Re: Is this off topic?

Start building your portfolio yesterday.  Charity cases,
low-budget projects...anything you can find.

Get a domain name and get some space and build a site dedicated to
showcasing what you do.  This is essential for freelancing and
useful for the 9-5 hunts, too.  Get started on it now, so that you
have plenty of time to experiment and polish the site before you
send out the resumes or start answering contract requests.

Do not stop learning.  When you do, you're done.  We've seen 3
major revisions of HTML in the last 2 years and will probably see
just as much change over the next 2.  An option that will allow
you more time to learn is to stick with web design as a vocation
and adopt something like web design as an avocation.  If you're
into sleep-learning, then you might want to record the W3C web
site (w3.org) on cassette and play it under your pillow.

If you have any interest at all in programming, then look into
scripting languages just as JavaScript, PHP, Cold Fusion and ASP.
A knowledge of SQL and at least the basics of database design
won't hurt.

Recently, I was asked my opinion of what order in which this mess
should be tackled.  I came up with this (very rough) list:

1) HTML/XHTML
2) Basic Graphics handling (optimization, etc)
3) Basic copy proofing (e.g. learn to spell check!)
4) Graphic arts (if this is on your list)
5) Copy writing (if this is on your list)
6) JavaScript (if you wish to add programming to your skills)
7) PHP (personal preference)
8) SQL and database design
9) XML

Of course, this is a very loose outline.  You may work mostly in
MS environments and prefer ASP or perhaps you have no interest in
tackling graphics or copy proofing or programming.  At the very
least, I would say you'll want to become an expert in HTML, XHTML
and at least comfortable with XML, as your chosen environment is
markup languages, and you'll wish to spend time every day studying
browsers and other delivery platforms.

I'm sure there's more coming from others, but my point is that
you'll do fine if you are aggressive about entering the market.
If you are just hoping to graduate and place an classified add,
you may be waiting for awhile...:)

D


----- Original Message -----

I am wondering just what the job market for web
designers/developers is like in general.  I am in a one year web
design program in the Seattle area, and
I am hearing from students who are about to graduate that they
can't find any job prospects, not even working for free.  Would it
be too much to ask
what types of employment some of you have, how you got there, and
what skills you had to have to get there?  I can't see myself
doing anything other than web work, but feel very bummed out about
my future.

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