Web development has become a crucial aspect of modern business and communication, as websites and web applications are essential for various processes, including social networking, e-commerce, content delivery, and more.
As technology advances, web developers continue to adapt, using the latest tools and technologies, frameworks, and best practices to create dynamic and innovative web solutions.
What is web development?
Web development refers to the process of creatin and building websites and web applications for the Internet. It involves a combination of programming knowledge, technical skills, and design principles to construct interactive, functional, and visually appealing websites that can be accessed and used by users globally.
Web development can be broadly categorized into three main components:
1. Front-end development
Also referred to as client-side development, front-end development focuses on the user interface and user experience (UI/UX) of a website or web application. Front-end developers work with the programming languages HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to structure and style the content, design layouts, and add interactivity. Their goal is to create a user-friendly and visually engaging experience for website visitors.
2. Back-end development
Also known as server-side development, back-end development deals with the behind-the-scenes processes that power websites and web applications. Back-end developers work with server-side databases and programming languages to handle data storage, processing, and server communication. They ensure that the application functions smoothly and securely, managing tasks like database management, user authentication, and handling business logic.
3. Full-stack development
Full-stack developers are proficient in both front-end and back-end technologies, enabling them to work on all aspects of web development. They have a comprehensive understanding of how both the client-side and server-side components of a web application work together.
What do junior web developers do?
Junior web developers assist with the creation of websites and update existing web applications using programming languages. Working under the supervision of senior developers, they also aid with coding, design adjustments, client reviews, and testing on given projects. When they work on a project, they follow user needs, company protocols, and federal regulations.
After working as a junior web developer for five or more years, employees may seek senior web developer positions.
Web developer outlook and salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 23% from 2021 to 2031. This is much faster than the average employment growth rate of all occupations in the nation (5–8%). Additionally, the average annual pay for these roles was $77,030 in May 2021.
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Who are you called to be?
Pursue your purpose at PLNU.
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How to become a junior web developer
1. Look into educational opportunities
Start by gaining a clear understanding of what web development entails by researching the educational requirements of a junior web developer. Most entry-level junior developer roles often seek candidates with a bachelor’s degree in:
- Computer Science
- Computer Information Systems
- Computer Engineering
- Data Management
- Information Technology
- Management Information Systems
- Programming
- Similar fields
Interestingly, according to Zippia, 40% of junior web developers have earned degrees other than the ones listed above. If you have a degree in a different field, certain programming boot camp courses can equip you with the necessary skills to work as a developer. Keep in mind that many employers typically expect applicants to hold at least an associate degree, and prefer ones who have also completed a website developer certificate program.
What type of degree should I earn if I want to become a junior web developer?
Since a graduate degree is not required to become a junior web developer, most individuals in this position have a bachelor’s. Below is a breakdown of the type of degrees that they have:
Most Popular Junior Web Developer Degree Levels
Bachelors | 67.4% |
| Masters | 12.5% |
Associate | 12.5% |
| Certificate | 3.1% |
| High School Diploma | 2.8% |
| Diploma | 1.5% |
| Doctorate | 0.1% |
2. Enhance web developer skills
Although coding and computer programming are high-demand skills, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is predicted to lead to a “significant disruption” in the job market over the next 20 years. This is because AI programs like ChatGPT have the ability to produce code, sometimes even faster than humans. For this reason, it has become important for future and current junior web developers to be skilled with machine learning frameworks.
Before entering the job market for this role, it’s important to develop essential web development skills or to enhance the ones you already have. Familiarizing yourself with the field’s various frameworks, tools, software packages, and resources can help you become a stronger candidate for future positions.
Key technologies and tools in web development
Below are a few skills that you should consider acquiring and the positions that they are commonly associated with:
Web design
- Photoshop
- WordPress
- Google Web Designer
- InDesign
Front-end development
- Sass
- React
- Bootstrap
Back-end development
- MySQL
- Apache
- Laravel
- MongoDB
3. Look for internships
Internships are a great way to acquire technical knowledge and professional experience. During or after completing your degree, consider looking for an internship where you can further your understanding of web development through hands-on experience and connecting with current professionals. They can also help you add valuable experience to your resume!
4. Prepare your resume and portfolio
Adding your work experience and certifications to your resume and projects to your portfolio will help showcase your skills and experience to future employers. This is because your resume is often the first thing that they see when reviewing your application. Tailoring your resume to junior web developer job descriptions can also highlight your qualifications. If you’re in the process of developing your resume, check out five resume mistakes to avoid.
Additionally, consider sharing your code on platforms like GitHub and adding your projects to a personal website or portfolio platform like Behance or Dribble. This gives employers the opportunity to see the work that you’ve completed in classes, internships, and on your own time.
5. Apply for a junior web developer position
Once your resume and portfolio are complete, you can start applying for junior developer roles. With each job posting that you come across, look into the specific keywords and skills that they have. You can alter your resume for each application to align with each posting.
On top of doing online research, you may be able to hear about job openings from connections at your school, internship, or personal network. Reaching out to current individuals in the field can also help you gather information about the job market, position requirements, web developer tips, and expectations.
Where do web developers work?
While some web developers work in the computer systems design and related services industry, others are self-employed. According to Zippia, web developers are 43% more likely to work at public companies than private companies. Nevertheless, freelance web developers can work in almost every industry, including:
- Technology
- Finance
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- Government
- Education
- Sports and entertainment
- And more
6. Keep on learning
As you enter your first role as a junior web developer, hone your professional development by staying up to date with the latest trends and technologies. You can do so through:
- Senior web developers. Meet with those who have more experience in the field, as they can give insight into their roles.
- Blogs and forums. Follow web development blogs and forums to learn from others and stay informed about the latest industry updates.
- Online courses. Enroll in web development courses on platforms like Coursera, FreeCodeCamp, or Udemy to keep learning new skills.
Get coding today
PLNU’s Computer Information Technology, B.A. program can give you valuable experience with coding, website building, and more, in addition to learning to provide businesses with IT solutions. Offered in a hybrid format, this program will help you enable communication between computer systems and lead collaboration among the people operating them.