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How to Become A SharePoint Developer (in 2024)

Discover the steps to become a SharePoint developer in 2024, including the necessary skills, certifications, and experience required to excel in this in-demand role. Gain insights into the career path of a SharePoint developer and the job outlook for this field.

Deciding to become a SharePoint developer can be a huge benefit for you. You want the glory and standing of an industry expert that people look up to for help. It's a good idea to grow in your career and learn new skills to land you new opportunities.

By the end of this article, you'll know what steps to take to become a SharePoint developer and whether or not it's worth your while applying for that position.

What is a SharePoint Developer?

A SharePoint Developer is someone who creates applications for the Microsoft SharePoint platform.  They have deep knowledge of the Microsoft SharePoint platform, including its user interface, business intelligence, collaboration, and content management capabilities. With their skills, they can create custom solutions that are SharePoint-based. They understand how to implement the necessary logic and functionality to create a custom SharePoint application.

Microsoft's SharePoint is a web-based system that supports collaboration, document management, and communication. It is highly configurable and integrates with Microsoft Office to provide organizations with a wide and eclectic range of uses.

If you want to be a SharePoint developer, there are some things you should know about first.

Before we delve into the details of what makes a great SharePoint Developer and how you can become one, let's address a crucial step for employers. If you're seeking to add a SharePoint expert to your team, here’s an immediate opportunity

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Tasks of a SharePoint Developer

SharePoint Developers design, develop, maintain and support SharePoint websites. They are responsible for knowing the right way to use technology to meet business goals. 

Some of their key responsibilities include:

  • Designing and developing customized sites based on SharePoint technologies
  • Writing and modifying code
  • Debugging software
  • Maintaining and supporting existing sites by responding to issues related to site administration, security, performance, and other technical issues
  • Collaborating with other team members on planning and executing projects that involve collaboration with business users
  • Providing functional training to staff and users on the architecture and functionality of SharePoint sites.
  • Troubleshooting issues that may arise during use.

SharePoint Developers can be found working for SharePoint Consultants, or they can work directly for companies that specialize in using the platform for projects within their organization. 

Why Become A SharePoint Developer?

Becoming a SharePoint Developer can be a rewarding career choice for those who like to design and develop websites. If you enjoy working with technology and technology-based applications, then this might be the right choice for you.

You can expect to earn great money as a SharePoint Developer. According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for this position is $106,506 annually. You can even earn more than that based on your skill level and experience in the field.

The job market for SharePoint Developers is good. Just as with most IT-related roles, the number of jobs in this area is expected to grow in the next few years. It means that more opportunities will be available for people looking to get started in this industry.

How Do I Become A Successful Sharepoint Developer?

Here are the steps you need to take to make that happen:

1. Get educated

To become a SharePoint Developer, you need to have a solid working knowledge of programming and web development. A bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field is the best way to get started on that path. If you already have a degree in another field, pursuing certification in this area will help you develop your skills and prepare you to become a SharePoint Developer.

2. Gain experience

Once you have the education and experience required for this position, it's time to start looking for a job. The best way to get started is to look for a junior developer position, which will allow you to learn on the job and develop your skills. As you gain more experience, you will move up in the organization and be in a better position in due time.

3. Get certified

You can enhance your career prospects by becoming certified as a SharePoint Developer. There are several certification programs that you can pursue to demonstrate your knowledge of this area. Certifications can give employers confidence in your skills, which will help you land a job in this field.

4. Stay current

In order to be successful as a SharePoint Developer, it's important to keep up with the latest trends and changes in the industry. Technology is always evolving, so it's important to ensure that you are keeping up with the latest advancements. Subscribe to industry journals and attend conferences and other events where you can learn more about SharePoint and related technologies.

5. Get involved in the community

There are many online and offline communities of SharePoint Developers that you can get involved with. It is a great way to meet other professionals in this field, exchange ideas, and learn from each other. It can also help you learn about new trends and technologies.

What Skills Do I Need To Succeed As A SharePoint Developer?

Technical Skills:

SharePoint requires specific technical skills and competencies. The tech stack for a SharePoint developer is a blend of skills from both the web technologies and the Microsoft stack. 

Knowledge of SharePoint

Ability to use scripting, designing, and drafting tools 

Programming languages

Programming languages a SharePoint developer needs to be skilled at may include .Net or Java-related development languages such as C# as well as JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. 

Server technology

Knowledge of InfoPath is required for creating basic forms. But for more advanced level development, SharePoint developers should demonstrate proficiency in REST API and jQuery.

While developers would require other technologies in a SharePoint development project, such as UI/UX design principles, the focus for most developers is on .Net and/or Java development with a focus on SharePoint development technologies.

Situational Skills:

Collaborative Skills

Communication and working effectively with other team members are critical in a SharePoint Developer attributes. As part of a team, you will need to effectively communicate your ideas and plans and work cooperatively with other team members to achieve the common goal.

Problem-solving Skills

In any SharePoint development project, there will always be problems that need to be solved. As a developer, you will need to quickly identify and solve problems to keep the project on track.

Analytical Skills

When working with SharePoint development projects, you will need to analyze the situation and determine the best course of action.

Attention To Detail

Attention to detail is critical in a SharePoint development project. You will need to pay close attention to detail when creating layouts and coding pages, as any issues here could negatively impact the form and functionality of your site.

Organization Skills

In a SharePoint development project, organization skills are essential as you will need to keep track of different tasks and ensure they are completed properly and on schedule. 

How to land your first SharePoint job

Assuming you have the skill set required to be a SharePoint developer, how do you land your first job in this field? 

One option is to look for job postings and apply for any SharePoint Developer roles available. However, given the competitive nature of the job market, it can be difficult to get your foot in the door this way.

Another option may be to target companies using SharePoint and reach out to them. You can find SharePoint users by looking on job boards for postings that mention SharePoint or other relevant keywords, networking at events, or using social media. Once you have a list of companies using SharePoint, reach out to them and introduce yourself. Explain what you do and let them know that you are interested in working with them.

Even if the company isn't actively looking for a SharePoint Developer, they may have future needs that you can help with.

By networking and targeting companies using SharePoint, you will have a much better chance of successfully landing your first job in SharePoint development.

A better option would be signing up to a niche-based online marketplace for freelancers such as EliteBrains. A freelancer with good experience can attract many potential clients. Besides making good money online, freelancing also allows you to gain more experience and exposure.

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