How to Become a Web Developer

Web developer skills can vary by specialization and industry, however, each web development professional must be able to create and maintain websites and web applications. Some web developers opt to earn a degree in computer science or a related field, while others may take online courses or certificate programs to learn specific skills like programming or digital design. You'll also need to build your portfolio through hands-on experience. The following article contains step-by-step instructions you can use to guide your pursuit of a web developer job.

If you're ready to start preparing for an entry-level web developer role today, gain the foundational skills you need by enrolling in the University of Michigan's Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development & Coding Specialization. In as little as two months, you'll familiarize yourself with JavaScript, CSS3, HTML5, and create a series of wireframes for your own website or portfolio.

How to become a web developer step-by-step

Web developers often begin their careers as either front-end developers or back-end developers. The specialization you want to pursue can influence the skills you'll need to develop to prepare for an entry-level role. Back-end developers work with databases, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to support the function of the website. Front-end web developers work with the creative side of the website, using graphic design and code editing tools to make the website functional and enjoyable for users. If you're interested in building a website from the ground up, you'll need to gain the full-stack developer skill set, which enables you to execute both front-end and back-end tasks.

Read more: Front-End vs. Back-End Developer: Understanding the Differences

1. Gain critical technical skills for web developers

Employers and clients usually expect web developers to have certain skills that demonstrate their ability to deliver on website requirements. If you’re interested in a career as a web developer, these are some skills you can focus on to build a foundation for success:

• Coding: Common programming languages include HTML, PHP, cascading style sheets, and JavaScript for front-end design. Consider learning Python, Java, or Ruby if you want to do back-end development. Being fluent in the most popular programming languages is helpful, but knowing how to work with less commonly used languages may also help you land a more specialized job. Here are additional programming languages to consider:

  • TypeScript

  • C#

  • Bash/Shell

  • C++

  • C

• Responsive web design: People use a variety of devices to view websites. Developers should be able to create sites with responsive designs that look as good on smartphones and tablets as they do on computer screens.

• Technical SEO: Many factors of website design can affect the site’s search engine ranking. Understanding how search engines rank sites is useful in a developer’s work.

• Version control: This lets you track and control changes to the source code throughout the development process without starting over from the beginning each time you run into a problem.

• Visual design: Understanding basic design principles, such as how to use white space, choose fonts, and incorporate images, could boost your marketability.

Tackle each of the programming languages you'll need to learn to start your career in web development in as little as one month with the following online program from the University of Michigan:

2. Sharpen key workplace skills for development jobs

As a web developer, you'll work closely with other roles, such as user interface/user experience (UI/UX) designers and QA testers. You may also need to communicate with clients and marketing teams to ensure functionality and design are aligned with business goals. Here are a few workplace skills you can focus on building for a web development role:

• Communication skills: Web developers must communicate effectively with their co-workers and clients, including asking questions and explaining ideas. Although web developers spend a considerable amount of time working alone, they need to communicate with the people whose vision they are implementing.

• Creativity: Websites should look good and be easy for users to navigate.

• Customer service: Web developers should respond politely to questions and requests from their supervisors and clients, since they are creating websites for others.

• Detail-oriented: Web developers need the ability to focus for long periods and write code precisely. A single symbol in the wrong space can affect a website’s layout and function.

• Problem-solving: When a website does not work correctly, developers must locate errors in the code and correct them. They should have the patience and ability to identify problems in the design or coding and solve them in a methodical way.

• Organization: Keeping track of deadlines, project tasks, workflow, and budgets is helpful if you want to complete a website design on time.

Quick tip from an expert

Dez Udezue, a software engineering manager at Meta and a 16-year industry veteran, suggests early-career developers direct their attention to their immediate job tasks. "Hyper focus on the direct manager over the technology stack. They influence growth a lot, especially in the early part of their career," he says. Several engineers also emphasize that you'll continue to expand your knowledge of frameworks and coding languages naturally over time as you complete new projects, participate in bootcamps, or continue your education.

3. Gain hands-on experience

A strong portfolio is a critical component of validating your skills to potential employers. This is a collection of projects that shows potential employers what you’re capable of creating and which tools you have experience with. Make sure to focus on projects that represent the type of work you’d like to do in your role. If you’re including code, be sure to annotate it to show your thought process.

In certificate programs such as the IBM Full-Stack Developer Professional Certificate, you'll close out your educational experience with a capstone project that guides you through the creation and deployment of your own application.

4. Select a career path or focus and apply for web developer jobs

Once you have foundational knowledge of web development, hone your skills in areas most relevant to your career goals. You can do this by taking additional courses on specific skills, finding entry-level work, or completing freelance web development projects or contract work. In addition, experiment with different programming languages and other tools and stay up-to-date on trends in this field.

When you're ready to apply for jobs, scour career sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor to discover job openings, who's hiring, and what employees are looking for. Begin building a portfolio that showcases your experience and abilities. Enhance your resume and tailor your cover letter to each job application. Attend job fairs and build a strong professional network. Prepare for each job interview.

Do you need a degree to be a web developer?

A web development degree or degree in a related field can come in handy when applying for jobs. According to Zippia, 71 percent of web developers have a bachelor's degree, 14 percent have a master's, and 11 percent have an associate degree. The most common major is computer science (43 percent), followed by information technology (8 percent), computer engineering (8 percent), and computer information systems (8 percent) [1].

Coursework can typically include computer programming, coding, graphic design, and math classes. Keep in mind that some employers may not require a degree and instead look more closely at your experience and skills in this field.

How to become a web developer without a degree

Some web developers have an associate or bachelor’s degree in website design or computer science, but others teach themselves how to code and design websites. While earning a degree can make you a more competitive candidate, a strong portfolio can go a long way toward validating your skills to potential employers. If a degree isn't in your plans, consider enrolling in a certificate program to gain the skills and credentials you need, for example, Meta's Front-End Developer or Back-End Developer Professional Certificate programs.

Read more: Web Developer Certification: Is it Worth It? (+ How to Choose)

Take the next step toward a web developer job with Coursera

Taking online courses can be a great way to launch your career as a web developer. Explore Coursera's selection of web development courses offered by industry leaders and top educational institutions.

For a comprehensive introduction to web development basics, consider enrolling in the Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development & Coding from the University of Michigan.

If you want to start your web development career with in-demand cloud computing skills, IBM's Full-Stack Software Developer Professional Certificate program is an excellent place to start. You could deploy your first application in as little as five months.

Considering starting with the front-end or back-end? Earn a Professional Certificate from Meta while you gain the skills you need to succeed in an entry-level role.