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Keith Monaghan
9,494 PointsWhat do you wish you knew before starting Web Development?
What did you struggle with most as you thought about building a career in web development? Or, if you're still in that beginning stage, what would help you the most right now?
Would it be how to learn a programming language/script, getting a job/clients, knowing where to start, uncertainty about the industry, etc.
Why did you choose web development?
I'm starting a podcast for people interested in building a career in Web Development and I want to know what you want to hear about.
Thanks for your input!
5 Answers
Chandler Tayek
5,513 PointsI'm a beginner and its sort of intimidating a bit. I know how to use the different languages but not really sure how to put all the pieces together to make something look and function well.
Steven Horowitz
6,966 PointsWhat I struggled with the most, and continue to struggle with, is the general mindset of "Can I pull this off? Can I one day say that I was able to switch careers, go against what I studied in college, and call myself a Web Developer/Designer?"
What would help me the most right now is anything that can feed my confidence to keep going; to keep challenging the mindset that I struggle with, to turn that struggle into the excitement of knowing that the possibilities are limitless.
I chose Web Development because I've been familiar with and tinkered with HTML since the age of 12, but I never considered making it a career--that was 14 years ago. Now, I revisited web design because after being in Retail Management for over 2 years, I took control of my career development and became aware of my soft skills, KSAs, SWOT analysis, and career interests to make the following statements about myself:
1) I cannot envision myself making Retail Management a long-term career for various reasons. a) I must find another career path. i) I must align my interests (i.e. computers) and my primary skills (i.e. analytical thinker, problem-solving, detail-oriented) to my new career path.
Currently, I'm in the beginning stages of this career change: Developing the technical skills required to function as a Web Developer/Designer. This will take me some time due to time limitations (full-time job 50 hours/week, planning a wedding), but I cannot and will not rush my learning; I love that I can learn on my own time and on my own terms at Treehouse. Cheers to Treehouse and to the opportunities of a new career!
Keith Monaghan
9,494 PointsThanks for your detailed response, Steven.
I'd like to encourage you by saying that you can absolutely build a career in web development. I have no doubt about that. Your situation is similar to what mine was 2 years ago. I was working full-time in an industry I had no interest in, I was newly married and I had a newborn baby. I chose to spend time each evening studying when development and building stuff until I could get a full-time job. It took me more than 2 years but I will, probably, have a full-time job offer in the next few weeks from a local branding agency.
Just put the time in and continue to learn, you won't have any problem moving into web dev. You don't have to take 2 years like I did. I could have been way more focused and moved into the industry sooner. Keep your head down and keep learning. When you start to get discouraged remember the goal (you'll need to remind your significant other, too :)
Artem Prytkov
11,932 PointsI wish I knew more about various approahes to development process(like scrum) and testing. Also information about different technologies would be interesting too. For example I know Ruby,but have weak understanding of how JS(or jQuery) used.
Keith Monaghan
9,494 PointsThank Artem,
So you'd be interested in some conceptual, big picture explanations? A description of how all the parts fit together using the different technology options available?
Brian Goldstein
19,419 PointsWhat I wish I knew ahead of getting into this is how much I enjoy solving these sets of problems (I would have career changed WAY sooner). Also, that it's totally ok to NOT know what you're doing and how the community of development is built on this informal Q+A guidance. That little and often over a while leads to great development skill, as does insatiable curiosity and humility to ask a lot of seemingly dumb questions. Oh, and go to Meet-ups/camps/Cons in your area and region! Developers are nice people in real life and these are incredible ways to learn and build relationships.
Keith Monaghan
9,494 PointsExcellent point, Brian! When I started out it seemed like people in the industry were wizards who just knew it all. I've come to realize that's just not true. There is so much to learn that everyone feels underwater at some point. It doesn't feel great to be in that situation but when you figure it out it's the most amazing feeling.
I started freelancing a few months ago with a connection that I met at a local meetup. There is more to being a developer than learning the languages. You need to get out there and network with other people. I would not have the opportunities I have now if it weren't for the web dev meetup I went to once a month for the last two years.
Great advice, Brian.
Keith Monaghan
9,494 PointsKeith Monaghan
9,494 PointsChandler! Thanks for your feedback and believe me when I say that it's normal to feel that way. In fact, that's par for the course for learning any new language or framework. You have to learn a lot of things that seem unrelated but as you continue you'll find that one day it just clicks and you get it. Keep it up.