4 Steps to earn your Diploma of Website Development Online

Web development has blossomed in the last half-decade, meeting a surge in demand alongside the growth of mobile web browsing and faster internet speeds. Such advancements have led to significant boosts in web traffic, prompting both businesses and professionals to bolster their online presence – many turning to reputable web design services to do so.

As such, the website development field has attracted many creative minds in tech, with Australia’s talents expanding from 49,800 in 2014 to 55,700 in 2019 – and a projected 13.6% further growth in the next five years (according to SEEK statistics).

If you’re looking to the enter the thriving world of website development, completing an online Diploma of Website Development is an often valuable place to start. We outline four key steps to successfully earning this qualification below, and how Lumify Learn can help.

Step 1: Determine how well-suited your current skills/interests are

The role of a website developer is to analyse the current needs, objectives, and design constraints of a client’s desired webpage and implement the required design concepts, functions, and aesthetics to achieve their vision. Professionals in the field are therefore expected to be skilled in customer service; knowledgeable of the latest web design and internet trends; and experienced in technical design or the fine arts.

Those who best succeed in the industry are thus well-equipped with (original) creative ideas, critical thinking skills, excellent communication abilities, and enjoy collaboration and working with others. They must also be dedicated lifelong learners in order to stay up-to-date with the newest tools, techniques, and audience demands.

At the very least, one must have an interest in these key skill areas to successfully earn a Diploma of Website Development. If your skills haven’t quite yet reached the level expected in a diploma qualification, pursuing certificate or short courses may help in arming you with the basics. They may also give you a feel for the field and the activities to expect.

While a web development diploma courses brushes upon foundational concepts of webpage creation, building user interfaces, and designing databases, among others – a base familiarity with CSS, HTML, and current web technology trends may help you better succeed in the course.

Step 2: Determine your goals for completing the course

Your next step would be outlining your objectives for completing the course – and where to take your qualification after completion.

While the title of “web developer” may be the most obvious career pathway, the skills gained from diploma course lend themselves to other, related roles in web design and development. These include jobs in games development, multimedia programming, application development – or even as a project manager in the field.

Some may even choose to pursue a significantly different field altogether – one without a direct focus on web or web-based development, but where their skills may still prove valuable for success. Such roles include an IT sales professional, a technical author, and a systems analyst.

Additionally, one can also choose to pursue another qualification that compliments their diploma and the skills acquired. With cyber security growing into a more prominent industry than ever (with a potential value of $4.7 billion come 2026), skills in the field can grant you the competitive edge required in the job market.

Plenty of online qualifications are also available in cyber security – such as Lumify Learn’s Certified Cyber Security Professional course, where students equip themselves with the fundamentals of network security, disaster recovery, penetration testing, and plenty other critical concepts (all under certifications provided by the world-renowned CompTIA).

Step 3: Ensure you have the right equipment for online learning

Next, it’s important to ensure the proper setup and equipment for a successful online learning experience.

Starting with the basics – you’ll need a reliable computer with access to a high-speed internet connection. These are non-negotiable, as all assignments, study materials, and other essential resources in your diploma course will be accessed, shared, and collaborated on through an online learning portal. All lectures, workshops and discussions will take place online – plenty of which require video conferencing, in which a sturdy, reliable internet connection is necessary.

Secondly, it’s important to have the right software to complete your assignments. At the very least, online students will need basic Microsoft Office apps (though open source alternatives are also available, such as those provided by Open Office). However, a Diploma of Website Development will likely need a reliable program for your CSS, HTML, and database creation activities. Some of the best tools currently available include Notepad++ and Ruby on Rails, though your instructor may offer their recommendations based on the needs of the course.

Finally, having a dedicated study space is crucial. Be sure to attend your classes in a room that is well-lit, comfortable, and most of all – quiet and free of distractions. Having the appropriate environment for your course activities is essential for getting you into the right mindset and workflow.

Step 4: Set aside appropriate time each week for study… but don’t forget to network!

Lastly, once you’ve started on your diploma course, it’s important to establish a sustainable study schedule. Set aside the required number of hours per week to focus on assignments, at a time that best suits your productivity. The benefit of online courses is being able to study when and where it fits you best – so use this to your advantage.

Always plan ahead; if a particular week’s set to be a busy one at work (or with family), it can help to schedule extra study and coursework in advance, allowing more breathing room for that time period. Having a updated calendar (whether a physical one or through an app) can also help in keeping up with urgent deadlines and other important dates.

Additionally, creating to-do lists for each study day can serve as effective reminders for what needs to get done, and helps keep your priorities and time management in check.

Of course, amidst all your study activities, it’s also important to network when you can. Though it may be a tad more challenging through an online platform – make the effort of getting to know others in your course (whether through messaging tools, forums, or social media groups), as can help you expand your professional network and business connections. Fostering such relationships will prove valuable beyond the course as you begin venturing into the industry itself.

Ready to earn your Diploma of Website Development?

Those looking to join this growing industry get their start with Lumify Learn’s online Diploma of Website Development. Covering all fundamentals of the field – from database basics to complex CSS Development – students can equip themselves with the much-needed essentials for a thriving career.

Best of all – it’s delivered completely online, helping you tailor your training around personal needs and schedule.

Let us help you get started in the web development field, and enquire with us on a course today.