Front-End Software Developer

Question

I've learned that after two years from getting my BSCS degree and working for a huge corporation as a programmer that I'm most interested in front-end web development. I enjoy creating the front-end portions of applications that include technologies such as JavaScript, Ajax, flex/flash css, xhtml, etc. There are not many opportunities for this type of work at my current position, so I have decided to change jobs that will allow me to have more time for career development. This new job is still as a programmer( some web dev ), but I will have so much more time than where I currently work.

So, I wanted to hit up the SO community to see what would be the best options or a combination of them that will help me to get into front-end software development.

Options:
1) Build a awesome portfolio
2) Take graphic design classes
3) get a graphic design degree( 44 hours away, about 12 classes )
4) get a masters in CS
5) get a software engineering certificate( you need 2 years working exp. to be accepted for this program which I have now ). This is one I'm about 12 hours away from so 4 classes.
6) get a cognitive science certificate( would be interesting and related to human computer interaction which I'm also interested in) about 18 hours

Right now I'm leaning towards 1, 2 and ( 5 or 6 ).

Thanks to all that respond

Answer 1

It's not something you can put on your resume, but I suggest you read www.useit.com

This is Jakob Nielsen's personal site on website usability. Many of the principles translate to software design. Also read "The Non-Designers Design Book".

I know this doesn't specifically answer your question but I think these two things are quick wins and should be done irrespective of your decision.

Answer 2

You forgot option 7: Send out resumes to get a new job. If you already know the languages you want to be working with, you should be able to pass the interview, which is the key.

Really, all of those options are a good idea, so do whatever is possible.

Answer 3

I'd choose option 2, for it is the shortest path to option 1

With two years programming experience, you need to focus on your creative visual skills. Maybe studying graphic design will help with building that portfolio. Also, try to use your programming skills in your homework so that you don't get rusty.

Answer 4

I'm not sure what the "certificates" that you speak of are; what institution grants them? Are they some sort of common thing in your area?

In any event, it sounds like you'll be best served by working the graphic design end, but with a focus on AJAX and client-side scripting. You may be well served to look into graphic design firms in your area, and see if they have any openings for software developers; it's likely that they will, particularly with your experience, and you can use the experience to gain more skills with graphic design and gain some connections in the industry. In general, work experience and connections gained that way are more valuable than certifications (of course, your mileage may vary).

Answer 5

I don't exactly see why you would want to take a graphic degree if it's the front-end tech stuff that you want to work on. Unless you think it's something that could get you into that position.

I guess it depends. If it's a big company that you're working for, then they tend to take the safe way when hiring people - and that's essentially to hire the person with the best education or working experience. If it's a smaller company then what you can actually produce tends to be more important.

And while your at it, why not build the portfolio. It might take a week or two or something like that, but atleast you're taking it into account.

I would also advice you to keep your backend options open. The day might come when you actually grow more interested in all the things that happen behind the scenes - well, atleast that's what happened to me. Go for what you want but don't burn any bridges behind you unless you have to.

Answer 6

Do what people do in art school or architecture school. Build things and have knowledgeable people critique them.

Answer 7

One thing I've learned over the years: degrees don't necessarily matter... experience matters. and you don't get REAL experience from school... the degrees/certificates are just keys to open doors into places you might think you need to be in.

I'd immediately forget about #3-#6... if you are weak on graphics design, then maybe take some classes... but you don't need a degree. What you need to do is think of something interesting you want to build, and build it. spend every night working on it... and weekends... and it won't feel like "work" because you will love it, right?? don't make it too easy... challenge yourself. while building it, keep a blog, and invite friends to review. You will learn SO much more doing it that way.

Then build a portfolio, using lots of the interesting "front-end" techniques you've learned.

then start doing lots of side jobs... that will force you to keep practicing your skills, and building on them.

if you're working at a huge corporation, then chances are slim that you're going to get alot of interesting/different experiences... or your chances of getting to do exactly what you want are also probably slim. There are thousands of small businesses out there that need your help, and although they don't have super deep pockets, they have lots and lots of different needs, which translates into lots and lots of experience for you...

and once you get that experience under your belt, you will be 10x more valuable than a guy that just has degrees under his belt.

Answer 8

I don't think either of the certificates will help you, because nobody knows about them or what they entail. I don't think the graphics stuff helps you as that is more UX's responsibility at most companies...I would go with building the portfolio and just start sending out resumes. If you knw your stuff you should be able to get more appropriate job, then you can ask that employer what would help them more.

Answer 9

Think: what makes you different from others so you stand out?

There are plenty of folks with graphic design qualifications out there that try to program, and a large proportion of those don't really do it terribly well. What you have sounds like that great combination of good development skill with awareness of the needs for graphic design and user interaction.

By all means get the "tickets" for graphic design if you think they will get you past the gatekeepers for jobs at large organisations. But, bear in mind that a hiring manager in such a position will most likely want a developer with good, recent skills and should grill you mercilessly at interview on development, not design.

For example: in my current place of work we have roughly 30 front-end developers and five graphic designers. Most of the front-end developers have good UX ability but have their experience as developers.

Answer 10

May I make the suggestion of seeing if you can build a network that may help you move to where you want to be? By that I mean see if there are local associations or groups that are where web developers meet or discuss things, possibly on sites like LinkedIn or in person would be better. This is likely better than getting credentials that may or may not open the doors you really want.