An article by UK based contributor Sam Gatt.
If the idea of graduating college and becoming a web designer interests you, then you are in the right place. For many students, the hardest part about college is choosing what career is right for them. But if you already have an idea of something that interests you, like website design, for example, then hold onto it with both hands.
Regardless of whether you are a college fresher or are in your final year, it’s never too soon to start planning for your future career. The sooner you do the necessary research and start doping what you need to do to, to become a web designer, the better.
To help you get to grips with what you will need to do to become a professional web designer, we created a handy guide below:
How much education is required?
You are most probably wondering whether you will need a formal education to become a web designer. And while the answer to that is a definite no, it wouldn’t hurt to have a professional web design degree under your belt. Since technological concepts you learn in your first years may be outdated by the time you graduate, many software and media industries don’t put a great deal of value on whether or not an applicant has a degree.
If you are still in college and could change your major to web design, do it. But if you are a recent university graduate, it’s probably best to explore other options like online training courses, vocational classes, or certificate programs that allow you to learn the programs and tools to be a web designer.
What skills are required?
As a web designer, you will need to be a creative thinker with a flair for unique and intriguing design ideas. You will also need to be skilled in IT, and be a competent user of software like Photoshop. You will also need to be willing to learn to do CSS coding and use Javascript, etc.
These are just the minimum skills you will need to get a foot in the door. Once you manage to land your first job at a web development company, you will need to learn a lot more.
How much experience is required before getting a full-time job?
There is no set time frame it will take you to gain the experience you need to land your first proper web design job. However, for most people with little web design experience, it takes about a year to land a job.
What are the steps for getting started?
The first thing you should do is hone your skills. Spend as much of your free time as possible getting to know your way around the software and honing your skills. Practice makes perfect, so practice, practice, practice.
Once you feel that you know how to use each piece of software and have all the skills you need, the next step is to get some work experience. If you are still at college, then you could ask your campus careers officer to help you find some work experience placements. Or, perhaps you could contact a local web development company and ask them whether they would be willing to offer you any work experience.
The key to success for a career in website design is experience. Aim to build up as much experience as possible, by undertaking internships and work placements. The more chances you have to perfect your skills, the more prepared you will be for when you get your first job as a web designer.
About the Author
Guest Coach
The Campus Career Coach accepts contributor content from a variety of authors, career coaches and other content providers. All contributor content is reviewed to make sure it provides real answers to career questions! Please contact esmith@gradleaders.com if you're interested in being a contributor!
