Would you hire someone with a liberal arts degree?

[NoloBlahnik]

I'm sorry if this is in the wrong place. There's no board for career discussions, so I'm posting this here.

I'm just starting out in web development. I'm almost done with the certificate I've been working on, and I'm also working on a BA in French studies. I'm studying French because I really want to, but also because I'm horrible at math and wouldn't be able to get into most computer science programs.

Do I sound like a good candidate for a web developer job?

[developerguru]

Well you profile is not good for the job of developer

BUT

there are many jobs in computer field that requires candidates like you

I think best position for you will be "Content Writer"

As the web sites are increasing continuously there fight for coming up in google is becoming more violent and this war can only be won by good content writers. So definitely you can have a better carrier as content writer.

You may also go for "Theme Designer"
Designers are also highly paid as design of the site is the first thing that a visitor is going to see.
But for becoming "Theme Designer" you need to have creative skills.

If you do not want to go for any of the above mentioned field then you can go for "SEO analyst"

"SEO" is also good field but content writing and seo are related field.

If you are thinking that developer are the only persons who are highly paid then you are wrong. Above mentioned fields are also highly paid but you need to be the best in any of the field you are going to choose.

[NoloBlahnik]

I figured I'd have to start out as content writer. I did take one programming class and I plan to study both Javascript and PHP, and maybe track my progress with a blog. Do my prospects still sound good?

[wh666-666]

I would say you're worrying over nothing ... Your concerns dont matter in web development ... They would a bit in software programming/development though ...




Yes a BSC would be great. I currently work in IT and doing a degree, however I may end up making it a BA or BSC, it depends. I've done the mathematic and technology courses but all the rest of the technology ones available are pure crap .... Absolute junk like "innovating for a sustainable future" which you would think would take in to account environmental concerns, but alas, it's a course of complete garbage ... Give me a humanities course anyday ...



Anyway my point is, what employers and especially clients look for the most, is first: certification or accreditted skills, then, importantly, a portfolio.

To be honest, in the past, compteting for web dev jobs the company hasnt cared if the person has a degree in air guitaring, what's always won out is the strength of their portfolio ...




So in short, if you want to be a webdeveloper, have a good portfolio. A degree is a fancy extra and you dont have to clarify your type of bachelors.

[NoloBlahnik]

Does anyone know why a lot of companies specify you have to have a BA to work in web development? I find that odd because there's no web degree programs that I know of that goes beyond 2 years. I checked many schools and couldn't find any; there's a school called Full Sail University that offers a "BA," but I checked the curriculum guide and their course listings are only enough to cover 2 years. Just curious...

[developerguru]

Well you go for any interview,
Interviewer will definitely going to point out negative point in you.
In your case they are pointing out that you have done BA not any technical education.

Keep cool and try to tackle the issue, because at that point interviewer is testing you presence of mind and your ability to answer. Try to prepare some sensible answer and reply them.
Surely you will get the job.

[wh666-666]

Does anyone know why a lot of companies specify you have to have a BA to work in web development?

Just curious...
Varies between companies ....

However before you even alter your CV, the difference between a company asking for a BSC or a BA tells you something. This is vital to tailoring your CV.

If they ask for a BSC for example, the role may be more technical, coding, etc. They might want someone to fufill a gap in knowledge like php for example.

If they are asking for a BA, they are clearly looking for an individual to enhance the creative aspect of their team, so expert knowledge in dreamweaver, photoshop, etc.





Anyway as I said before, the type of degree is garbage and doesnt matter in web development. What matters is you read between the lines in job advertisements, see what they want.


A general rule of thumb for ANY job, even non technical ones, is really try to read the advertisment, see what they want. Visit the company if they have an online prescense. Find out about the company.

So for example, if they say "why do you want to work for us?", you say "I've noticed you were nominated for the nobel prize for saving unicorns from a dog meat factory. Animal concerns are a subject close to my heart and if I work for you, I will make everyone believe in unicorns and how they shouldnt end up as dog food."

Anyway, point is, you need to know about the company and be able to show that. Then also you need to convince the interviewer why you are the only logical solution to their knowledge gap. It's the same in ANY job, wherever you go.





As I said though, build your portfolio. A web designer WITHOUT a portfolio of sites they created, showing what you can do is worthless. Stop fixating on degrees. Most clients/employers I speak to dont even ask, as I show them what I am capable of.

[wh666-666]

Keep cool and try to tackle the issue, because at that point interviewer is testing you presence of mind and your ability to answer. Try to prepare some sensible answer and reply them.
Surely you will get the job.

Exactly!

When they ask you questions, you will clam up if you're unprepared, so be a good boy scout :p

[kim-b]

For a web developer's job description as harsh as it may sound, I would not. I think you would have to provide more proof that you can perform the job that would be given to you. Even though you may be an expert, I think it would be best to take a certification class that would prove your competence. You might also want to consider taking more classes, say in multimedia arts or web development even so you can land that job.