Expert advice for readers' career problems
I have worked on the IT service desk for just over two years
and want to pursue a career in web development. I am near to
finishing a course to become a web designer. How can I get into web
design?
The solution: Build a portfolio of website
work
Just to clarify, web design and web development are quite
different roles within an IT department.
Your experience suggests that you have a more technical approach
and would be more interested in the development of the applications
driving websites rather than the graphical design of web pages.
In this case, the MCad (Microsoft certified application
developer) is the better qualification - it is fairly high level
and you may require training in-house before enrolling on this
course.
The MCad course will teach you the skills to develop, deploy and
maintain Microsoft applications for Windows and the web.
Because of the demand for web developers, you should talk to
your employer about experience you could get internally. It may be
a case of offering your services for free until you have proven
your interest and capability in website development. This
internship will allow you to build a portfolio while doing your job
so that you have something to show to help you secure the role you
are aiming for.
If it is web design and the creative aspects of websites you are
interested in, you need to offer to help out on smaller projects to
develop a portfolio of work that will win you a paid position.
Solution by Robert Chapman, chief executive at The Training
Camp
The panel:
Computer People,Hudson,No Limits
Coaching,The Training
Camp,Wreay Group
Need advice on your IT career? E-mail your questions to:
computer.weekly@rbi.co.uk
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