Welcome to the Treehouse Community
Want to collaborate on code errors? Have bugs you need feedback on? Looking for an extra set of eyes on your latest project? Get support with fellow developers, designers, and programmers of all backgrounds and skill levels here with the Treehouse Community! While you're at it, check out some resources Treehouse students have shared here.
Looking to learn something new?
Treehouse offers a seven day free trial for new students. Get access to thousands of hours of content and join thousands of Treehouse students and alumni in the community today.
Start your free trial
Joe Consterdine
13,965 PointsHow good do you have to be to get a job as front-end web designer?
Hi guys,
I've been learning for about 8-9 months now and can make websites from scratch using HTML & CSS.
I have a basic knowledge of flexible/responsive design and can use media queries.
I've done a 9 hour course on Lynda on how to use Illustrator & basics of logo design.
I'm currently learning Jquery here at Treehouse. I want to then study Bootstrap & Zurb and then learn how to make Wordpress sites.
In my head I'm thinking if I can get a portfolio together showing HTML, CSS, Jquery with responsive design and using frameworks like Bootstrap and Zurb that would be enough to get a junior job in web design.
At the same time I'm not naive, maybe I'm jumping the gun and it will be a lot harder than that to get a job.
Obviously it's impossible to say from what I've said here, but how far away do you think I am from been in a position to realistically be able to apply for jobs?
In my mind I'm 2-3 months away but maybe I'm a lot further.
What do you think and what route should I take?
Thanks Joe
4 Answers
James Oh
39,169 PointsHi Joe,
The skills that you've learned are definitely useful for the job market for web developers. Now anyone who knows these skills can put them on their resume, but what most hiring managers want to see is a portfolio of personal and professional projects. Having a personal website that shows off your talent will impress employers. They can be small to large projects, for individuals and small business. If you don't have any projects under your belt, ask around if anyone you know needs a website. How much you want to charge is up to you.
Keep learning, practicing, and creating projects while keeping an eye on job descriptions. Let recruiters help you with setting up interviews, and never stop coding!
Your job hunting will be an interesting journey likely with lots of ups and downs, so don't ever get discouraged since coming out of this process will make you stronger!
Joe Consterdine
13,965 PointsThanks for the reply James!
I've made one site for my friend so far using just HTML & CSS.
I don't mind doing websites for free until I've got a job. I just like the practise.
I don't see much point in applying for jobs until I have JQuery and frameworks implemented as that seems to be the bare minimum for most jobs.
Cheers Joe :)
rosinapissaco
13,401 PointsHi Joe, don't work for free, code for some non-profits organizations, help others and create your portfolio all at once! :D Help with your code here: http://freecodecamp.com/
Joe Consterdine
13,965 PointsHi Rosina,
thanks for the help but I've got a job now! :D
Joe
Rich Braymiller
7,119 PointsI'm sitting here thinking the same thing as you were Joe..congrats on the job...
Joe Consterdine
13,965 PointsKeep going mate. It's not as far as you think.
I don't know what stage you're at but put it this way...
If you get 10k TH points and watch every video properly to the end you'll be job ready.
I only had 3k TH points when I got a job but I'd been at Lynda a good 5 months.
Good luck mate.