In my days of web application development (just umpteen short years ago), I was thrilled to have found a job that let me combine programming, design, and marketing strategy into one functional role. At the time, web sites, were what most businesses were concerned about, so those skills served well for that need. Those skills are certainly still in high demand, but with the increased capability of today’s web, an entire new workforce is emerging to support online business – and online business itself continues to evolve. Fast Company addressed this trend back in 2006 (boy, time flies!!) and the momentum continues…
Looking at about.com’s Top 10 Web designer Skills Sets, you’ll see (broadly speaking) mark-up, style sheets, scripting, Flash, database, design, and SEO. Looking at an older post over at eLance, you generally get the same list again. What’s interesting when I look at these lists and others, are the broad categorical differences that might be combined to demonstrate some pretty healthy ‘chops’ to a potential employer: 1) programming/scripting/database, 2) interactive media, 3) layout design and markup, followed by 4) marketing (to include content and copywriting) and 5) analytics. The tremendous opportunity for anyone interested in working ’in the web’ is to enter with any of these and hone other skills as needed or as interests evolve. The more you have, arguably, the more marketable you are.
Need some ideas to further differentiate or future proof your career? (Proceed with a grain of salt…)
- Think about beefing up in the social sciences – psychology, sociology, anthropology…apply to human interaction on the web.
- Consider additional training in statistics or business intelligence – how can you explore the vast data stores on the web to solve a problem / improve your business / get closer to customers?
- Train up on layout design, UI design, and/or color theory – the web is experiential, so think about how to strengthen your ability to create aesthetically.
- Think systemically and consider how to extend the web experience to other clients. Perhaps gain a specialization in mobile app or desktop “widget” development.
- go 3D. Consider taking interactive media skills into the third dimension. Also consider courses or training in animation. Those fundamentals can be applied to interesting interactive experiences.
- last for now – practice, practice, practice!!! Whatever your skillset, do it a lot and keep learning.
Not comprehensive, but some ideas to get you thinking…Feedback welcome! Cheers, B.