Exploring Career Options in Web Development & Business

Now that you’ve taken the time to figure out your passions and strengths, it’s time to dive into exploring career options. Think of this as the fun part—like shopping for the perfect pair of shoes, except you’ll be walking in these career shoes for years, so make sure they fit well. The good news is that you’ve already laid the groundwork. You know what excites you and where your skills shine, so let’s match that with real career paths in the world of web development and business.

Step 1: Research Roles That Excite You

The first step in this career exploration is research. And no, we’re not talking about the boring kind of research where you fall asleep three minutes into reading an article. This is the type of research that feels more like window shopping for a future you. You’ll want to explore job roles, career paths, and industries that align with both your interests and skills. It’s not just about looking for jobs—it’s about discovering opportunities that you didn’t even know existed.

Start by thinking about job titles that have caught your attention before. Maybe you've heard of roles like "frontend developer" or "project manager" but didn’t know much about them. Or maybe you’re already familiar with Next.js and have considered becoming a Next.js developer. Whether it's development, design, or management, there are plenty of career paths within web development that can align with what you enjoy doing.

To get started, use websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, or niche job boards to explore different roles. For web developers specifically, sites like Stack Overflow’s job board or even GitHub’s job listings can be gold mines. These platforms give you a chance to look beyond the surface and discover job titles you might not have even heard of. For example, ever heard of a "DevOps Engineer"? How about a "Technical Project Manager"? These are just two examples of jobs that combine business with tech and might fit perfectly into the overlap of your strengths and passions.

Pro Tip: Don’t limit your search to roles you already know about. There are always new job titles popping up as technology and business evolve. You might find something that catches your eye—like a "Developer Advocate" or a "Product Owner"—that sparks your interest. Keep an open mind during this phase, and remember that your ideal role might not be something you’ve heard of yet.

Step 2: The Web Development Landscape

Let’s take a closer look at the world of web development. This field is vast and varied, and there’s no one-size-fits-all career path. In fact, web development is more like a buffet, offering a ton of different career options depending on what excites you and where your strengths lie. Whether you’re a master of the frontend or prefer getting your hands dirty with backend work, there’s something here for everyone.

Frontend Developer

Let’s start with frontend development. If you’re someone who loves creating visually appealing websites and enjoys making things look and feel good for the end-user, frontend development might be your jam. Frontend developers are responsible for everything users see and interact with on a website. They work with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build websites that look great and function smoothly.

If you love the idea of making things beautiful and functional, and if you enjoy learning about user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, this could be a solid path for you. Frontend devs are the artists of the web dev world—they create the face of the website that people engage with every day.

Backend Developer

On the flip side, if you prefer dealing with the behind-the-scenes logic and architecture of websites, then backend development might be more your style. Backend developers work with the server-side of things—managing databases, writing server-side logic, and making sure the website works as it should behind the curtain.

If you enjoy solving complex problems, figuring out how to store data, and making sure everything runs like a well-oiled machine, backend development could be your calling. The languages you’ll work with as a backend developer are different from frontend—think Python, Ruby, Node.js, and more.

Full-Stack Developer

Now, what if you can’t choose between frontend and backend? Enter the full-stack developer. These are the people who juggle both sides of the equation, like the circus performer who can ride a unicycle while juggling flaming torches. Full-stack developers work on both the client-side (frontend) and the server-side (backend), making them incredibly versatile.

Fun Fact: Being a full-stack developer is like being the Swiss army knife of web development. You can handle both ends of the spectrum, which makes you a valuable asset to any team. Plus, it’s a great option if you enjoy a bit of everything and don’t want to be limited to just one side of the web development world.

DevOps Engineer

If you like the idea of combining coding with systems administration, you might want to explore a career as a DevOps engineer. DevOps is all about streamlining the development and operations process—making sure software is deployed, updated, and maintained efficiently. It’s about automating processes, managing servers, and ensuring that everything runs smoothly in production.

DevOps engineers are the unsung heroes of the web development world. They make sure that the tools and infrastructure developers rely on are working correctly, allowing teams to deploy code faster and more reliably.

Step 3: Talk to People in the Field

Once you’ve explored the different roles and found a few that pique your interest, the next step is to talk to people who are already working in those positions. There’s no better way to get a feel for a career than by hearing about it directly from someone in the trenches.

