How To Become A Entry-Level Web Developer in 2024

Steps to Become an Entry-Level Web Developer

Some of the major steps one needs to take to become an entry-level web developer are listed here:

• Build a Portfolio Site
• Do Freelance Projects
• Put Your Code on Github
• Contribute to an Open Source Project
• Participate in a Hackathon
• Network With Other Web Developers
• Follow Industry News
• Learn New, Relevant Skills
• Refine Your Resume
• Start Your Job Hunt
• Interview for a Web Developer Job

These steps are explained in more detail here:

Step 1: Build a Portfolio Site

Creating a portfolio site is a vital first step to showcasing your skills and projects to potential employers. Design and develop a personal website that reflects your abilities, style, and creativity. Use this platform to exhibit your best work, including websites, applications, or any other projects you have completed. A well-designed portfolio site demonstrates your expertise and provides employers with tangible examples of your capabilities.

Step 2: Do Freelance Projects

Freelancing allows you to work on diverse projects, sharpen your skills, and build a network of satisfied clients who can provide referrals and testimonials. Additionally, it demonstrates your ability to work independently and meet project deadlines.

Step 3: Put Your Code on GitHub

Consider contributing to open-source projects on GitHub as well, as it demonstrates your collaboration skills and involvement in the developer community.

Also Read: What Makes a Full Stack Web Developer?

Step 4: Contribute to an Open-Source Project

Find a project aligned with your interests and skill level and contribute by fixing bugs, adding features, or assisting with documentation. 

Step 5: Participate in a Hackathon

Hackathons are events where developers collaborate intensively to create innovative solutions within a limited timeframe. Hackathons often attract industry professionals who can offer valuable feedback and even employment opportunities.

Step 6: Network With Other Web Developers

Building connections with experienced web developers can provide valuable insights, guidance, and potential job opportunities. Engaging in online forums and communities can also help you connect with experts in the field. Building a strong network can offer you support, mentorship, and opportunities to collaborate on projects.

Step 7: Follow Industry News

Subscribe to reputable web development blogs, websites, and newsletters to receive timely updates on trends, advancements, and innovations. Actively engage with the web development community by participating in discussions, forums, and social media groups. 

Step 8: Learn New, Relevant Skills

Acquiring knowledge in mobile app development and responsive design can further expand your career prospects.

Step 9: Refine Your Resume

Crafting a well-designed and compelling resume is crucial when applying for entry-level web developer positions. Highlight your technical skills, relevant coursework, projects, and any internships or freelance work you have completed. Include a link to your portfolio or personal website to showcase your coding abilities and the projects you have worked on. Tailor your resume to each job application, emphasizing the skills and experience that match the requirements of the position. Proofread your resume thoroughly to ensure it is error-free and presents a professional image.

Step 10: Start Your Job Hunt

Look for entry-level web developer positions on job boards, company websites, and professional networking platforms like LinkedIn. Consider applying for internships or junior developer roles to gain practical experience and build your portfolio. Don't be discouraged by rejections; instead, use them as learning opportunities to improve your skills and interview techniques. Be proactive and reach out to companies directly, expressing your interest and showcasing your enthusiasm for web development.

Step 11: Interview for a Web Developer Job

Embrace each interview as a learning opportunity, and don't be discouraged by setbacks. During the interview, emphasize your passion for web development, demonstrate your eagerness to learn, and showcase any relevant skills or projects you have worked on.

After each interview, reflect on your performance. Identify areas where you can improve and learn from any feedback provided. Use this knowledge to refine your skills and enhance your preparation for future interviews.

Know More: Web Designer vs. Web Developer: Key Difference and Career Tips

What is a Good Salary for an Entry-Level Web Developer?

The salary range for entry-level web developers can vary across different regions. Sectors such as finance, e-commerce, and technology tend to offer higher salaries compared to non-profit organizations or smaller businesses. Additionally, larger companies with established web development teams often provide more competitive compensation packages.

When negotiating your salary as an entry-level web developer, consider factors such as your education, relevant internships, and any additional certifications or specialized skills you possess. It is also beneficial to research salary data from reliable sources such as industry surveys or government websites to have a realistic salary expectation.

Best Web Development Skills to Learn First

Here are some skills to learn for entry level web developer jobs:

• HTML: Understanding HTML is crucial for structuring and organizing the content on a website.
• CSS: Learning CSS enables you to customize the appearance and design of websites.
• JavaScript: JavaScript is a programming language that adds interactivity and dynamic features to websites.
• Responsive Design: With the increasing use of mobile devices, learning responsive design techniques is crucial. Responsive design ensures that websites adapt and display correctly across various screen sizes and devices.
• Version Control: Familiarize yourself with version control systems like Git. 

Roles and Responsibilities of Junior Web Developer

As a junior web developer, you will typically be responsible for assisting in the development and maintenance of websites and web applications under the guidance of senior developers. Your specific roles and responsibilities may vary depending on the organization, but here are some common tasks:

Coding and Development

Junior web developers participate in coding activities, implementing front-end and back-end functionalities using languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and related frameworks.

Bug Fixing and Troubleshooting

Junior developers assist in identifying and resolving bugs or issues that arise during the development process. They collaborate with senior developers to troubleshoot and debug code.

Testing and Quality Assurance

Junior web developers are involved in testing websites and web applications to ensure they function correctly across different browsers and devices. They may also assist in user acceptance testing (UAT) and quality assurance processes.

Collaboration and Communication

Junior developers work closely with the development team, designers, and project managers to understand project requirements and contribute to the overall development process.

