What I’ve Learned During My GCSE Work Experience
When I first came to Versantus Academy as a Chipping Norton School student for my GCSE work experience, my goal was simple: get real-world experience and something solid for my CV. But what I didn’t expect was how much I’d end up learning, and how quickly my perspective on web development would shift. I came in thinking it was all about coding, but it’s been so much more than that.
The Work Experience Web Dev Process
At first, I thought web development was just about writing code. But as we dove into the process of building websites, I realized it’s much more complex. It’s not just about HTML, CSS, or JavaScript; it’s about planning, designing, developing, testing, and launching. Each phase connects, and each decision, even the smallest ones like navigation, has a huge impact on the user experience. It’s been an eye-opening journey understanding how every stage plays a role in creating a successful site.
Work Experience Tools of the Trade
One of the biggest surprises for me was how many tools are involved in the development process. I thought I’d be working with just a few basic platforms, but there’s a whole ecosystem that makes the process smoother and more efficient. Make.com helps automate workflows, reducing repetitive tasks. Jira keeps track of sprints and progress, making sure the team stays on track. Airtable combines the flexibility of spreadsheets and databases, keeping everything organized. And then there’s Drupal, a powerful CMS that we’ve started using for building complex sites. These tools aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the backbone of modern web dev.
AI in Web Development
Another unexpected twist of this work experience has been diving into AI. We’ve explored how artificial intelligence is shaping web development, not just in the form of chatbots, but through custom-built GPTs. I didn’t realise how much AI can optimise content creation and streamline development processes. Building a custom GPT tailored to a specific client is fascinating and shows just how adaptable AI can be. It’s exciting to see how AI will continue to influence web dev in the future.
The Roles in Web Dev
Before coming to Versantus, I thought web development was just about being a coder. But now after my work experience I’ve learned that there’s a lot more to it. From front-end developers who design user interfaces to back-end developers who build the systems behind the scenes, every role is crucial. We’ve also learned about the work done by project managers and marketers—all the pieces come together to deliver a complete project. It’s a team effort, and understanding how these different roles work together has been one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned.
The Meetings
Attending real team meetings has been one of the most useful parts of my work experience. It’s one thing to read about collaboration, but seeing it in action is something else. Watching how developers, designers, and project managers brainstorm, solve problems, and keep clients happy has given me a real understanding of how the industry works. It’s not just about doing your part—it’s about working together to make things happen.
Wrapping Up
Looking back, my GCSE work experience has been more than just a way to boost my CV. It’s given me hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in web development. From learning new tools to seeing how real teams collaborate, it’s been an invaluable experience. If you’re looking to understand what the job is really like, this is definitely the place to get a taste of the real world.