The new year is here and we’re sure you’re as eager as we are to start crossing off your New Year’s resolutions. And while you probably have some great personal goals like going to the gym more or spending time with family, have you considered making a few professional goals as well? Even if you’re happy with your current role or professional development, it can’t hurt to set some goals to help advance your career.
Web Development in 2024
Web development is still one of the most in-demand career options out there and companies are in need of skilled web development professionals. Here’s what to expect from web development in 2024:
Java is popular again and JavaScript is the most in-demand language.
Data science is a sought-after skill.
Coding tests are becoming more common in the interview process.
Remote work is now a reality for most web developers.
New Year’s Resolutions for Web Developers
Even if you can’t meet all ten of these resolutions, choose a few that work for you and make sure you put in a real effort this year. After all, they will help your web development career take off!
Revamp your CV
It’s always great to have an up-to-date resume on hand in case a new opportunity comes your way. Do you know how to organize your resume so it’s as impressive as possible? Here are some tips:
Prioritize your relevant experience: if you’re applying for a role that requests Java knowledge, make sure you put that on the top of your resume.
Ensure your CV is easy to read and understand: clearly list the role, your employer, dates of employment, and responsibilities.
List your skills at the top of your resume: list your skills and competencies at the top of your in bullet points so it catches the recruiter’s eye.
Be easy to reach: the very top of your resume should have your full name, contact information, and address (optional).
Keep it simple: there’s no need to include a headshot or colorful bullet points; keep the paper black and white with only information relevant to your professional experience.
Complete your reading list
Your education as a web developer isn’t limited to just coding and practical skills; certain books can help hone your soft skills, help you plan out your professional trajectory, and explore the future of web development.
Complete a project from start to finish
It can be tempting to just do one part of a project, but trying to complete the entire project and seeing it through from the beginning could help you expand your skills and better understand the process. It could also introduce you to a part of the process that you really like–what are you waiting for?!
Learn new frameworks
Improving your skills will help you not only be a better developer, but also be better suited for new and more advanced roles. Check out these three frameworks to learn in 2024:
Spring: this open-source application framework for Java apps is easy to test, flexible, lightweight, and is the most popular Java Framework worldwide.
Django: this high-level python framework boasts speed, free tools, backward compatibility, and has more than 28,000 stars on GitHub.
Express: this node.js web application framework is easy to learn, boasts fast app development, and is used for backend development by Paypal, Walmart, and IBM.
Check out new webdev products
Web development is constantly evolving in a wide range of sectors and it’s essential to stay up-to-date with them to not only hone your skills but be prepared for new challenges. A quick internet search of Google reviews and professional opinions can help you understand the current market.
Join tech communities
Tech communities like GitHub and Product Hunt are great ways to chat with other developers, ask for technical help, provide assistance to fellow developers, and explore the world of web dev.
Prepare for tech interviews
You never know when your next big opportunity will come around the corner and you don’t want to find yourself unprepared. Practice for some tech interviews throughout the year and stay on top of what you need to know.
Get organized
Is your desk space getting a little cramped or is storage on your computer low? Or is your calendar filled with unnecessary meetings? The new year is a great time to get organized, clear up your clutter, and set achievable goals. Make a list of what you absolutely need to accomplish, prioritizing those tasks above all else.
Improve your time management skills
We all know how hard it can be to juggle work, personal life, and maybe even studying. That’s why it’s crucial to hone your time management skills and set boundaries between your work and personal life. Even though it may seem like your boss wants you to work constantly, your performance will actually improve with strict boundaries and scheduled breaks/time off.
Learn a new skill
Your education journey is never truly over, especially as a web developer. And as web development becomes more and more popular, making yourself a truly unique candidate will help you land that role. Learning to write blog posts as a tech professional or creating physical designs instead of just computer ones (think business cards or posters!) will expand not only your knowledge, but the range of roles available to you.
2024 is here and this is your chance to further develop your skills, make yourself a more attractive candidate, and reach new heights. And at Ironhack, we’re here to help you meet your goals. Are you ready?
