Web Developer Related Career Paths

If you’re just beginning to explore becoming a Web Developer, you might be interested in some related career options as alternative possibilities. Web development is just one element of a broader career field that involves coding or design. Those seeking a new career, or a career with essential differences from their current one, should read on to discover some worthwhile options. 

Students interested in front end development might also investigate user experience (UX) design, user interface (UI) design, or mobile app design. Those more intrigued by back end programming might consider software engineering or data science.

What is a Web Developer?

A Web Developer builds websites and web applications for companies or clients who hire them to create a product that serves a specific purpose. They are responsible for meeting the project objectives while providing a positive experience for the end user. Web Developers write and test the product’s code and are often responsible for maintaining performance and capacity. 

Various specializations fall under the Web Development umbrella. A front end developer focuses on the visual elements of a website or application—that is, the interface that the end user sees and interacts with. A back end developer designs and creates the site’s behind-the-scenes structure and functionality. However, the type of web developer most desirable to employers is a full stack developer with front end and back-end development skills.

Web developers may work solo or as part of a team, often depending on whether they are freelance or work full-time for a particular company. Almost any business in any industry needs a web developer, but whether they have a web development team or hire a freelance developer will depend on their circumstances. Businesses need web developers because having an online presence increases their client base. Many businesses also need web developers because they want to connect with potential customers through their own web applications. 

Read more about what a Web Developer does.

User Experience Design

User experience (UX) design is a career that involves research on the needs and preferences of those who use a site or app. UX Designers incorporate that research into the design choices they make when creating the structure, flow, and appearance of a digital product.

User Interface Design

User interface (UI) design overlaps with UX design, but it is more purely focused on the visual interface, while UX design includes information architecture and interaction design as well.

Mobile App Design

Designing mobile apps is a popular alternative to web development. Many of the same skills are needed, but mobile apps continue to be a growing field with exciting prospects.

Software Engineering

Software engineers have similar coding skills to web developers, but they use those skills to create programs that run on an operating system, rather than over the internet.

Data Science

Like back end developers, Data Scientists use languages like Python to explore and manipulate data. If you are interested in data for its own sake, data science may be a better fit for you than web development, where the data is secondary to other considerations.

How to Decide Which Career is Right for You

When considering which career is right for you, you’ll want to think about where your primary interests and skills lie. 

Are you intrigued by users and what they experience as they go through a site or app? Are you fascinated by data and the possibilities available when manipulating it? Are you excited about the potential of the mobile app landscape? If so, you may want to choose one of these alternate career paths over becoming a web developer. Of course, you’ll also want to think about whether you are genuinely good at design, or at understanding how users think, or at manipulating data. It’s best to consider both your passions and your abilities when choosing a career.

Learn the Skills to Become a Web Developer at Noble Desktop

To become a Web Developer, you must learn specific skills critical to the job. Noble Desktop can help you build these skills through in-person or live online instruction. Either way, you’ll have access to expert instructors who can clarify issues when you are confused, provide feedback on your work, and guide you through becoming a Web Developer. Small class sizes and the option to retake any course for free once you’ve completed it are additional incentives for studying with Noble Desktop.

Noble offers several relevant certificate programs demonstrating your Web Developer skills and qualifications to share with potential employers and support you in your job search. Completing the software engineering certificate gives you the broadest qualifications and career path options. If you are primarily interested in developing for the front end, consider the front end web development certificate. JavaScript is becoming increasingly popular for web development, so completing the certificate in JavaScript will boost your resume. Opt for the full stack development certificate if you're interested in front end and back end programming. And if you prefer behind-the-scenes programming, pursue the certificate in Python development.

If you’re a beginner in web development, Noble’s hub of articles and resources on web development is a great place to start and plan your learning path. Noble’s web development courses are excellent if you’re eager to start learning but not yet ready