How to Become a Web Developer

#

I want to stress - because I was unsure when I first started my journey - you can learn how to become a Web Developer and find a job in the field on your own.

Let's look at what Web Development is and why you might be interested in learning more about it.

Web Developers are also often referred to as Programmers, Developers, and Software Engineers. The key to all of these nouns is that they describe someone who makes or builds web programs, web applications, and/or web pages.

Can you become a Web Developer?

#

Assuming you have access to a computer, the internet, and the self-motivation to take learning into your own hands, I can confidently answer Yes. Yes, you can become a Web Developer.

Learning about Web Development is not only for the hoodied introvert who overuses the word "algorithm." Web Development is one of the few careers attainable via a self-taught curriculum, making itself available to a diverse range of people.

According to Stack Overflow's 2019 Developer Survey Results, close to 37% of Professional Developers do not have an undergraduate degree in Computer Science.

Additional, you don’t have to want to be Web Developer to learn about Web Development. Just like you don’t have to want to be a poet full-time to learn to rhyme (ba dum tss 🥁).

Learning the basics of Web Development is valuable to those working on the periphery of the software/computer world. If you work for Software as a Service company (SaaS), not as a developer, but in some associated position like Sales or Customer Service, learning a little about Web Development will help you do your job better. I promise.

Should I become a Web Developer?

#

This is a personal question I can't answer, but I can give you potentially persuasive statistics.

A personal story: Post-graduate, I have worked as an Economist, a Barista, a Bartender, Personal Trainer, Event Manager, and now as Frontend Developer. In my current position, I work remotely - from home 🏡 - and I love my job. I solve problems, I am challenged, and work with a diverse, smart group of co-workers. Additionally, I know that as I grow my skills, my job prospects and job security rise correspondingly.

The field of Web Development is growing, and the demand is high. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer and IT occupations are the fastest-growing of all US occupations.

The \$\$\$ isn't bad either. Back to StackOverflow's Annual Developers Survey, we can see at the very least, a career in Web Development can pay in the six-figure range.

United States

Global

How do I become a Web Developer?

#

I want to stress - because I was unsure when I first started my journey - you can learn how to become a Web Developer and find a job in the field on your own. You don't need a bootcamp, or university degree. It will take work, self-discipline, and likely won't come without some costs, most notably opportunity costs. Meaning, you'll have to give up some things in your life to make way for the time commitment this will take.

A widely circulated illustration for what it takes to become a Web Developer can be found at the bottom of the W3School's^w3s page "Web Development Roadmaps." I 💛 this field guide, but honestly, I think it's better suited for those at course level 201, not 101. On day 30 of this series, I will introduce a Field Guide better suited for beginners.

What's next?

#

Tomorrow we'll learn about and get familiar with a critical tool used by Web Developers, the browser's Developer Tools.