Web Developer
What is the work like?
Web developers design, build and maintain new websites and upgrade existing ones in line with their clients' needs.
As a web developer your skills would be in demand in most businesses and public sector organisations. Examples of the projects you might work on include:
- creating a secure online shopping website
- developing a virtual learning environment (VLE) for a college
- setting up company intranets for staff use.
You would typically work on projects made up of several phases. You might be responsible for the entire process, or deal with a particular stage.
In each phase you would:
- work with the client, using test sites to see which ideas best suit their needs
- build the framework – or 'architecture' – of the site and add the command buttons, payment systems and video, sound or animation
- make sure that the new site can be smoothly integrated into the client's existing network, for instance linking with a customer database
- work on the site's appearance, often with a web designer
- put in measures to deal with user access and security
- test the site under construction to find and fix any problems – or 'bugs' – before it goes 'live'.
Once you have built the site, you may continue to make minor changes to make sure the it is working properly and meets all the client's requirements. Depending on the contract, you may continue to manage and maintain the site once it is up and running.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not necessarily need formal qualifications to become a developer, but you will need a good knowledge of 'front end' ideas (how to make the site look good and easy to use), and 'back end' systems (how it works).
You will need to be familiar with a number of areas, including:
- common operating systems and servers
- databases and web programming
- networking and security
- graphics, animation and web design software.
See the training and development section for more details of the more common software packages and programming languages.
You should also have an understanding of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) standards for website development and site accessibility. For more details about this, see the W3C website.
Employers will want to see evidence of your experience along with any qualifications you may have. You should keep a portfolio of work that shows your creative and technical ability. This could be in the form of a CD, DVD or 'live' website. Developing and designing sites for local community groups or voluntary agencies could be a useful way to get your portfolio started.
Many new entrants now have a foundation degree, BTEC HNC/HND award or degree, which will usually be in an IT-related subject, such as:
- web development or web design
- multimedia design
- digital media development
- web content management
- business information systems
- computer programming.
To search for colleges and universities offering these courses, see the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
See the websites for e-skills UK and British Computer Society (BCS) for more details about careers in this field.
What further training and development can I do?
You normally have on-the-job training, especially where you have joined through a graduate training scheme. The technology constantly evolves, so whether you are freelance or employed by a company, you should continually update your skills through formal training, on-the-job experience or self-teaching.
Depending on client needs, you may need to pick up a working knowledge of some of the following programming/scripting languages: Java, HTML, XML, XHTML, Perl, ASP, PHP, Javascript, ActionScript, CGI, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), SSL security technologies, and SQL and MySQL databases.
You should also be familiar with one or more of the common web development packages, including:
- Dreamweaver
- Creative Suite (includes Dreamweaver, Flash and Fireworks)
- Coldfusion
- Axure RP
- Adobe GoLive
- Visual Interdev
- HotMetal Pro.
See the Skillset course database, which has details of multimedia training providers throughout the country. The Web Development Virtual Library site and W3C also have lots of online tutorials and links covering the packages and languages listed above.
Other training options include:
- Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW) Web Development course, which certifies skills across a range of software and systems
- British Computer Society (BCS) professional awards at Certificate, Diploma and Professional Graduate Diploma level
- e-skills Graduate Professional Development Award (GPDA), which you can study as part of an undergraduate, postgraduate or work-based training programme.
Where can I go for more information?
Tel: 0808 100 8094 (Scotland)
Tel: 08000 121 815 (Wales)
North Star House
North Star Avenue
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN2 1FA
21 Caledonian Road
London
N1 9GB
London
SW1E 6DR
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- New entrants can expect to earn between £14,000 and £20,000 a year.
- With experience, developers can earn up to £30,000 a year.
- Senior developers/programmers can earn £35,000 or more.
This section is intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Some evening and/or weekend work may be needed to meet deadlines. If you were self-employed, you would work the hours necessary to complete the job.
The work is mainly office based. If you work for a company or organisation you would normally be on one site, but if you are self-employed, you may work from home or on the client's premises.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent web and database programming skills
- a good appreciation of design, usability and interactivity
- creative skills to turn clients' ideas into workable plans
- excellent problem-solving skills
- a willingness to work flexibly but in an organised manner
- the ability to follow exact instructions
- an understanding of international web development standards
- the ability to work to deadlines
- a commitment to keep up to date with developments in technology
- an appreciation of commercial pressures
- excellent people skills
- the ability to work as part of a team or alone.
You may need project management skills for more senior roles or freelance work.
What opportunities are there?
Your propsects of finding work in web development are very good, with the use of interactive multimedia sites set to grow in the coming years, especially as the IT and telecommunications fields move closer together.
With skills and experience, you could specialise in a particular area, such as e-learning or e-commerce, or move up to more senior roles like lead programmer or project leader. You may have further opportunities to move into other IT jobs, such as systems analysis or IT project management.
Your promotion options would depend on the size of your company. Larger companies may have structured career paths, but if you work in a smaller organisation or as a freelance, you may have to cover many development roles within the same job. If you have fluent language skills, you may find opportunities to work overseas.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in a new window)
ITJobsWatch
ComputerWeekly
Computing Careers
Datascope
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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