How to Build a Career in App Development

In the age of modern technology, careers in IT have never been in such high demand. Computers, tablets, and phones have opened up a whole new world of software jobs that are as demanding as they are rewarding. One such career path is that of mobile app development. With more than two-thirds of the world’s population connected to a mobile device, apps have quickly become a tool for us to organize our lives, have fun, and keep track of our habits.   

As a direct result of this increase in apps, the demand for mobile app developers has also grown. Companies are looking for app developers to create platforms for everything from face tracking to sports team fans, so if a career in app development is something you have been thinking about, there has never been a better time to begin the journey. So, where do you start? 

Learn code

The very first step to becoming a successful app developer is to learn code. Programming languages such as C++, Python, C#, and JavaScript are all great places to start. It’s important to remember that while coding looks extremely difficult to master, it can be straightforward once you’ve got the hang of it. Python is one of the simplest languages to learn, while JavaScript is arguably the most used language and C++ is essential if you want to become a game developer. Learning several different languages will give you a great foundation and enable you to work across different platforms. 

Study for a qualification 

If you need some motivation and guidance when learning to code, nothing quite beats taking a course and obtaining a qualification. Whether you go to university to study for a degree or take a few online courses to get up to speed, a course is a great way to stay focused and on the right track when you begin your career in app development. Look into the quality of the education provided by the school and find out what the alumni have managed to achieve with a qualification from there. If the school is producing successful app developers, then it may just be worth investing the time and effort in studying with them. 

Choose a platform

There are as many types of app platforms as there are developers, so it pays to find your niche and focus on it early on. Application developers have evolved their market niche so much that today we can find all kinds of applications. From cooking apps that offer us the best recipes like Yummly, and travel apps to capture the best prices like Skyscanner to apps that offer you a good time with casino games like blackjack, such as PokerStars Casino, there are plenty of platforms to choose from. Becoming a specialist in a niche is a great way to make yourself stand out from the crowd in the job market.

How much can you earn in 2021?

The big question when anyone begins a new career path is how much is this going to pay me in the end? It’s no secret that app development is one of the fastest moving sectors at the moment and that the salaries reflect the demand for great app development skills. A junior position may earn as much as $111,000, while a senior technician can often take home as much as $162,000. So, while there is an investment of time and effort in learning how to take this path, the rewards are high enough to make it worth it! The salaries for freelancers may be even higher, so it may be worth looking into forging your own path if the thought of working for a company doesn’t appeal to you. 

Provided that you are dedicated and focused on creating a career in app development, this is a path that can be extremely interesting and rewarding. Just remember to study hard, practice, choose a platform, and niche down, and the app world will be your oyster!