You don’t have to overthink this step. It could be as simple as sending a message on LinkedIn to someone in a role you’re interested in or joining a Slack community for web developers and starting conversations there. You’d be surprised at how willing people are to share their experiences, especially if you approach them with genuine curiosity and respect for their time.

Remember that friend who got a job because they knew someone at the company? That’s the power of networking. Networking is like having a map in a maze—it helps you get to your destination faster. The more people you know in the industry, the more opportunities you’ll be exposed to. And if you’re serious about exploring your career options, talking to the right people could lead to invaluable insights (and even job offers).

How to Approach People

Here’s a tip for reaching out: don’t ask for a job right off the bat. Instead, approach the conversation from a place of genuine curiosity. Ask about their career path, what they enjoy about their job, what challenges they face, and any advice they might have for someone looking to break into the field. You’ll get a much more positive response if you’re not trying to squeeze a job offer out of them.

If you’re nervous about reaching out to strangers, start with people you know. Do you have any friends or colleagues who work in web development? Even if they’re not in your dream role, they might be able to introduce you to someone who is.

Step 4: Experiment with Different Paths

Just like trying on different pairs of shoes, you’ll want to experiment with various career options to see which one feels right. You don’t have to commit to a career path right away—this is all about exploring your options.

If you’re interested in web development, start by experimenting with different frameworks or technologies. Try building a few projects in Next.js if you're curious about full-stack development. Or if you think project management might be your thing, take the lead on a team project and see how you like organizing tasks and keeping everyone on track.

You can also look for internships, freelance gigs, or side projects that give you a taste of different career paths without locking you into anything long-term. This kind of experimentation will help you figure out not just what you’re good at, but what you enjoy doing day in and day out.

Pro Tip: You can also use this experimentation phase to figure out what you don’t want. Sometimes, finding your dream career is just as much about eliminating the options that don’t fit as it is about discovering the one that does.

Step 5: Embrace the Power of Networking

By now, you’ve probably heard a million times how important networking is. But seriously—it’s that important. Whether you’re exploring careers in web development or business, knowing the right people can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

Networking isn’t about schmoozing or collecting business cards. It’s about building genuine relationships with people who share your interests and goals. Whether it’s connecting with other developers on Twitter, joining a local tech meetup, or attending conferences, networking will expose you to opportunities that aren’t posted on job boards. Plus, the more people you meet, the more you’ll learn about different career paths and roles in the industry.

Have you ever heard of the saying, "It’s not what you know, it’s who you know"? That’s especially true when it comes to career exploration. Sometimes, the best opportunities aren’t listed on job boards—they’re passed along through personal connections. Networking gives you access to that hidden job market.

How to Start Networking

If the idea of networking makes you cringe, don’t worry—it’s not as scary as it sounds. Start small by attending local meetups or joining online communities where people share your interests. Platforms like GitHub, Twitter, or Reddit can be great places to start conversations with like-minded people. You can also look for Slack or Discord communities focused on web development or business.

When you do reach out to people, be genuine. Ask questions, offer to help where you can, and don’t be afraid to share your own experiences. Building real connections takes time, but it’s worth the effort.

Web dev careers are like pizzas—there are a ton of flavors. You just need to figure out which one’s your supreme. Whether you prefer frontend, backend, or full-stack, there’s a slice for everyone in this industry.

Homework: Narrow Down Your Options

Now that you’ve done your research and talked to a few people, it’s time to start narrowing down your career options. Make a list of the top three roles that excite you the most. Then, write down the skills and qualifications you’ll need for each role.

Once you have that list, start thinking about what steps you’ll need to take to make yourself a competitive candidate for those roles. This might mean learning a new framework, building a portfolio, or gaining experience through freelance work. The important thing is that you have a clear direction to move in.

Wrapping Up

Exploring career options in web development and business isn’t about choosing one path and sticking to it forever. It’s about experimenting, learning, and refining your goals as you go. By keeping an open mind and actively exploring new opportunities, you’ll be well on your way to finding a career that not only fits your strengths and passions but also brings you joy and fulfillment.

And remember—finding your dream career isn’t a race. It’s a journey. Take your time, and enjoy the process of discovering what excites you.