If your friends come to you with their computer questions, web developer might be the right career for you! Check out everything you need to know about this entrepreneurial career.

What They Do: As a web developer, you design websites and keep them up to date. Not only do you need to have an eye for graphic design and be able to develop a continuation of the company’s brand online, but you also need to be able to problem solve and fix any bugs or coding issues that arise. Today every company needs an online presence, which means the skills of a web developer are in high demand.

If your long-term plan is to become an entrepreneur, learning to be a web developer will equip you with the skills and experience to create your own brand and online presence once you’re ready to break out on your own.

STEM Type: Designer
A designer is someone who envisions and plans products, solutions, and projects. As a web developer, you need to have a mind for the big picture as well as details as you problem solve and design the online space of your company. If you haven’t discovered your STEM type yet, take our free STEM Type Quiz.

Median Salary: $64,970

Education Required: You will need an associate degree in web design for most entry-level positions. Schools like Alexandria Technical & Community College, Central Virginia Community College, and Northwest Vista College have programs to get you started.

Companies Hiring: Amazon, IBM, and Verizon are some of the biggest, but really any company that has or wants a website needs a web developer.

Classes to Take Now: Take any graphic design, coding, or computer classes your school offers. If you don’t have that option, take classes online. As coding and computer skills are increasingly crucial skills to have, there are lots of online courses and advice available. Khan Academy offers lessons on coding, computer science, computer programming, and computer animation. For more resources, check out our advice on learning to code by yourself.

Role Models: Creative Bloq published an article highlighting the 13 names you should know in the web development world. For some STEM girl power, check out Karen McGrane and Sarah Parmenter. Karen has an impressive list of clients including The Atlantic, The New York Times, Fidelity, Disney, and more. Her website states, “On a good day, I make the web more awesome. On a bad day, I just make it suck less.” Check out her blog for all things web design and development. Sarah began her career as an entrepreneur while she was still a teenager and has a clientele list that includes Blackberry and the National Breast Cancer Foundation of America. Sarah also blogs, but her content includes lifestyle and beauty posts.

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If you love STEM but don’t want to be a web developer, check out our other career spotlights. From social media to fashion to architecture, there is a STEM job for everyone.