Entry
Training
How much could I expect to earn?
The work
Skills required
Opportunities

Web developers design, build and maintain new websites and upgrade existing ones in line with their clients' needs. Developers work in all sectors, including industry, commerce, local government and education.

Projects vary depending on the employer, but examples include:

• Building company intranets and extranets.
• Creating web portals.
• Development of interactive databases.
• Constructing virtual learning environments (VLEs) for training providers and academic institutions.
• Development of online shopping sites for retailers.

Development projects run in several phases and developers can be responsible for the entire process, or brought in to deal with a particular phase.

In each phase a developer will:

• Work with the client, using site simulations to see which proposal best suits their needs.
• Once agreed, build the framework - or 'architecture' - of the site and the functionality, for example, command buttons, payment systems and video, sound or animation.
• Make sure that the new site can be smoothly integrated into the client's existing network, for instance linking with a customer database.
• Decide on the site's visual design, often working with a web designer.
• Put in procedures to deal with user access and security.
• Test a site under construction to eliminate any problems - bugs - before it goes 'live'.

Once complete, the developer may continue to make minor refinements to make sure the finished product is fully functional and meets all the client's needs. Depending on the contract, the developer may continue to manage and maintain the site once it is up and running.

There are no specific entry requirements but you will need a knowledge of 'front end' concepts (how the site looks and functions for the user), and 'back end' systems (how it works).

You will also need to be familiar with:

• Common operating systems and servers.
• Databases and web programming.
• Networking and security.
• Internet protocols (TCP/IP).
• Graphics, animation and web design software.

The Training section (below) lists the more common packages and languages that cover the areas mentioned here. Too, an understanding of World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) standards for website development will be helpful to ensure greater site accessibility and compatibility.

Employers will want to see evidence of your experience along with any relevant qualifications. You should have a portfolio of work, demonstrating your creative and technical ability. This can be in the form of a CD, DVD or 'live' website.

If you lack commercial experience, consider developing and designing a site for a local community group or voluntary agency that can be used in your portfolio.

Many new entrants will seek a relevant professionally recognised certification such as CIW (Certified Internet Webmaster) to demonstrate competence, this will include key competencies in areas such as:

• Web development or web design.
• Multimedia design.
• Digital media development.
• Web content management.
• Business information systems.
• Computer programming.

Depending on client needs, a working knowledge of some of the following coding and programming/scripting languages will be useful: Java, HTML, XML, DHTML, XHTML, Perl, ASP, PHP, Javascript, ActionScript, CGI, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), SSL security technologies, SQL and MySQL.

You should also be familiar with some of the common web development packages, including:

• Dreamweaver (MX or version 8).
• Studio 8(contains Dreamweaver, Flash and Fireworks in one package).
• Coldfusion MX.
• Axure RP.
• Adobe GoLive.
• Visual Interdev.
• HotMetal Pro.

You will also need to know how to use common plug-ins such as Shockwave, Flash MX and Adobe Acrobat Reader. There are many others that cover specialised functions.

Guideline figures are:

New entrants can expect to earn between £16,000 and £22,000 a year.
With experience, developers can earn up to £32,500 a year.
Senior developers/programmers can earn well in excess of £35,000.

Web developers normally work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Some evening and/or weekend work may be required to meet deadlines. Self-employed developers work the hours necessary to complete their workload or contract.

Developers work in an office. Those employed by a company or organisation are normally based at on-site, whereas self-employed developers may work from home, an office base, on a client's premises or a combination of these.

Freelance developers are often responsible for providing their own software packages and computer equipment.

As a web developer, you should:

• Have excellent web and database programming skills.
• Have a good appreciation of design, functionality and interactivity.
• Be able to interpret client ideas and present complex concepts in a clear manner.
• Have excellent analytical skills and able to provide innovative solutions.
• Be able to work flexibly but in an organised manner.
• Be able to work to exact specifications.
• Be aware of international web protocols and standards.
• Be able to work to strict deadlines.
• Be willing to keep up to date with developments in technology and methodologies.
• Have an appreciation of commercial pressures.
• Have excellent interpersonal skills.
• Be able to understand and integrate with a clients procedures.
• Work well as part of a team or alone.

Project management skills may be required for more senior roles or for freelancing.

Opportunities for web developers are excellent as the expansion of digital interactive media is set to grow over the coming years with the convergence of IT and telecommunications. Developers who are multiskilled in some of the applications mentioned in Training are likely to have more options.

Developers can specialise in a particular area, such as e-learning or e-commerce or move to higher-level positions, for example, lead programmer or project leader. There may be opportunities to move into other IT roles such as systems analysis or IT project management.

Promotion options depend upon the size of the company. Defined pathways may be available in larger companies, whilst developers in smaller companies or freelance workers will cover many roles within the same job. Web developers with fluent language skills may find opportunities both overseas and in the UK.