Although learning to code and looking for jobs in tech may seem intimidating, the large number of open positions and training programs make programming a viable career choice. If you're fascinated by cutting-edge software engineering technology and want to learn how it works, then you may enjoy a career as a developer.

Developers are early adopters of new technology, so they have a constant enthusiasm for advancements within the tech industry. These days, anyone can work remotely as a software developer. 

For example, website developers can create business websites for their clients from the comfort of their homes. All they need is impressive coding skills and knowledge on how to use the best hosting to maximize the website’s speed and performance. 

If you're interested in a career as a developer, this article will go through a step-by-step guide to help you get started. 

 

1. Determine the Developer Type 

The first step is to choose what kind of development and programming work best fits your passion and skill set. Let’s look at several of the most popular types of developers. 

Front-end developers

Website design, structure, and functionality are these developers’ areas of expertise. They create all the visual elements of a website or app, such as text fields, photos, buttons, and banners, that visitors interact with. If needed, they should also be able to fix the photo, update the text font, change the buttons, and do overall A/B testing.

Back-end developers

Back-end developers are responsible for how a website interacts with servers and the methods used to collect, store, manage, and protect user information. In other words, they are accountable for ensuring that end-user-requested data and resources are delivered properly. 

Full-stack developers

Full-stack developers are adept at both the front and back ends of a website. These versatile professionals are in charge of controlling the user experience and the data transfer process to and from servers. 

Software developers

When a company needs custom-built software, the work of software engineers is critical. These developers must understand how to create and maintain software products throughout the entire software development lifecycle – from designing and installing to testing. 

Mobile developers

From Android to iOS and Windows operating systems, mobile developers ensure that an application's functional aspects work correctly. These developers should have a high level of technical expertise and knowledge in a wide range of applications, such as games and communication tools. 

Web developers

A web developer's project can entail front-end, back-end, or full-stack web development. In addition to designing and maintaining websites, web developers are responsible for the technical components of a site, such as its performance and ensuring it can handle the expected amount of traffic. Having some familiarity with design applications like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign and Adobe Express might come in handy.

 

2. Choose Programming Languages to Learn

With many options to choose from, it’s crucial to select a programming language based on your career goals and interests. Moreover, make sure that the language is also in-demand for entry-level developers and software engineers.  

Let’s look at a few of the most popular programming languages to learn: 

• JavaScript. As the core component of most web pages, having JavaScript skills is suitable for beginners interested in front-end web or mobile development.
• Phyton. Among Python's many strengths are its simple syntax, readability of source code, and cross-platform compatibility. Learn this server-side scripting language to develop websites and applications with full functionality. 
• CSS and HTML. These two languages serve as the basis for web development. While CSS is used to style the website’s appearance, HTML supports the page's structure. 

 

3. Learn the Key Skills of a Developer

The traditional path of becoming a software developer is doing a bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering. Nowadays, however, there are other educational options to hone your skills, including coding boot camps and free online courses.

In addition, working on real projects can be an excellent way to improve your skills as it can help identify which areas you need to work on. 

 

4. Choose Your Career Path

For most developers, there are two main career paths to choose from, and the choice should be based on each developer’s skill set and experience. You can either opt for a stable, full-time job at a company or enjoy more autonomy as a freelancer. 

Consider your professional strengths when deciding between working as a full-time software developer or a freelancer. The latter requires you to have a strong drive and organisational skills to attract clients and meet their needs. "In case you want to build a career as an eCommerce developer, try to build an eCommerce chatbot and include it in your portfolio.

 

5. Build Your Portfolio

Demonstrate your talent and skills to potential employers and clients by building an impressive online portfolio. With the help of a website builder or CMS, anyone can create an online portfolio easily using the platforms’ pre-built templates. 

In general, an online portfolio for software developers should feature an eye-catching homepage, engaging content, and all past projects. Make sure to spend time experimenting with your website design so that it represents your professional branding as a developer. 

6. Certify Your Skills

Certification helps developers establish credibility, remain competitive in the job market, and advance their careers. When selecting an online IT training to certify your skills, a few important aspects to consider include the budget, schedule, skill level, and course content.

In addition, research the credibility and validity of the certification and its provider. Learn the skills you'll need to succeed in the software development industry by earning a legitimate certificate from platforms like Codecademy or freeCodeCamp.

 

7. Land Your First Job

The first job is always the most challenging step in a person’s career, but you’ll land more opportunities once you’ve crossed that hurdle. Try not to be too selective with the first few projects. You can leverage the experience and testimonials to move to a better-paying.

 

Conclusion

Pursuing a career as a software developer is a good fit for anyone who enjoys learning and solving complex problems. Developers tackle a vast array of projects, like building eCommerce websites, software, and web applications. Moreover, since nearly all developer skills are transferrable, you won’t be limited to a single job.