What is it like to work at a web design agency?
Sharing my first-hand experience over the past year and a bit
Do you want to know what it is like to work for a web design agency? In the next few minutes, I’ll share with you my experience for working as a developer at a 10-people agency over the past year and a bit.
1. You’ll work on many, many projects every quarter, and every year.
Especially at web development agencies, who mostly or exclusively build websites for clients, you’ll often work on multiple projects within a single quarter, and even multiple projects at the same time.
This means that within a short amount of time, you’ll often gain experience with a broad set of tools, website types, target audiences and… clients 🙂
2. You will often communicate with clients
Even if you’re not the first point of contact at your agency, as a developer you’ll often interact with clients. For example, here are some common client questions you’ll need to answer:
- “How can I add this to the content management system (CMS) of my new site?” — you’ll do on-the-spot training
- “Is it possible to integrate [name of software, CRM] to send leads from the contact form?” — you’ll offer your clients advice and professional knowledge
- “I cannot see the Go button on my iPhone keyboard on the contact page. Can you add it?” — you’ll have to resolve bugs and quirks
3. You will learn from your peers
If you are a designer, you’ll inevitably pick up some backend concepts and understanding. As a backend developer, you will get to know some of the HTML and CSS oddities. After asking your designer for the 100th time how to centre the div inside the container, they’ll get so tired of you asking, they will likely teach you a part of the craft 😉
4. If it works, it’s good enough
Every project will have a tight schedule and a looming deadline. Good or bad, this is a business in which the “if it works, it is good enough” mentality is prevalent. If you are an outcome- and results-driven person, most of the time this is no issue. But be careful, for the pedantics and perfectionists will find it difficult to cope within this environment.
5. Coffee is the new water
In most companies out there, you’ll have an infinite amount of coffee, cookies and fruit to fill your belly. Not surprising, given the no. 1 definition for a programmer:
What is in your eyes the defining characteristic of the web design and development workplace? Be sure to let me know in the comments. ⬇️
Are you already a developer?👨🏾💻👩🏻💻
Here’s some articles that may peak your interest:
Thanks! Till next time 😉
