If you’re a recent or soon-to-be college graduate who is considering a career in web design, but your lack of experience in coding or design makes you feel unsure about taking the leap, fear not! Pursuing professional web design may turn out to be one of the most rewarding decisions you ever make. 

In fact, you can learn how to become a web designer much quicker than you may anticipate. Plus, web design doesn’t require an additional degree, certification, or bootcamp. With the right mindset and a willingness to learn, you can establish yourself as a go-to web design expert, strengthen your skills as an entrepreneur, and create beautiful and functional websites that impress clients and earn you additional business.

Why pursue a career in web design? 

While building a website today is more straightforward and streamlined than ever, the process still requires skill and expertise to get it just right. 

From understanding the optimal user experience to nailing content and visual hierarchy, web design is no easy feat. But here's the good news: for those who have the skills and experience, web design can be an incredibly lucrative field. Business owners and marketing executives are willing to pay top dollar for professionals who have put in the time to master Squarespace web design, search engine optimization (SEO), and digital marketing. 

Web design: The gateway to new opportunities

Understanding web design is a skill that can translate into everything you do. 

The same way learning how to structure an essay helps you organize your thoughts and a conversation, web design teaches you how to market, sell, pitch, and design. You can use those skills in any future endeavor as a business owner, entrepreneur, or industry thought leader.

With web design, the potential is endless. Making a “small” website for a local boutique could lead to building websites for the largest brands. Over time, you can specialize in a web design niche or become a UI/UX expert, software developer, graphic designer, and so much more using all the skills you developed in college. Web design is a field that empowers you to shape your career and personal life around what you love to do.

Learn more about becoming a full-time web designer.

Transferable skills and how they support your web design career

No matter what you studied as an undergraduate student, your degree has given you transferable skills that can help you thrive as a Squarespace web designer. 

The following are some of the most valuable transferable skills that you can apply as a designer and entrepreneur.

1. Communication

All of those essays you wrote and presentations you gave in school can really pay off. You might not have realized it at the time, but your communication skills and attention to detail have reinforced the foundation you need to sell your services, work with clients, and plan and execute a successful website design project. 

2. Teamwork

Every group project is worth the challenge of working with your peers to earn a passing grade. Group projects taught you valuable lessons about collaboration, including how important it is to be a team player and partner with others, both of which are key components of a successful web design career. 

3. Problem-solving

You’ve likely been asked or needed to provide unique solutions during an assignment, or even in your day-to-day life. Your abilities to adapt quickly, think critically, and problem solve are vital to your role as a professional web designer. When taking on client projects, you'll be tasked with creating digital solutions that meet specific needs and objectives. This requires you to come up with innovative solutions to complex problems. 

4. Tech skills

You may have little to no coding background, and that’s okay. If you feel comfortable learning how to use the most popular software tools and web design platforms, you can thrive. Your ability to adapt and desire to learn new things can help you deliver great work to your clients. 

5. Self-motivation

Pursuing a degree requires a lot of self-motivation and discipline. Balancing coursework with extracurricular activities and potentially a part-time job demonstrates the ability to manage time and prioritize tasks effectively. These skills are crucial in the fast-paced world of web design, where deadlines are tight and clients expect top-notch work.

Even if you've never considered working in web design before, there are so many skills that you've picked up along the way that can be your secret weapons for success.

How to start a career in web design

The first thing you should do is evaluate your current skills and find out what you can leverage immediately. For instance, perhaps you’re a great writer and you understand how to get traction on social media. You can use these skills to grow your new business and develop a comprehensive online presence that is compelling and enticing to potential clients. 

In short, the best place to start your web design career is by growing what you know and celebrating the small wins as they come. 

Next, start telling your personal and professional networks that you are a web designer. Being open about your new path not only helps hold you accountable, but opens the doors to making connections with potential clients. 

As you start building your own web design business, don’t let age stand in your way. You may find yourself working with doctors, lawyers, or business owners with decades of experience, but don’t worry. Regardless of age, you can flex your expertise in the latest web design trends and digital marketing principles that can ultimately help their businesses succeed.

If you want to gain more experience and network before starting your own web design business, consider applying for a web design internship. Internships are a great way to get real-world experience and build confidence before landing clients of your own. You can also look for a more experienced designer and ask them to be your mentor.

Ready to get started? Learn about the seven things you need to officially start your web design business.

Tips for new graduates starting careers in web design

If you’ve decided to venture into the field of web design after graduation, the following tips can help you navigate your early days in the industry. 

1. Stick to a schedule that helps you develop your skills incrementally. Progress comes from repetition, not perfection, so set a daily habit to hone your craft

2. Build a portfolio, even if it's small. Make it live as soon as possible so it can serve as your business’s online headquarters. As you gain more clients and experience, you can continue to improve it. 

3. Discover the art of pitching. Pitching your services to clients requires a different approach than applying for a job. 

4. Tell as many people as you can about your web design business. The more people who know, the better. Someone you tell today could be your client next month. 

It may be a slow process, but the seeds you plant will grow over time. Learn how successful web designers attract and secure new clients. 

5. Don’t give up. You may encounter moments where you want to quit, but those instances will teach you a valuable lesson: The difference between a beginner and an advanced web designer is that the pros don’t give up when they’re challenged. They lean into the challenge and thrive.

Web design is an exciting and ever-evolving field that offers a multitude of opportunities for recent college graduates. The right combination of technical skills, creativity, and business acumen can help you become a successful web designer.

Want more?

Check out Squarespace Circle, Squarespace’s program for professional designers. Along with exclusive content, discounts, and other perks, Circle brings professionals together from all across the globe to exchange advice while connecting with new clients and collaborators.