Website developers and designers are a highly sought-after section of the IT field and the qualifications sought by employers varies greatly with the type of company and the depth of their presence and business structure on the web. Web design qualifications can range from an associates degree in multimedia design or art to a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or similar field. Some companies may even offer entry-level positions to candidates with vocational or certificate-level training.
As technology advances, the way companies do business changes. Where a company was once satisfied with a simple website, their needs may evolve to include ecommerce, web and mobile applications. As a member of a graphic design or web design team, qualifications are likely to include graphic design, programming and application development. Some departments will be split up into strictly IT and design, with members working together to manage company websites, while smaller companies may require a jack-of-all-trades IT and design individual. A company may focus on creativity, others on technical skill.
To obtain the most diverse and useful web design qualifications, begin by pursuing a two-year technical degree in either art or science with an emphasis on graphic design, coding, or programming. Web design qualifications that are frequently sought by employers will include knowledge of web and graphic design programs, coding, framework, widgets, and content management systems. Many of these skills can be learned through self-study, but a degree in web or graphic design or information technology will give added support and credential to any skills learned through self-study.
Whether web design qualifications are obtained through short-term technical programs or four-year degree programs, one of the best qualifications for web design jobs is experience. Those who plan to study two or four-year programs should look into internships and externships with local businesses to garner experience that is valuable to future job endeavors. Freelance work can also help provide valuable experience and resume building. It is also important to keep up with the quickly evolving world of technology, so don’t discount individual classes on new programs and keep informed through industry journals and trade magazines.
One of the most notable things about web design as a career choice is the rapid advancement of technology and the need for continuing education to address the needs of qualified individuals. Many high schools and vocational schools now offer web design, multimedia design and graphic design as part of a college-prep career path. There are also dozens of different degrees that can help a worker break in to the field, but is important to choose a program that is accredited and fully recognized as well as provides the web design qualifications necessary to land a job.
