With the increasing number of smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices being used across the globe, there is a growing demand for information systems professionals who can create responsive web and mobile applications.
If you’re interested in computers, mobile devices, and apps, then you may want to consider a career in website and mobile app development. Wondering how to become an app developer and what you can do with a formal degree in the field? Read on to learn more and determine whether this may be a viable career path for you.
Understanding Web and Mobile App Development
Web and mobile app development involves the design and creation of web applications and mobile applications that run on various web browsers or operating systems (such as iOS and Android OS). Developers work closely with clients to understand their vision for a particular app, then put their own coding, user experience, and other skills to use to create functioning applications.
Different Types of App Development
Within the realm of web and mobile app development, there are three key types to be aware of:
- Native app development – This refers to apps that are developed specifically for a particular platform, such as iOS or Android OS.
- Hybrid app development – Hybrid applications combine elements of native and web apps, allowing them to be installed and used across a wide range of platforms for maximum functionality.
- Web app development – This refers to apps that run exclusively on web browsers. Some apps may be designed to run only on a certain browser (like Google Chrome or Safari), whereas others may be functional across numerous browsers.
8 Careers for Web and App Development Graduates
So, what exactly does a website and app developers career path look like, and how much do app developers make? Ultimately, salaries for different types of app developers can vary greatly depending on the exact role, location of the job, level of experience required, and other factors.
You can explore common career paths for web and app development graduates below, along with some potential career advancement opportunities for each.
1. Web Developer
Web developers are responsible for creating and maintaining websites for their clients, which typically revolves around ensuring the site’s functionality and overall performance. Web developers may work for larger development firms, handling projects for many clients at once. In some cases, web developers work as freelancers, taking on independent clients as they see fit.
Regardless, web developers should be proficient in coding languages (such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) as well as the concepts of responsive design, web performance, and optimization.
There are countless opportunities for advancement as a web developer, with potential roles ranging from junior and senior web developer to front-end and back-end developer.
2. Mobile App Developer
If you enjoy working with apps designed for use on smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices, a career as a mobile app developer could be right for you. In this line of work, you’ll handle front- and back-end development tasks, designing and coding apps to meet your client’s specific needs.
Mobile app developers need to have a solid grasp of common mobile platforms, including iOS and Android OS. They also need to know programming languages such as Swift, Java, and Kotlin while understanding the nuances of UI/UX design and API integration.
As a mobile app developer, you can pursue roles including senior app developer and mobile app development manager.
3. Full-Stack Developer
Full-stack developers are responsible for tackling both front-end and back-end development tasks, helping create mobile and web apps that are intuitive and user-friendly.
Full-stack developers should possess a variety of skills, including proficiency in multiple programming languages and databases as well as comprehensive server management. They must also be able to work alongside design teams and other professionals as needed.
Many full-stack developers go on to work as full-stack engineers, lead full-stack developers, and even technical architects.
4. UI/UX Developer
User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) developers are specifically focused on creating user-friendly interfaces while optimizing the user experience as much as possible. These professionals are experts in prototyping and wireframing—and they’re not afraid to perform exhaustive user research on their apps before release. Ideally, UI/UX developers also know how to use popular design tools like Sketch and Adobe XD.
Common career advancement opportunities for UI/UX developers include roles as senior UI/UX designers and UX researchers.
5. Front-End Developer
A front-end developer is an app developer focused on developing the visual and interactive aspects with which the end user comes into contact. These professionals need to have an extensive knowledge of common programming and coding languages (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) as well as frameworks like React and Angular.
Front-end developers can enjoy plenty of advancement opportunities, with possible positions ranging from front-end engineer and lead front-end developer to user interface engineer and more.
6. Back-End Developer
On the flip side of the front-end development team is the back-end developer, whose job is to manage the server-side logic and database interactions of a website or app. These developers are more focused on the inner workings of a site or app rather than its design or interface.
Back-end developers should have strong knowledge of servers and databases as well as proficiency in API management and popular programming languages (such as Python, PHP, and Ruby).
Successful back-end developers might go on to be promoted as back-end engineers, database administrators, and system architects.
7. DevOps Engineer
DevOps engineers are development professionals responsible for streamlining the app development process by managing different components of its infrastructure and ensuring smooth deployment when the time comes. They need to have an intricate understanding of numerous automation tools and cloud services, plus the ability to carry out continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) practices.
DevOps engineers have lucrative opportunities for career advancement that may include roles as DevOps specialists, senior DevOps engineers, and DevOps managers.
8. Freelance Developer
Finally, it is not uncommon for web and mobile app developers to work as freelancers. These professionals work independently on various web and app development projects, allowing them to take on the assignments that most interest them while more-or-less deciding their own schedules and workloads.
Freelance app developers should be highly versatile in different programming languages and possess strong project management and time management skills. Additionally, they must be effective communicators, especially when working with clients.
Freelance app developers can also explore careers as freelance web developers and web development consultants, depending on where their unique interests lie.
Skills and Competencies for Success in the Field
The specific skills needed to succeed as an app developer will ultimately depend on the exact job as well as your long-term professional goals and aspirations. Still, there are certain basic technical skills, soft skills, and design skills that most app developers need in order to find success throughout their careers.
Technical Skills
Technical skills (also known as hard skills) are those that are highly specific to the field itself. Within the realm of app development, some of the most important technical skills include:
- Proficiency in common programming languages (including Swift, Python, Java, and JavaScript)
- Knowledge of back-end and front-end development
- Understanding of mobile app development principles
- In-depth knowledge of web technologies and common development tools (such as Ionic, Flutter, AppCode, and others)
Soft Skills
Soft skills (or core competencies) are more general skills that are not necessarily specific to the app development field—but are still useful in performing your job well. Some essential soft skills to hone as a mobile or web app developer include:
- Verbal and written communication
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Public speaking or presenting
- Time management and scheduling
Design Skills
In addition to these technical and soft skills, app developers must have a basic understanding of design when it comes to creating web and mobile apps for clients and their end users. Specifically, this should include knowledge of user interface along with the ability to optimize the user experience and create responsive apps that will work across a vast range of devices and platforms.
Start Your Information Systems Career at Baker
When it comes to careers in information systems, web and mobile application development is among the fastest-growing paths—especially as more people adopt the use of mobile devices that rely on user-friendly applications to function.
Are you intrigued by any of the above career paths? Kickstart your professional goals with a bachelor’s degree in web and mobile application development through Baker College. This Bachelor of Science in Information Systems track consists of 120 credit hours, is offered exclusively online for your convenience, and is designed to be completed in about four years. Focusing on today’s most relevant web and mobile application trends, this program provides students with the foundational knowledge, technical skills, and design skills needed to tackle the challenges of this rapidly expanding field. Learn more about Baker College’s bachelor’s degree in web and mobile development by requesting information, or get started by completing your online application today.