Choose The Right Software Development Program

This table compares various courses offered by Simplilearn, based on several key features and details. The table provides an overview of the courses' duration, skills you will learn, additional benefits, among other important factors, to help learners make an informed decision about which course best suits their needs.

Program Name	Full Stack Java Developer Career Bootcamp	Automation Testing Masters Program	Post Graduate Program in Full Stack Web Development
Geo	IN	All	Non-US
University	Simplilearn	Simplilearn	Caltech
Course Duration	11 Months	11 Months	9 Months
Coding Experience Required	Basic Knowledge	Basic Knowledge	Basic Knowledge
Skills You Will Learn	15+ Skills Including Core Java, SQL, AWS, ReactJS, etc.	Java, AWS, API Testing, TDD, etc.	Java, DevOps, AWS, HTML5, CSS3, etc.
Additional Benefits	Interview Preparation Exclusive Job Portal 200+ Hiring Partners	Structured Guidance Learn From Experts Hands-on Training	Caltech CTME Circle Membership Learn 30+ Tools and Skills 25 CEUs from Caltech CTME
Cost	$$	$$	$$$
	Explore Program	Explore Program	Explore Program

Conclusion

Hope this article was able to help you in understanding how to become an entry-level web developer. If you are looking to enhance your software development skills further, we would highly recommend you to check Simplilearn’s Full Stack Developer - MERN Stack. This course, in collaboration with Caltech CTME, can help you hone the right skills and make you job-ready in no time.

If you have any questions or queries, feel free to post them in the comments section below. Our team will get back to you at the earliest.

FAQs

1. How Can I Get a Job as a Web Developer with No Experience?

Securing a job as a web developer with no prior experience can be challenging, but it is certainly possible. Here are a few steps to help you get started:

Learn the Fundamentals: Begin by gaining a solid understanding of programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Online tutorials, courses, and resources like Codecademy and Mozilla Developer Network can be valuable in building your skills.

Create a Portfolio: Even without professional experience, you can showcase your abilities by building a portfolio of personal projects. Create websites or web applications to demonstrate your skills and expertise to potential employers.

Contribute to Open Source Projects: Participating in open-source projects allows you to collaborate with experienced developers and gain practical experience. This involvement can enhance your portfolio and demonstrate your commitment to learning and growth.

Freelance Work or Internships: Consider taking up freelance projects or internships to gain hands-on experience. These opportunities can help you build a network, learn from professionals, and add real-world projects to your portfolio.

Networking: Attend industry events, join web developer communities, and connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Networking can provide you with valuable insights, mentorship, and job opportunities.

Continuous Learning: The field of web development is constantly evolving, so it's crucial to stay updated with the latest technologies and trends. Continuously improving your skills and learning new frameworks and tools will make you more marketable.

2. What Do Entry-Level Web Developers Do?

Entry-level web developers typically perform tasks related to the development and maintenance of websites and web applications. Some common responsibilities include:

Front-End Development: Entry-level developers may work on the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) aspects of websites. This involves creating web pages using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, ensuring they are visually appealing and functional.

Back-End Development: Entry-level developers might also work on the server-side of web development. This involves building databases, writing server-side code, and handling data processing and storage.

Bug Fixing and Testing: Identifying and resolving technical issues, bugs, and errors in websites or web applications is a crucial aspect of an entry-level developer's role. Additionally, they may perform testing to ensure the functionality and performance of web projects.

Collaboration and Communication: Entry-level web developers often collaborate with other team members, such as designers, project managers, and senior developers. Effective communication and teamwork are essential to ensure successful project completion.

3. What Is an Entry-Level Web Developer Called?

An entry-level web developer is often referred to as a "junior web developer" or a "web development intern." These terms signify that the individual is new to the field and is in the early stages of their career.

Securing a junior web developer job may vary depending on factors such as the job market, demand for developers, and your skillset. While the demand for web developers is generally high, competition can be fierce. However, with the right combination of skills, a solid portfolio, and a proactive job search strategy, it is possible to land a junior web developer position.

4. Is Web Development Good for Freshers?

Yes, web development can be an excellent field for freshers or newcomers to the job market. The industry offers numerous opportunities for learning, growth, and career advancement. With the increasing reliance on digital platforms and the need for websites and web applications across various industries, there is a consistent demand for skilled web developers.

Collaboration and communication: Entry-level web developers often collaborate with other team members, such as designers, project managers, and senior developers. Effective communication and teamwork are essential to ensure successful project completion.

5. What Is an Entry-Level Web Developer Called?

An entry-level web developer is often referred to as a "junior web developer" or a "web development intern." These terms signify that the individual is new to the field and is in the early stages of their career.

6. Is It Easy to Get a Junior Web Developer Job?

Securing a junior web developer job may vary depending on factors such as the job market, demand for developers, and your skillset. While the demand for web developers is generally high, competition can be fierce. However, with the right combination of skills, a solid portfolio, and a proactive job search strategy, it is possible to land a junior web developer position.

7. Is Web Development Good for Freshers?

Yes, with the increasing reliance on digital platforms and the need for websites, web development can be an excellent field for freshers or newcomers to the job market. The industry offers numerous opportunities for learning, growth, and career advancement.  

8. Will AI replace web developers?

While AI technologies continue to advance, complete replacement seems unlikely in the near future. AI can automate certain repetitive tasks, but human web developers bring creativity, problem-solving skills, and adaptability to the table. 

9. What is the minimum salary of a web developer?

The minimum salary of a web developer can vary based on factors like experience, location, and industry. In the United States, the minimum salary for a web developer typically ranges from $50,000 to $70,000 annually, but this figure can be higher depending on specific circumstances.