There are many paths to becoming a front-end developer. A combination of education, professional training, and experience is important. The pathway you choose will determine how long it takes to become one. Let’s review some of the important factors to consider.
What higher education is required to become a front-end developer?
41% of web developers worldwide have a bachelor’s degree, and 21% have a master’s degree2. Look for degrees in computer science, information technology, engineering, or math. If you decide to do a university degree, it can take up to four years to complete.1
There is currently a worldwide shortage of developers3. So, many companies that formerly required developers to have a degree are now hiring people without them. This is as long as they can show they have the right skills and hands-on experience. If you can show you understand client-side development, app development, responsive design, version control, and markup languages, you will find opportunities. A recent study of over 80,000 developers found 59.4% used online resources to learn how to code. Just 50.3% learned coding skills primarily through schools4.
What licenses, certifications and registrations are needed?
Front-end developers don’t require licenses, certifications, or registrations in most cases. However, there may be some industries that do require you to pass exams. For example, jobs that require you to handle sensitive information. Major companies such as Adobe offer courses in web development that include certification5. The purpose is to show you have competency using a specific programming language. The most prominent coding languages for front-end developers are HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery. You will also need to show an understanding of server-side CSS.
What on-job internships are typically undertaken?
Aspiring front-end developers may gain internships at private companies, universities, government departments, and non-profits. It’s a great way to get experience and gain additional skills in the tech industry. Some will require you to have completed a degree, while others will offer internships to self-taught developers. Most internships will last between six to twelve months. Large technology companies such as Amazon, Google, Salesforce, and Meta offer new front-end developer internships.
Internships allow you to gain experience across different parts of the development team. They're a great way to work on client projects and enjoy new learning experiences. Once you complete your internship, you can use your experience to help you apply for full-time positions. Some organizations might offer you a job if your internship goes well. Internships for front-end developers exist in many different countries.
What advancement or specialization opportunities are there?
During your career, you can specialize in several types of front-end development. You can also specialize in specific programming languages. If you find an area of the development process that you enjoy, you can focus on it. This can help you find better-paying jobs. One of the best ways to gain experience in a specific field is to build a portfolio of your work. This helps showcase your skills, making it easier for employers to discover you. Many meetups and online groups are set up for you to connect with other developers. Networking can help you find more job opportunities.