| Frequently Asked Questions |
Here are some of the most common questions that people ask about studying to become a Web developer in the IAM programs. Hopefully these will help to answer some of your questions. If you would like more information, please contact us and ask!
- Will IAM prepare me for a career?
Yes! That is the main goal of the IAM program. These days, studying basic computing skills is very common and does not help by itself to give you unique abilities. However, when combined with the skills to become a professional Web developer you set yourself apart. The job market around the world for highly trained professionals in this field is hot! ...and it is an exciting and rewarding career.
- What kinds of technologies and skills will I learn at IAM?
At IAM, you will learn a number of skill sets, and technology is only a part of that. The main goal of becoming a Web developer is to learn how technology is used to make and improve business by using marketing skills, negotiation skills, business development skills, and to be able to accomplish all of those things with the tools provided by computers to create design, interactivity, and clean well-designed online websites.
- What are the special characteristics of IAM that will help me learn to become a professional?
The unique feature of IAM is the way it ties study and work together! From your first week as a student you will actually have a real client- and you will meet them almost every week! And before you finish the first nine months of our Applied Deploma you will have worked for 3 businesses to help them develop sites that will help their businesses. In the final 3 months of the program you will have an oppertunity to work in a local (or international) professional web design company for your internship. IAM has many partners who help to make this possible.
- What kinds of jobs are availible to me when I graduate?
There are many kinds of jobs availible to Web developers. You may like to work on your own and create projects for clients by yourself, as a freelancer. However, there are many more possibilities. You may work for a small commercial design company as a specialist in design, animation, or programming, or business development. You may work for a large company as part of a design team. You may be the webmaster for a company. You might find that you really enjoy managing projects, and working as a consultant. You might decide to use your skills to help your other business goals, and support your career with the training from IAM. There are many avenues that you might take once you graduate. And student intentions are very wide...some might only study at IAM and find successful careers within the Web Design Industry. Others might want to complete the program after or before university so that they are able to have a real skill as well as their university education. The options are wide open!
- Can I work (in Canada) afterwards?
Yes. Even as an international student you will receive a Work Permit for the duration of your studies. This will allow you to do paid work in Canada by using the skills that you learn. Many students in the Intermediate and Advanced terms at IAM have their own clients, and make money by helping them with their Web projects. In your final term at IAM you will participate in the paid internship program that can be extended for up to six months beyond the first placement term. This internship experience is a wonderful entry point to the industry, and occasionally, the companies hire the students once the internships are complete.
- Is Web design only about learning how to use computers?
No! Definitely not! The computer skills that you will learn in animation, design, programming, marketing, ect. are tools that are very flexible and will help you in most all career areas. The learning that takes place at IAM is of course very dependent on computers, but to become a successful designer you must also learn business skills: how to work with clients, how to negotiate, how to understand business, design history, marketing theory, programming logic and design, ect. The best way to talk about Web design is "multi-disciplinary."
- Who are my classmates?
IAM is a school for Canadians, but international students are also a very important part because the web design industry is truly global. It is important for International students to work and study with Canadians, and it's equally important for Canadians to meet, work, and study with people from around the world. This interaction helps everyone's careers! We are also in the process of making partnerships with web development companies in other countries such as Japan, and this gives Canadian students the unique opportunity to perhaps spend the first portion of their career overseas. If you would like more information on our partners, visit the partner pages of our website.
- Who are my instructors?
Professionals. All of them. IAM has 12 instructors who are all active developers and bring to your classes their experiences. They have a lot to show you!
- When can I start?
Contact us for more information about potential start dates and how you can make your schedule meet your needs best.
- How successful are your graduates?
To date, most all of our graduates have found work within 3 months after graduating... in Canada or in their home countries. The only thing that might stop you is if you don't want to try!
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