What Is The Best Way Career Path for Front End Dev?

Ljack0194 on 29/09/2023 - 13:24

So, I'm seriously considering enrolling in a Batchelor of IT with the end goal of working in Front end Dev. the only issue is I'm honestly not sure lol. I'm just sick of thinking about it. I did do a Diploma in IT a few years ago the only issue is I haven't done much since then. I'm currently brushing up on my HTML and CSS skills I still have to learn Javascript.

Is it possible to enrol into an OUA Bachelor of IT degree just to see how it goes without getting looked into the whole thing?

The other question I have is if my end goal is just to work in Frond end dev then would it be better to just get an entry level help desk job now and do related certs?

Education & Work

Comments

  • mskeggs on 29/09/2023 - 13:37
    +6

    If your goal is to get a job, formal education is a very slow and costly way to get hired.
    Better to have a portfolio of stuff you have done and start applying for jobs. If you are any good, you will get hired.
    If you aren't any good, having a cert is no help.

  • Benoffie on 29/09/2023 - 13:44
    +1

    Just my thoughts…

    Is a Ba in IT actually going to teach you anything re website design? How competitive will it be against a kid with an awesome portfolio? Have you been working on a portfolio? What range of platforms can you work with? Can you also do graphic design on some level? Can you manage socials? Have you any knowledge of GA, marketing, WCAG etc.

    Im just thinking as I was recently in a role where they were still using Ruby on Rails and while the back end IT guy was 'qualified' (maybe 30+ years ago), I suddenly ended up dealing with everything that went with managing the website/portal, not simply coding. No Ba in IT would give me the knowledge to deal with that tbh.

    Look at ads and perhaps make some calls and see what the actual expectations are before signing up for a HECS debt.

  • scotty on 29/09/2023 - 13:54
    +3

    As mskeggs has said, having a github portfolio of contributions to popular front end libraries would be much preferable if you are thinking of specific front end dev job, however a CS or IT degree would be useful to get you a first related job.

    Front end dev is relatively fast moving though, so not sure whether you want to make that a career. The "front end" for my first dev job is drawing forms with curses library on a 80x24 Wise terminal, and that was merely 25 years ago. These days popular Javascript libraries come and go, and who knows what would be the favourite of the day in 5 or 10 years.

    • jack0194 on 29/09/2023 - 14:17

      pretty much, the major reason I feel that doing the degree is a good idea is mainly to do with getting that first job. Whether I end up going down the path of Front end is still up in the air. at the moment it's really just an idea there are a few other IT-related career paths I wouldn't mind going down. At the moment I'm just trying to figure out how it would all pan out if I was to go down this path.

  • Hansi on 29/09/2023 - 14:51

    Did you already learn some Front End Dev skills in your Diploma?

    I assume you have already done some stuff in the space, which is why you made your specific choice of Front End Dev - do you have a portfolio?

    What is your current knowledge in HTML, CSS, Javascript?

    I would say brush up your skills and maybe work a little in the field before doing a Bachelor (costly, lengthy, academical). You can always do that later if you find you like it and want to get more into a managerial-type role.

    As previous posters illuded to - practical experience and skills are worth more than a piece of paper..

  • jack0194 on 29/09/2023 - 15:27

    We had to do HTML, CSS and Javascript (entry-level knowledge) Plus we had to learn Bootstrap which is basically a Front-end framework.

    • mskeggs on 29/09/2023 - 15:28

      Have you applied for any front end jobs based on these skills?

      • jack0194 on 29/09/2023 - 22:02

        Back when I was applying I was applying for more helpdesk jobs some of though jobs did have some coding requirements but they were not Front-dev jobs. The last time I looked a lot of the entry-level front-end jobs would have more specific requirements then towards the end it would say either Degree preferred or Required. But it's been a while since I checked so whether this has changed I'm not sure.

        • mskeggs on 29/09/2023 - 22:07

          Maybe you should try applying for the job you want, and get some feedback, instead of applying for slightly related roles?

          • jack0194 on 29/09/2023 - 22:31

            @mskeggs: I was kind of already doing this before. I would see really good jobs come up that I kind of knew that I wouldn't get but I would apply anyway just to see what would happen. So I do have a lot of feedback lol.

  • AustriaBargain on 29/09/2023 - 18:54
    -1

    Same advice for porn stars looking to boost their pay grade: learn back end too.

    • jack0194 on 29/09/2023 - 22:04

      lol. Well originally that was my plan but a lot of people said no so IDk I will just have to see how it pans out.

  • coffeeinmyveins on 30/09/2023 - 07:47

    Have you considered the impact of AI on this industry?

    Just a question

    • jack0194 on 30/09/2023 - 22:48

      Always consider this. This is the major reason I left my old job. As I said Frontend dev is only where things are at now, but IT is very broad so I can always change jobs if needed while still staying in the same industry.

  • brokenglish on 30/09/2023 - 09:51
    +2

    Waste of money. Diploma of IT is sufficient.
    Start creating your portfolio. NOW.

    Nowadays you must mention and at least have some experience with React.
    If you only mention HTML/CSS/JS in your CV, we know you don’t know 💩.
    Once you’ve done React, do Gatsby/Vue/Next/Angular. Node is also good to have.

    Do a job search using “react”, find the front end job listings, look at the common skills/experience needed and practice on them. Your portfolio must showcase at least one of each.

    University degree does not teach you these. YouTube does!

    Legit portfolio > Batchelor/Master

    • jack0194 on 30/09/2023 - 22:44

      Ok, I get your point, the only question I have though is. If I were to go down this path then is there any certs that I can do that I use to prove I have these skills? Are certs a thing with Web dev? Or do companies just rely on you to provide them with any projects and references you have?

      I will have to check seek and Indeed and see what comes up. Thanks for the advice.

      • brokenglish on 30/09/2023 - 23:37

        There is no such certs. Portfolio triumphs and is the proof.

      • heytherehoney on 25/10/2023 - 15:31

        Set up a GitHub so prospective employers can view your code.

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