Career as a frontend developer?
Frontend, a term from English, means freely translated, front end, while backend, on the other hand, means the superstructure. Everything that the user can see right away, such as presentations or applications, is the responsibility of the frontend developer, while the backend developer takes care of programming the websites. It is therefore obvious that the two usually work closely together. The frontend developer is responsible for the presentations, such as the creation and implementation of applications, while the backend developer programs. Good IT skills are a basic requirement in order to be able to work as a frontend developer. Although there are also some lateral entrants in this area who acquire their knowledge in further education or trainee programs, it is still advisable to complete a degree or an apprenticeship in order to deepen your basic computer knowledge. However, the knowledge that you acquire here is more of a theoretical nature, so you should definitely use your first job to acquire additional skills and deepen the theoretical know-how you have acquired.
It can be assumed that you will be able to develop the following basic knowledge during your studies or in a well-founded training course: digital image processing, visual graphics/designs, formats, image montage, etc. Content such as network technologies, including configuration and operation of web servers, 3D Modeling/animation and web development where the basics of the Internet, Java Script, HTML, responsive design or responsive web design, database connections with PHP and MySQL, planning and use of content management systems for complex websites are taught.
Some skills to have as a frontend developer are essential, while others are considered by employers as icing on the cake. CMS, HTML & CSS knowledge, good English skills, analytical skills, knowledge of image editing, for example, are considered basic requirements while Competences such as adaptability, conception and project planning and goal and result orientation are considered "nice to haves".
Tasks of a frontend developer
A frontend developer has a wide range of tasks. It creates websites for display in the Internet browser. He edits and simplifies layout and programming on the client side (end user's browser, end user). It is very important for a large company to have a well-established team consisting of frontend, backend developer and a web designer, whereas in smaller companies the frontend developer sometimes also does the web design. Of course, you also need some other professionals and online marketing. Since digitization is constantly changing these days, a frontend developer must always be up to date. Experience with CSS,HTML and JavaScript is essential, but you will also be responsible for implementing code, developing database designs and creating software architecture and designs. They also carry out the maintenance of software installations and requirement analyses.
Since more and more successful apps have been developed for smartphones in recent years, which have made programmers successful and wealthy, interest in the profession of web developer or frontend developer is also increasing. Due to the constant further development of technologies, the demands on the tasks and skills of a frontend developer are also increasing.
Earning Opportunities of a Frontend Developer
As a junior frontend developer, you get a starting salary of between 2,400 and 3,000 euros per month, although you have to assume a certain range of fluctuation for different companies and federal states.
With increasing experience, between 6 and 10 years, you can work your way up to Senior Frontend Developer. Here you can act more independently and have more responsibility in projects and also train younger employees. There are not many more opportunities for advancement in this area, as a senior frontend developer with a salary of 3,500-5,000 euros is a well-paid specialist.
What to consider when applying to be a frontend developer
If you are interested in the profession of frontend developer, you already have a significant advantage over many other jobs, good IT specialists are wanted everywhere, both in the technological and in the economic area. The cover letter should be formally correct and also properly formatted. Emphasize your personal skills with specific examples, but you can safely do without unnecessary phrases. Since companies place much more value on professional experience than on a great degree, don't forget to mention experiences gained from internships or self-developed websites. As a frontend developer, you should always work in a targeted and appealing manner, so pay special attention to these qualities in your application. So make it clear why exactly you are perfectly suited for this position and to whom exactly the application is addressed.
