How to Become a Web Developer or a Mobile App Developer with a Career College

In Canada, there are around 1.3 million businesses. As co-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates famously said, “If your business is not on the internet, then your business will be out of business.” Every one of those Canadian businesses relies on websites, mobile apps, video, and interactive media, and they all need someone with the knowledge and training to understand, manage, and maintain these essential resources. 

You could be that person. 

What does it take to become a good web developer or mobile app developer? What skills make you stand out in a competitive tech job market? Which mobile and web developer training programs can pave the way to a successful career in IT? In this article, we’ll provide you with the insights you need to navigate the software development workforce with confidence and success.

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What Are the Benefits of Being a Mobile and Web Developer? 

Any tech-minded individual with a passion for innovation and solving problems will surely be interested in a career in mobile and web development. These roles can be anything from a web designer or computer programmer to a web technician or mobile app developer. Are the career benefits as exciting as the field itself? Let’s take a look… 

Mobile And Web Developers Are In Demand 

With businesses embracing digital transformation, the tech industry is actively seeking skilled professionals to keep up with the demand.  

Demand for individuals seeking various entry-level tech developer positions varies from province to province. For example, job prospects for a web developer are good in provinces like Manitoba and Alberta, while demand for skilled web designers is good not only in Manitoba but in Quebec and Nova Scotia, too. 

Wide Range Of Mobile And Web Development Career Opportunities 

In addition to developing websites and mobile apps, as a developer, you could also work as:  

• Web designer: Responsible for creating the visual and interactive elements of a website, depending on the purpose and identity of the brand 
• Data scientist: who collects, organizes, analyzes, integrates, and stores different types of data to serve business goals
• Programmer: An interactive media programmer or computer programmer uses their programming skills along with design knowledge to create engaging digital content like websites, games, or apps 
• Web technician: Responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing websites, as well as ensuring software security and resolving technical issues

The opportunities don’t stop at entry-level positions. With your dedication and experience, you may advance into more senior roles such as a software development team lead, or project manager, for example.

Highly Paid Salaries 

Let’s talk about numbers. Salaries for those in the mobile and web development field can vary based on education, experience, location, and industry. Considering all those factors, as well as the wide range of roles in this sector, a mobile and web professional can typically expect to earn around $80,000. 

These earnings have the potential to increase as your career develops and you gain valuable experience. 

Job Security 

The growing reliance on technology in the modern world positions those in the mobile and web development industry as in-demand professionals who are relied upon to help businesses navigate the new and developing tech frontier. 

This means that as long as they keep up to date with the latest developments in their growing industry, mobile and web developers can enjoy the peace of mind, work-life balance, and career planning benefits of consistent job security. 

Remote Working Opportunities  

Imagine coding while sipping your favorite coffee at a café or lounging in a deck chair by a hotel pool in Bali or the Caribbean – sounds appealing, doesn’t it? For many developers, this scenario is a reality, thanks to the flexibility of remote work and the ability of tech professionals to take their work with them wherever they go. 

What Do Web Developers Do? 

Curious about a web developer’s daily routine? Depending on their role within the web development team, a developer can spend most of their day, around 50%, on project work and coding. About 25% goes into meetings and talking with their team. The remaining 25% is for fixing bugs and handling urgent requests.  

The role of a web developer often falls into one of two categories. Some jobs focus on front-end development, and others on back-end development. While many professionals in this field are capable of managing both, here’s a breakdown of these two career paths: 

• Front-End (What You See): The part of the website the users interact with – buttons, images, videos, pop-up messages, etc. Front-end development focuses on making websites look good and work smoothly for users. 
• Back-End (What You Don’t See): The part of the website where handling user data, e-payments, and other online operations take place. Back-end development deals with databases, servers, and the logic that powers the website – things users don’t see. 

So, a web developer’s project work usually involves two key tasks: making things visually appealing for users (front-end) and ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes (back-end).  

What Does a Mobile App Developer Do? 

