The present rapid change in technology requires businesses to employ front-end web developers’ services in designing websites and other computer applications to gain a competitive advantage within the economic environment. The latest statistics reveal that approximately 79,989 active businesses exist in Vancouver, 98% being small companies indicating a high quantity of employment opportunities for front-end web developers (“Employment Lands,” 2020). However, the 2% number of large firms in Vancouver means minimal growth opportunities exist with no significant differences between large and small companies. Although limited chances for growth exist, Vancouver provides many quality job prospects for graduates because of the growing demand from active businesses and the constant maintenance and upgrades caused by technological changes. Hence, the city’s economy, the presence of large- and small-scale technological enterprises, entry salary, and career growth opportunities will be considered to determine whether it has favorable for the web-developers job market.
The high number of small businesses in Vancouver offers front-end graduates vast quality employment chances. Vancouver is among Canada’s largest economies, filled with many industries, and home to most technological firms’ headquarters (Carpenter & Hutton, 2019). It means new graduates have ample chances to work in the various technology organizations providing computer services to other businesses and individual customers. For example, software developing organizations require front-end developers to service the growing demand from new and existing companies that want to gain a competitive advantage. Firms in other industrial sectors need front-end web developers’ services to work with the end-users to build websites and other applications and train them. PayScale concurs and claims that Vancouver is among the regions offering graduates with an average entry salary of $50,000 per annum within or higher than the national average (“Front End Developer/Engineer Salary,” 2020). For this reason, Vancouver provides ample lucrative employment opportunities for graduates entering the market.
The constant rapid changes in technology and business factors within the environment create a continuous demand for front-end web developers to facilitate upgrades and maintenance of the system, ensuring operations run smoothly. Lamb and Rubinger (2017) illuminate that computer applications require constant upgrades and maintenance to prevent the system from collapsing or amalgamating with shifts in the business environment. For instance, the government urges employers and customers to perform their business at home to prevent contracting and spreading the Coronavirus through physical contact. Therefore, those firms with websites lacking transaction and other customer interaction capabilities require front-end web developers to build an appealing website that attracts consumers. Considering that the city is one of the most economically developed in Canada, the extent and variety of opportunities it presents potentially exceed those of any other region. For instance, such large companies as Amazon, Thinkific, Hootsuite, Slack, and several others have their Canadian headquarters specifically in the city. Therefore, many businesses in Vancouver and technological elements changes within the environment make the region an attractive area for new graduates.
The city also has other advantages including a range of small and large-scale enterprises hiring specialists with varying expertise levels, career growth perspectives, and learning opportunities. However, Vancouver provides fresh graduates with limited growth opportunities because of the low number of large companies. The 2% of large businesses in Vancouver offer minimal growth prospects for front-end web development entry-level graduates because the experienced staff have a competitive advantage and satisfy the demand (“Employment Lands,” 2020). The limited large organizations pay higher than smaller companies but require more experienced personnel with the necessary skill to demystify their complicated computer systems. However, Vancouver provides graduates with the best experience because of the vibrant economy filled with small businesses competing to satisfy Canada’s most populous city (Gomez et al., 2015). Besides, Vancouver has a diversified population from across the globe working in various firms presenting graduates with another opportunity to sharpen their other skills such as teamwork (Lamb&Rubinger, 2017). When a graduate works with more experienced colleagues and in a busy environment, they become more exposed to practical information that cannot be obtained in an academic atmosphere and improve their skills. Therefore, a graduate front-end web developer has a higher career growth prospective in Vancouver than in the other regions.
Overall, the city is suitable for graduates in web design and development, striving for professional advancement. Vancouver offers graduates limited growth chances, but it provides entry-level graduates with sufficient job opportunities and quality training forums from the pool of diversified workforce and busy environment. The high number of active businesses in a vibrant economic climate creates vast employment opportunities for graduates. The constant changes in technological factors make front-end web developers’ services necessary for organizations, increasing employment continuity chances. Despite the minimal growth prospect, the average entry salary package, the robust economy, and employee diversification offer graduates a lucrative and quality training platform for sharpening their skills and gaining necessary experience.
References
Carpenter, J., & Hutton, T. (2019). Vancouver: Critical reflections on the development experience of a peripheral global city. Cities, 86(1), 1−10.
Employment lands and economic review.(2020). City of Vancouver.
Front end developer/engineer salary in Vancouver, British Columbia. (2020).
Gomez, R., Isakov, A., &Semansky, M. (2015).Small business and the city: The transformative potential of small scale entrepreneurship. University of Toronto Press.
Lamb, G., &Rubinger, D. (2017). Stacking up: A snapshot of Canada’s developer talent.Brookfield Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.