A web developer later in life
Image: ZoranOrcik/Shutterstock

How to become a web developer later in life

19 May 2017

Who says you can’t become a tech whizz later in life? Here’s how to become an awesome web developer without having to go back to college.

Technology isn’t just the future anymore.

We’re right in the middle of a tech revolution, with coders, developers and programmers among the most sought after candidates in the jobs sector.

That might suit today’s students and tomorrow’s graduates who already grew up in a tech-focused world and started learning programming languages early in life.

But, for those who have passed their college days, the world of tech can still be wide open.

The demand for web developers is expected to grow, and the jobs won’t just be there for future graduates. Top tech companies all over the world are facing a diversity problem and not just when it comes to gender or ethnicity, but age as well.

As they begin to seek a more diverse pool of talent, those with more life experience can capitalise by retraining as web developers if they so wish.

If you can afford to return to education and obtain a degree in software or web development, great. However, many of the top coders are self-taught so don’t be discouraged if going back to college is out of the question.

All you have to do is pick a programming language and start learning. There are plenty of cost-effective or even free online ways to start developing your coding skills.

Find online communities to help you along the way. There’s a whole world of coders and programmers that would be more than happy to lend a hand. Get involved in forums such as Stack Overflow or find a discussion group on Meetup.

If you have an interest in technology, but think it’s too late to change your career, there’s no stopping you. Check out the infographic below from Varooma to help you start your career as a successful web developer.

web developer later in life

Infographic: Varooma

Jenny Darmody
By Jenny Darmody

Jenny Darmody became the editor of Silicon Republic in 2023, having worked as the deputy editor since February 2020. When she’s not writing about the science and tech industry, she’s writing short stories and attempting novels. She continuously buys more books than she can read in a lifetime and pretty stationery is her kryptonite. She also believes seagulls to be the root of all evil and her baking is the stuff of legends.

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