Career Choice

[HosoiLover96]

Hey guys,

I have a question that maybe you can help me resolve.


Alright so i just graduated high school, and now i'm enrolled in a community college.

While in high school though I took classes that were called Computer Application classes. Comp Apps I was just learning to type and use Word and Excel. Comp Apps II was all about programming and building websites by using HTML and a little bit of JavaScript. Comp Apps III was about coding and Web Design and i actually used dreamwearver/fireworks/just a touch of flash.

Now through these classes i found a passion, building websites. I like both the code and design aspects.

Here's my problem though, I'm not very artistic nor very math smart.

I love HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is alright. I can't draw for crap, but I know web design principles and know how to use fireworks for photo touch up and manipulation to a point (very amatuerish at both).

Currently, at my community college i'm working towards a major in web design. I found out though that it requires LOTS of art/graphic/sculpting/photo/sketching classes.


So can you guys give me advice on what I should go for if i love to build websites, but don't want to dive to much into one thing. I mean is there anyway to combine coding using HTML/CSS/JavaScript/PHP and still Design, using Dreamweaver and Photoshop and the similar design tools?

Any and all feedback is much appreciated.
I know some people will think, "What the Heck! This kid wants to build websites but doesn't want to learn the code or learn to draw! IT'S LIKE TRYING TO FISH WITHOUT KNOWING HOW TO PUT BAIT ON THE WIRE!". so please bare with me and just say what you think I should do.

Thanks again in advance to everyone.

[Trollsplatterer]

Well, building websites usually doesn't require much maths or manual drawing. There are plenty of tools to help you make pretty buttons, menu's and other backgrounds. If actual art is required, it's done by an artist, not by a web designer.

As far as I know (never used it though), dreamweaver supports HTML, CSS, Javascript and PHP, jou just can't test the PHP code without running your own PHP parser.
There are many other webdesign options, though, for example Microsoft's .NET tools (Visual Studio with C# or Visual Basic for web applications).

The advantage of webdesign is that you can find examples of almost everything you need online, no matter which development environment you're working in (PHP, .NET, Perl, Java(beans)...) and most of these environment are for free, or have free versions.

I'm not sure if this answers your question, but then you didn't really pose a very clear question, did you :)

[NogDog]

If you're going to do design professionally, you need some artistic skills in layout, design, color, etc. You don't necessarily need to be the next Da Vinci or whatever, but I think there are certain talents and skills outside of using a few tools, at least if you're going to be good enough to make a living at it.

Conversely, if you get more into the programming side of things, while you do not need to calculate ballistic trajectories or solve quantum electrodynamics equations, there will be some math from time to time. However, more importantly, there seems to be some correlation between math aptitude and the ability to conceptualize computer programs, develop algorithms, etc.

[HosoiLover96]

Well, building websites usually doesn't require much maths or manual drawing. There are plenty of tools to help you make pretty buttons, menu's and other backgrounds. If actual art is required, it's done by an artist, not by a web designer.

As far as I know (never used it though), dreamweaver supports HTML, CSS, Javascript and PHP, jou just can't test the PHP code without running your own PHP parser.
There are many other webdesign options, though, for example Microsoft's .NET tools (Visual Studio with C# or Visual Basic for web applications).

The advantage of webdesign is that you can find examples of almost everything you need online, no matter which development environment you're working in (PHP, .NET, Perl, Java(beans)...) and most of these environment are for free, or have free versions.

I'm not sure if this answers your question, but then you didn't really pose a very clear question, did you :)



Haha your right I didn't pose a very precise question, and I kind of wanted to be unclear so people can jump to their own conclusions =D.

So a more precise question would be: Do you know if a major in Web Design and Development cover both code and Design?

Thanks man.

[criterion9]

That really depends on the program. Some are more suited for design, others for code, and the third option is a well rounded version (though you won't be a specialist in any).

[HosoiLover96]

That really depends on the program. Some are more suited for design, others for code, and the third option is a well rounded version (though you won't be a specialist in any).

I can see how a well rounded version would be very useful. but i also know that being a specialist is very important in this field of work as well. would you happen to know by any chance if being a specialist would be worth more than a very well rounded professional? i'm tryin to take in everything, like paygrade, and experience and everything else.

thanks man for your input

[sohguanh]

I can see how a well rounded version would be very useful. but i also know that being a specialist is very important in this field of work as well. would you happen to know by any chance if being a specialist would be worth more than a very well rounded professional? i'm tryin to take in everything, like paygrade, and experience and everything else.

thanks man for your input

If you want to be in IT line and specialize, I would recommend specialize on specific software like say SAP etc. Do note if in future most ppl not using SAP then your skill-set is not demanded. You can also specialize on Database Administration, Systems/Network Administration skill-set. You can also specialize on Project Management, Systems Analysis, Architecture Design etc generic themes. Pay packets in these areas are generally higher for the simple fact companies employ lesser ppl for these areas and the supposedly higher value and specialized product knowledge they contribute to the companies.

If you intend to focus on programming languages, be prepared to learn new ones on average every 5 years. In general most companies vacancies is in this area so if you major in this area, you are guaranteed rice bowl compared to above areas where vacancies are fewer and competition keener.

[criterion9]

I can see how a well rounded version would be very useful. but i also know that being a specialist is very important in this field of work as well. would you happen to know by any chance if being a specialist would be worth more than a very well rounded professional? i'm tryin to take in everything, like paygrade, and experience and everything else.

thanks man for your input
It really depends on what drives you and what you are focused on. A more rounded person who doesn't really specialize in anything is usually harder to get in the door below a manager level but make better managers since they can understand many of the concepts in play. A specialist might find it easier to find a niche though it can be tricky to pick one that is in high demand (which changes pretty often and can sometimes be specific to locations).