Elliot Haughin

Most of my subscribers are probably web developers, or have a similar profession.
And, for that reason, I thought I’d share with you a theory I have about our careers.

A great deal of talent exists within our industry, and the kind of people who work in web development generally have the following qualities:

1. Very logical
2. Problem solver
3. Craves to understand how EVERYTHING works
4. Extremely efficient

However, these qualities may be excellent but developers often lack other skills to make up for the plethora of knowledge they have about web development.

1. Outgoing
2. Good at communicating ideas and tech-ie topics simplistically
3. Good telephone manner
4. Sociable
5. Timekeeping

Now, I’m not saying that every developer lacks the above skills, but you’ll find that when you read through that list honestly, you can probably find something that you’re not too good at.

The honest truth is… these are the very skills that employers crave for in developers.
Let’s face it… a good deal of developers truly are brilliant at what they do.
But, if you are both brilliant at what you do, and can communicate your ideas, enjoy some of the jokes and office banter…

Then you’ve got the ‘edge’ which separates you from the rest of the developers.

Now, currently in London particularly there’s a wealth of positions for web developers, particularly LAMP and JAVA based positions.
Which leaves us in a very unique position, with the ‘pick of the bunch’.
We get to pick who we work for, what kind of work we want to do, and where we work.
This decision is key in finding a position that really suits both you, and your employer… One thing that you’ll find, is that money really isn’t everything, but a great work environment, and benefits can make a lower salary position much more rewarding in the long-run.

So, if you want to be the best developer around, and really stand out in your work place, work on your ‘non-developer’ skills as well, of course, as keeping up with what’s going on in your industry

Related Posts

1. What are you working for?
2. Web Developers – We Don’t Need No Education?