Mobile app developers are considered digital architects, crafting software for phones and tablets while bearing in mind the user experience and purpose of the application 

As well as the front-end and back-end parts of the development for iOS and Android platforms, mobile app development duties also include optimizing app performance, battery usage, network efficiency, and memory management. They also deal with device differences, working closely with designers to ensure the best user experience (UX).  

This means mobile app developers play a crucial role in making a mobile app not only usable but popular among users. 

What Skills Do You Need to Be a Web Developer? 

For a mobile and web developer, a certain skillset is needed to create and advance the online tools that shape the world we live in today: 

Core Web Programming Languages 

English, French, Spanish, and other languages allow humans to communicate with each other, and programming languages like HTML, CSS, C#, and JavaScript are similar in that they allow humans to communicate with computers on how to create, display, and process everything you see on websites. 

Mastering these basic coding skills for beginners allows you to bring your ideas to life by directing the computer to what you need it to do to complete the intended task. 

Front-End Web Development Skills 

To create a user-friendly website, on the front end, you need to be adept at basic programming languages for:  

• HTML5 – Building the Structure: HTML structures the content on a website, creating the basic layout like the framework of a house. 
• CSS3 – Adding Style and Colors: CSS adds colors, fonts, and layouts to make the website visually appealing.  
• JavaScript – Making It Move: JavaScript makes elements on the website move, interact, and respond to users’ actions.  

For front-end web developers, it’s also important to have responsive design skills to make websites look good on all devices, from desktops to smartphones. Cross-browser compatibility is no less an important skill for the front end: you need to make sure your creations work smoothly on all browsers (e.g. Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari) for a consistent user experience.

Back-End Web Development Skills 

Apart from proficiency in programming languages, to be good at back-end development, you need some important skills: 

• Cloud Computing: Understand Microsoft Azure, a cloud platform. Learn how to deploy, scale, and manage applications in the cloud. 
• Serverless Architecture: Explore Azure Functions, a cool way of building things efficiently without managing servers. 
• Database Management: Get good at handling databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB. It’s like organizing and managing a library to make sure you find books quickly. 
• API Development: Know about APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), the special codes that make different parts of an application talk to each other, creating robust and scalable backend systems. 
• Security Awareness: Learn the best ways to protect applications from common problems such as outdated components, viruses, cyberattacks, leaks of sensitive information, and so on.  
• Testing and Debugging: Become skilled at finding and fixing issues in your web applications.  

With these skills, you will become a back-end developer who can create efficient, secure, and scalable applications for everyone to use.  

Soft Skills Needed For A Web Developer 

Being a developer isn’t just about code. Effective communication, problem-solving, attention to detail, time management, team collaboration, and client-focused mindset – all these soft skills complement your technical expertise, making you not just a good coder but an effective and collaborative team player. 

After all, even the best code needs a team to bring it to life. 

What Skills Do You Need to Be a Mobile App Developer? 

Here are some essential skills for app developers, mastering which can lead them to successful employment: 

Proficiency In Mobile Programming Languages 

Just like web development, the mobile app development process requires mastery of programming languages from developers such as:  

• JavaScript: Widely used for Android app development 
• Kotlin: Gaining popularity as a replacement for JavaScript in Android app development 
• Swift: Commonly used for iOS app development 

Diverse language proficiency expands your skill set, allowing you to work across platforms and tools and positioning you as a sought-after IT professional for employers. 

Front-End Mobile Development Skills 

Crafting visually appealing and user-friendly apps requires proficiency in responsive design, such as developing ASP.NET MVC web applications, beyond proficiency in Kotlin, Java, and Swift. This skill ensures that apps adapt seamlessly to different devices, enhancing the overall user experience.   

