The demand for mobile app developers is at a constant rise as businesses scramble to strengthen their online presence. Companies hire mobile app developers to create applications in order for them to quickly connect to customers and gain a competitive edge in their niche.
Read on to learn more about how to best equip yourself for a career in mobile app development.
What is Mobile App Development?
First, let’s have a clear understanding of what mobile app development is.
Mobile application development is the process of creating, writing, and maintaining software for mobile devices. Developers use programming languages, development tools, and other programming concepts to build these apps and launch them into their chosen operating systems.
The apps you use to check and update your social media or buy products on eCommerce platforms were made by mobile app developers. Without these apps, the process of entering website URLs into your website browser would be inconvenient for the user—and in extension, to the business itself as this makes it hard for them to develop a strong online presence.
There are two major operating systems on the market: Android OS (Google) and iOS (Apple). Many businesses aim to launch apps on both operating systems to make their app accessible to a variety of users, so mobile app developers often learn and work with both to cater to this demand.
Why You Should Be a Mobile App Developer
The pandemic forced many people to look for ways to overcome mobility restrictions. At the time, the best way for them to buy products and avail of services is to turn to the internet to communicate with businesses. This accelerated the trend of digital usage among consumers, which is predicted to last even after the pandemic.
This is primarily why more companies nowadays need mobile apps to build a strong online presence. It’s a quick means for them to connect and engage with their customers, which helps with driving sales and growing their business.
Because of the increasing demand for mobile app developers, companies are willing to pay high to get skilled developers. In the Philippines, mobile app developers can earn ₱400,000 a year on average. If you land a good job, you can even get paid more than ₱3,750,000 a year.
If you value an impact-driven career that pays fairly well, mobile app development is definitely one of the top careers that you should consider.
How to Start Your Mobile App Development Career
There are a lot of ways to jumpstart your mobile app development career. Here are the most common ways mobile app developers start:
1. Choose how you want to start learning technical skills.
Many mobile app developers start with a computer science degree in the Philippines. It’s the best way to get a well-rounded knowledge of programming and computer science in general. It’s also the best way to open yourself to many opportunities and career pathways.
It should be noted, however, that some developers are self-taught and have no formal education. Some simply attend coding boot camps, pairing these experiences with solid practice.
2. Choose a platform to focus on.
Many developers focus on one platform first before moving to the other. If you decide on Android, you are most likely to code using Java. If you choose iOS, you will have to master Objective-C or Swift.
3. Refine your technical skills.
Refining your skills in programming languages, development tools, and other programming concepts allows you to do more and build more functionalities within the app. This attracts companies who want to set themselves apart in the market. You can do this by getting more experiences, learning from new projects, or having a skilled mentor to guide you.
4. Develop your soft skills.
You’ll need a set of soft skills to be a successful mobile app developer. Skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, attention to detail, and teamwork are just a few of the many value-based soft skills needed in order to successfully launch and maintain a mobile app development career.
Build a Career in Mobile App Development with CIIT
Mobile app development is a big part of the present and future of computer science, so if you want to build a career in mobile app development, you should probably consider pursuing a degree in computer science in the Philippines.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science offered by CIIT Philippines allows students to specialize in web and mobile app development. We offer an internationally-competitive curriculum that highlights up-to-date industry trends, equipping graduates with the skills they need to become the next computer science success stories. Learn more about our BS Computer Science program today.
