As I’ve been scouring online job listings and it has become apparent to me that there are many opinions on what different job titles experience entails in the web development field. It isn’t entirely clear what employers are looking for in candidates and crisscross qualifications in different job categories. It has been said that when you look at a job listing, you should consider the qualifications a wish list of sorts because you are typically not going to find a candidate capable of everything listed. Quite simply, that person does not exist.
It would be helpful to everyone, employers, employees and clients alike, if there was an industry standard definition of each web development role. Furthermore it would have to be some sort of requirement that job listings adopt that standard.
In any case, I would like to take a moment and give you my perspective of a much more specific outline of what you should expect out of resources in Web Development. First of all lets break down the different areas of Web Development. I’ll include some IT roles as some may try and bunch that into Web Development or vice versa.
Web Developer\Web Application Developer\Web Programmer
A Web Developer is a person who has experience in many areas web design. Most commonly this person would be working with languages specific to the web, like PHP, ASP, Ruby, Python, etc. Intermediate skills in database/server work, intermediate skills in JavaScript, light skill in HTML. This is very different from a Front End Developer as there is little working with the design and heavier on programming concepts and concerns, like security and structure. Other titles that might be lumped with the Web Developer role would be; Web Application Developer and Web Programmer. I feel the need to further sub define these titles as I’ve seen some variances in this type of work.Web Application Developer
A Web Application Developer would be similar to the description above in that this person would have skills specific to programming, but also have a sound front end and design background. This would be a more specialized role in developing web specific applications that include data acquisition and reporting in some format that is useful for the application architecture.
Web Programmer
A Web Programmer would be a person who specializes in programming more closely on the back end with languages like PHP, ASP, Ruby, Python, etc., but also have sound experience with front end object oriented programming languages such as JavaScript, JQuery, AngularJS, etc.
Web Designer
If “Designer” is in the job title, the core work is done around designing. Literally deciding and implementing how websites look and work. “Web” is in the title because the job is specifically focused on the web. Specific skills would be using design languages such as HTML, CSS, and light JavaScript.Front End Developer
This titles primary focus is on HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and light backend work. Design is not expected of this role as it is strictly limited to the proper layout and processing of an already designed system. Other titles that might be lumped into this are Front End Engineer, JavaScript Developer, or JavaScript Engineer. Ultimately it all comes back to the simpler definition of Front End Developer.UI Designer
This title is more about designing and less about implementing. Skills would be light HTML and CSS that would allow for simple mock ups. Another title that might be paired with this is Visual Designer.UX Designer
This title is specific to researching how people use a designed system. This person would be analyzing user interaction, suggesting and/or implementing UI techniques to improve overall user experience.Full Stack Developer
This title entails a combination of front and back end work. This person would be expected to be able to crossover into many web development roles. Typically, this would be an experience person who has covered many bases.SEO Specialists
This title can be it’s own industry as it has a large focus on analyzing metrics related to popularity and search engine optimization as in the title.Web Consultant
A Web Consultant is the go to resource for pooling together all the information necessary to put together a website. What’s different about this title from the others is that a Web Consultant has extensive experience and knowledge testing all the different technologies available to help determine the best business approach towards your project.Information Technology alone is its own industry, but here are some titles from the IT spectrum that can sometimes be bunched into the Web Development realm
Graphic Designer
A Graphic Designer has knowledge of design as it is related to art and practical methods of making visually appealing digital media, but not specifically related to Web Development.Software Engineer/Programmer
A Software Engineer/Programmer is someone who has sound knowledge of object oriented programming, generally not directly relating to Web Development.IT Technician
An IT Technician is someone who works with actual computers, tech equipment, hardware, and/or various software.So, who am I?
I’m a Web Consultant. I have a good coverage of knowledge and skills in many of the above job descriptions. I have the knowledge and know the tools and resources required to get the job done fast, while providing quality results.
Summary
As you can see, there is a need for clarity in defining specific job titles and the expectation of the duties performed by each. I’d be really interested to get some feedback from professionals in the field on my take in this post. Thanks for reading!