Career tips : Web Designer/Developer

 * Career job information for job seekers

Web designers/developers are responsible for the design, layout and coding of a website. They are involved with the technical and graphic aspects of a website, how the site works and how it looks. They can also be involved with the maintenance and updating of an existing site.  ( employment job )

Their role is a combination of computing expertise and creativity.

A business may rely on its site to sell products and services, to provide information or to get viewers to respond, so the job of the web designer/developer involves making the site as attractive, clear and easy to use as possible.

The web designer/developer:

• gathers the content elements including text, images, logos, video, sound and animation
• lays out the web pages, placing elements to fit the design that has been agreed
• tests the website interaction and identifies any technical problems
• tests the website performance on different search engines and platforms
• uploads the site onto a server and registers it with search engines.

A web designer/developer often works as part of a team, which may include a web writer/editor and an account manager. They may advise clients on ways of using the web to meet their business needs.

A web designer/developer normally works between 37 and 40 hours a week, 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Many designers/developers are self-employed and may work from home. Part-time and flexible hours may be available.

Salaries range from around £20,000 to £45,000 or more.

A web designer/developer should:

• have skills in website coding and graphics software packages
• have creativity and imagination
• be able to communicate their ideas clearly
• be able to work to tight deadlines
• be able to handle a number of tasks simultaneously
• be interested in the internet and the possibilities it offers businesses.

Web designers/developers are employed across all industry sectors from finance and retail to public organisations.

They can start their careers via a number of different routes. They may study graphic design, specialising in web development, or begin by studying for computing qualifications. Many have a degree or foundation degree but some employers will be more interested in a strong portfolio of work and experience.

The normal progression route for a web designer/developer is to become a senior or principal web designer/developer, perhaps leading a design team. They may be able to become self-employed. Opportunities also exist in lecturing and training.

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