Amy wrote an article a while back, in which she talked about her job as a front-end developer. I also work in the Web, but as a mostly back-end programmer my job is a bit different. Sure, some of our skills overlap, and there’s enough similarity so that we can talk shop around dinner, but for the most part we do different things.
That gave me an idea for a blog post, as a kind of professional development for wannabe websmiths. The internet is now so huge, that just working in the “web” is too broad a definition. At some point, you’ll want to specialize.
Below is a list that I think represents a breakdown of the Web in 2010. These are people I run into on a day-to-day basis. If you are not directly in one of these positions, then maybe you manage one of them. Although they all share foundational HTML/CSS knowledge, each of them use unique tools, and require different skills. It would be difficult for a full-time Database Administrator to answer a detailed question about a library that Front-End developers use frequently, or for a Front-End Developer to find time to attend daily meetings with clients, generate project reports, and assign tasks.
Here is the list (with description and salary info) of the jobs I see most often:
- Front-End Developer
- Web Producer
- Webmaster
- Database Administrator
- Graphic Designer
- Web Programmer
- IT Consultant
- Network Administrator
- Server Administrator
- Social Media Consultant
- UI Designer/Information Architect
- Photographer
- Web Content Writer
- Search Engine Marketer
- Computer Systems Repair
(Note: Front-End Developers are often worded as “Web Designers” even though their skillset may include advanced Javascripting, Actionscripting, XSL, and more.)
The web is now a great place to work! As long as you are not averse to computing, or learning new skills, there is a place for just about every personality type.
