Guest Author - Sandra Eggers

Lori is a successful web developer who has several years experience in IT, and has advanced her career to that of Project Lead/Web Developer. In the interview below, you will find out what it's like to be a web developer, including the sacrifices and rewards, and what it takes to get into the field.

In reading Lori's responses, pay particular attention to her experience, not only the job skills but also her personal qualities. Having solid "soft skills", such as being a self-starter and team player, are very important in today's job market, and are what differentiate her from other web developers. Lori is hardworking, motivated by challenge and eager to learn new technology.

Does this sound like you? If so, web development may be the career for you. Lori's technical experience is typical of what is required by most employers.

So, on with the interview.

Bella Computer and Internet Careers Host: What is your job title?
Lori L.: Project Lead/Web Developer

Bella: Describe your job duties
Lori: Design and program web-based Intranet applications using ASP, ADO, VBScript, JavaScript, HTML, Transact SQL, MS SQL Server 7 and ORACLE on Windows NT. Lead a team of two others in the design and development of upgrades to a Project Tracking and Human Resource Information System. Interface with users to gather requirements; design web-based Graphical User Interfaces; upgrade database schema; program dynamic web-based applications using ASP, ADO, JavaScript, VBScript, HTML and MS SQL Server; program stored procedures using Transact SQL; carry out the full system testing model; and implement applications into production.

Bella: Number of years doing this kind of job?
Lori: 10 years

Bella: What kind of experience did you need to get this job?
Lori:
1. Technical Experience -
General: Operating systems, Programming languages, Databases, User Interface Builders, CASE Tools, Applications or Products.
Specific: Windows NT, Windows 2000, HTML, ASP, VBScript, JavaScript, Transact SQL, MS SQL Server, ORACLE, ADO, ERWin
2. Job Skills - Design, Programming, Debugging, Documentation, Testing and Integration, Presentations, Customer Interface, Project Management, Training.
3. Personal Qualities - Hardworking, Self-starter, Fast learner, Able to handle complex problems, Trustworthy, Team player, Reliable.

Bella: What education and training do you have?
Lori:
Education: B.S. in CIS
Training: 4th GL Programming, Systems Analysis, Systems Design, Relational Database Design, E-Commerce, JavaScript, Java, HTML, MS-SQL Server Administration

Bella: What is a typical day like?
Lori: It has high and low time. It could be hectic and stressful if the project deadline is around the corner. Sometimes I act like a firefighter to have a quick fix on one problem and then quickly move on to next problems.

Bella: How many hours do you work in a week?
Lori: 50 - 80 hours/week. It depends on the week how closes to the deadline.  Working hours will be increased when deadline gets closer.

Bella: Why do you like your job?
Lori:
1. This is a very challenging job. Sometimes my job requires to provide a quick solutions within a limited time frame. Sometimes I need to act as an investigator to find out what the causes of the problems. Most of the time I need to work on multiple tasks
2. Keep me learning of all the new and latest technology.
3. Working hours are flexible. Actually I am telecommuting from home.
4. Compensation from the job compared to the other industries is much better.

Bella: What are the benefits of your job?
Lori: Enhanced my technical skills on the internet/intranet application area. Gave me opportunities to understand the architecture of the backend and how it integrated with other ERP applications.

Bella: What do you see yourself doing in 5 years?
Lori: I would like to work on some wireless applications.