WEB DEVELOPER
A web developer/designer is responsible for the design, layout and coding of a website. They are involved with the technical and graphical aspects of a website - how the site works and how it looks. They can also be involved with the maintenance and update of an existing site.
After establishing the target audience for a website and identifying the type of content it will host, a web designer/developer will:
- write the programming code, either from scratch or by adapting existing website software and graphics packages to meet business requirements
- test the website and identify any technical problems
- upload the site onto a server and register it with different search engines.
A web designer/developer normally works between 37 and 40 hours a week, 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Additional hours may be required to meet deadlines, which could include evenings and weekends.
A web designer/developer should:
- have skills in software programming and graphics (PHP, Javascript , ASP(x); web applications: Drupal, Wordpress, Prestashop sau Magento ; Yii framework; HTML, CSS, Photoshop/ Corel, Fireworks, Ilustrator, Adobe Flash (ActionScript), Microsoft Silverlight.)
- have creativity and imagination
- be adaptable and able to pick up new techniques
- have good interpersonal and communication skills
- keep up to date with advances in computer technology and how this affects the business environment
Most employers expect applicants to have a degree-level education, often with relevant min 3 years work experience and vocational skills. A range of qualifications are available that provide a good grounding in web design, interactive design, graphic design and internet technology.
Training is done on the job, and includes in-house and external training courses. As the IT industry continues to develop it is vital for web designers/developers to keep up to date with new software and technology. The normal progression route for a web designer/developer is to become a senior or principal web designer/developer.
A web designer/developer will usually work as part of a team, which will include a web author/editor and an account manager.
Hours and environment
A web designer/developer normally works between 37 and 40 billable hours a week, 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Additional extra billable hours may be required to meet deadlines, which could include evenings and weekends. It is possible to be self-employed and work from home. Part-time and flexible hours may be available.
It is usual to work in an open-plan office environment. A limited amount of travelling may be required.
Skills and personal qualities
A web designer/developer should:
- have skills in software programming and graphics
- have creativity and imagination
- be adaptable and able to pick up new techniques
- have good interpersonal and communication skills
- be able to work on their own or in a team
- be able to work to tight deadlines
- be thorough and precise in their work
- be able to multi-task
- be aware of international web standards and protocols
- be able to use their initiative.
Interests
It is important to be interested in:
- keeping up to date with advances in computer technology and how this affects the business environment
- the internet
- troubleshooting and problem solving