‍
In today’s digital world, web developers are in high demand as businesses, organizations, and individuals increasingly rely on websites and web applications to reach their audiences. Web development offers high-paying career opportunities, flexibility, and the ability to work remotely. Whether you’re looking to create dynamic websites or build full-stack applications, web development is a lucrative and creative field to enter.
In this guide, we’ll cover the steps to become a web developer, the key skills you’ll need, and how to get started in this fast-growing industry.
Additional reading: How to Become a Commercial Real Estate Broker
A web developer designs, builds, and maintains websites and web applications. Web developers work on both the front-end (the part of the website that users interact with) and the back-end (the server-side logic, databases, and APIs). Depending on their specialization, web developers can be:
Web developers may also specialize in areas like e-commerce development, mobile app development, or content management systems (CMS).
While a formal degree isn’t required to become a web developer, having a solid understanding of programming languages, frameworks, and development tools is essential.
The most important part of becoming a web developer is learning the programming languages and technologies that power websites. Here are the core languages every web developer should know:
You can start learning these languages through online courses, tutorials, or coding bootcamps that provide hands-on coding experience.
While a bachelor’s degree in computer science, web development, or a related field can provide a strong foundation, many successful web developers are self-taught or have completed coding bootcamps. Bootcamps are intensive programs that teach you the technical skills needed for web development in a matter of months.
Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and FreeCodeCamp offer web development courses that cover everything from basic HTML to full-stack development.
In addition to programming languages, web developers use various tools and frameworks to streamline development, enhance functionality, and improve efficiency. Here are some of the most commonly used tools:
Familiarity with these tools will not only make you a more efficient developer but also increase your chances of landing high-paying jobs.
Your portfolio is one of the most important assets as a web developer. It showcases your skills and the projects you’ve completed, giving potential employers or clients a clear understanding of what you’re capable of. Here’s what to include in your portfolio:
You can work on personal projects, volunteer for non-profit organizations, or take on freelance projects to build your portfolio. Having a strong portfolio is often more important than having a formal degree when it comes to landing a web development job.
While you focus on building your web development portfolio, consider securing your financial future through real estate investing. Platforms like mogul allow you to invest in professionally managed real estate projects for as little as $250. With mogul, you can earn  income while continuing to grow your career as a web developer.
Getting real-world experience is essential for becoming a successful web developer. Here are a few ways to gain practical experience:
Many companies offer web development internships that provide hands-on experience working on real projects. Internships allow you to apply what you’ve learned in a professional setting and make valuable industry connections.
Freelancing offers the opportunity to work with clients, manage your own projects, and develop your skills. Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are great platforms to find web development gigs.
Contributing to open-source projects on GitHub is another way to build your experience and network with other developers. Open-source contributions show potential employers that you can collaborate with others and write clean, maintainable code.
Once you’ve built a portfolio and gained practical experience, you’re ready to start applying for jobs. Some common job titles for web developers include:
You can find web development jobs on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and Stack Overflow. When applying for jobs, be sure to tailor your resume to highlight your technical skills, experience, and portfolio projects.
Web development is a rapidly changing field, with new frameworks, tools, and technologies emerging regularly. To stay competitive, it’s essential to continuously update your skills and stay informed about industry trends.
As you expand your knowledge in web development, consider growing your wealth through real estate investments. With mogul, you can invest in high-quality real estate projects without needing large upfront capital. Founded by former Goldman Sachs executives, mogul offers the opportunity to earn monthly dividends and benefit from property appreciation. It’s a smart way to diversify your income streams as you build a successful web development career.
‍
Interested in learning more? Why not check out How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Texas
‍
Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Always consult with a licensed professional before making any financial or investment decisions.