I have been studying web design for a few years now (mostly independent) and I was just wondering what you could tell me about the careers available for web developers (inclusive of HTML/CSS, programming (PHP) and/or databases, server management etc.). I don’t really have any idea what it is actually like to work as a web developer in a company.
What I’m interested in is how does a real job compare to when you were just learning and creating websites in your free time, do you enjoy your job, what is it like working with other people as a team rather than just on your own, do your clients drive you nuts and do you think it is a good field/career path to go into (for someone like me)?
I am hoping to study computer science at one of the top universities in the UK (no, I’m not very old) and I am interested in most things techy, computing, linux, maths, physics, a bit of graphic design/art/maybe even 3D modelling, games (and game design a bit) and particularly programming (basically the cool/fun things :P). I have been wondering a bit about various jobs after studying and particularly that of web development. I’m still not sure if some other field in computing (e.g desktop programming, hardware) will take my interest more than web design, but since I have been studying it a fair bit in my spare time I was thinking it might be a good choice (and I would be able to continue studying it at university, I think).
(Geez just spend the last 5 minutes staring at this guy :goof: - soo jokes and cheesy and funny!)
Also, thanks to the sitepoint guys and the community for such an awesome website and forums!
I am not exactly in web design but I can tell you this much about the “real world.” It honestly depends on the job and environment where you chose the work. Some jobs are gonna be more challenging than others, while others are going to be more of a learning experience. Since you have never stepped into this field before, maybe it would be good for you to invest some time in an internship in a related field. They may not pay you, but it will look fantastic on your resume and help you take baby-steps to building your portfolio and working in a real-world environment. Good luck!!
I’m planning to do a couple of weeks work experience this summer in mostly server and network (setup and) management. Is there anything in particular that you think would make my CV stand out?
I am thinking of getting a portfolio together as it seems like there aren’t really many qualifications that employers really care about. However, it will naturally have to be built in my spare time and the more I learn about web design the more I think I will never be able to finish a website because there is simply so much that can be done to it (I’m a bit of a perfectionist). I guess if the purpose of the website is for a portfolio then I have a very specific target audience so I don’t need to worry about things like accessibility (unless the purpose was to showcase my skills in making accessible websites).
Speaking of qualifications, do you know any in particular that any employees what-so-ever even glance at?
Network administration and web design are two completely different things. Qualifications depend on the job specification. Best ting to do is actually go look at some classified listings on 37signals, monster, dice and careerbuilder to see for yourself. After you go though some of those you should start to grasp what qualifications are consistent between similar focuses and how much they can differ.
So true! I left the corporate world after many years and now work exclusively from home. I’m taking a break from the “office” because I’m burnt out from working long and hard. I’ve designed and developed a bunch of corporate websites and numerous smaller sites, and that is where my heart is. So I left the 9-5 scene (tech support/sales/marketing), started doing some money sites, work online doing remote tech support, and go north snowmobiling for the winter. Because working from home doesn’t necessarily mean “home”.
Real world sucks. Don’t ever grow up. Stay in college as long as you can and create a bad ass website with a friend that’ll make you millions. Btw I love my job
Often a “real job” is going to be vastly different from creating websites in your spare time. While you may work on multiple projects in your spare time, jobs will have tight deadlines, a potentially stressful environment, office politics and more.
You can get lucky, and find a kick-ass place that is far, offers flex time, inspiring projects with a good workflow, etc.
