the back end systems.

Regardless, unless your work is freelance-based, most web development takes place in front of a computer in a 40-hour-a-week office setting. In any case, you can count on dressing casually and working in a relaxed environment.

Job Growth for Web Developers

Computer systems design and related services are projected to be among the fastest growing industries in the economy over the next decade. Because of this, employment for web developers is expected to grow much faster than the national average for all occupations through the year 2014.