Back-End Mobile Development Skills 

Mobile app developer skills for the backend include: 

• Mobile App Security Best Practices: You need to know how to keep a mobile app secure by focusing on encryption, authentication, and data protection  
• Database Management and Optimization: Efficiently managing and optimizing databases using tools like SQL or MongoDB is a must-skill for a backend mobile developer 
• Integration of APIs and Third-Party Libraries: Being well-versed includes adding ‘cool’ features to an app by including application programming interfaces (like social media logins, payment processing, and mapping services) and third-party libraries (extra tools for your app)  
• Cross-Platform Development Expertise: Web and mobile app development frameworks like jQuery Mobile and Node.js facilitate the creation of responsive apps across multiple platforms. Mastering these frameworks lets you create versatile and scalable websites and mobile apps – a skill highly sought-after by today’s employers  

Soft Skills For Mobile App Developers 

Just like a web developer, certain qualities beyond tech-savviness are essential for a mobile app developer too. Characteristics like effective communication, analytical thinking, teamwork, adaptability, and time management help mobile app developers work well with teams and different departments, ensuring that projects are successful, and clients are happy.  

A good practice for both a web or mobile app developer is continuous learning of new mobile and web development technologies, frameworks, and tools to stay innovative and highly performed.  

By combining technical expertise with soft skills, developers can stay competitive, create cutting-edge applications, and witness their mobile and web developer career growth in the digital technology field. 

Essential Steps to Become a Web and Mobile App Developer 

Ready to start your software development career? Here are the essential steps to become a web developer, mobile app developer, or any other kind of professional in this field that will chart your way to success: 

Choose The Right Mobile And Web Developer Diploma Program 

Choosing the right training program is like setting a strong foundation for a future career in web and mobile app development. Look for programs that offer a well-organized curriculum designed to meet employers’ requirements complemented by a supportive environment.   

A Mobile & Web Developer Diploma program is a great way to develop the skills, knowledge, and experience you need to succeed as a development professional in the tech industry. It is also often a more efficient and cost-effective option than undertaking a lengthy and expensive 4-year degree. 

Learn And Practice Mobile And Web Development Skills 

Theory is essential, but practical skills make you proficient. Look for programs that emphasize hands-on learning, ensuring you not only understand the web and mobile app development concepts but can apply them effectively. 

Gain Practical Work Experience 

Practicum experiences are like a sneak peek into the professional world. Seek a diploma program that offers practicum placement opportunities. This will help you meet the IT industry entry requirements, allowing you to smoothly secure your first developer role. 

Develop Your Portfolio With Software Development Projects 

Your portfolio is your digital showcase. Look for a program that assists you in developing an impressive developer portfolio and helps you to create a network of like-minded peers. Connecting with industry professionals during your learning journey can also add valuable entries to your portfolio. 

Start A Mobile And Web Developer Position That Suits Your Needs 

The goal is to land a fulfilling job in the IT field. Utilize career services or guidance offered by your training program to smoothly transition from a learner to a working professional in the digital world. 

How Sundance College Can Help You Get Your First Job as a Developer 

In just 60 weeks, you can earn a Mobile and Web Developer Diploma from Sundance College, setting you on the path to a rewarding IT career. Here’s a quick look at what our program offers and how you can benefit from it: 

• Comprehensive Curriculum: Covering Microsoft Azure, HTML5 application development, advanced iOS/Android development, and all the key areas covered in this article, our courses ensure you graduate with a versatile skill set, making you stand out in the job market. 
• Practical Work Experience: With an emphasis on hands-on learning as well as a 7-week practicum placement as a part of your program, you will be ready for real-world scenarios, not just theoretical knowledge. 
• Small Class Size: Our instructors know you on a first-name basis, providing a personalized learning environment that values your unique learning style. 
• Accelerated Programs: Completed in about a year, our programs offer an accelerated path to an in-demand career, saving you time and getting you into the mobile or web developer job market sooner. 
• Career Services and Employer-Matching: All programs include career services, job search assistance, and employer-matching, guiding you seamlessly from student to working professional. 

With convenient start dates, laptop program, and flexibility of online learning, Sundance College diploma programs can be your guide to a successful career in mobile and web development. 

Chart Your Course to a Rewarding Career in Mobile and Web Development 

Becoming a web or mobile app developer is a journey filled with exciting challenges and opportunities. Sundance College can be your trustworthy partner in this journey, offering the tools and guidance needed to transform your passion for coding and technology into a successful and rewarding career. Fill in our short form today and watch as your dreams become a reality.