Is the Meta Back-End Developer Professional Certificate Worth It?

Summary

This video offers an in-depth review of Meta's Back-End Developer Professional Certificate on Coursera. It covers the course structure, content, and duration, highlighting its suitability for beginners. The video discusses job prospects and salary expectations for back-end developers, emphasizing the course's value at $49/month. It also provides insights into the nine courses included, from Python programming to Django web framework, and concludes with advice on leveraging the certificate for career advancement.

Takeaways

• 💡 Meta's back-end developer professional certificate on Coursera is a popular course designed for beginners, with a focus on backend development.
• 🖥️ Backend developers handle the behind-the-scenes components of a website, including the server, application, and database.
• 💼 Entry-level backend developers can expect to earn a salary between $68k and $92k, with a median of around $71k annually.
• 📈 The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 23% growth for web developers over the next decade, which is much higher than the average career field growth of 5%.
• 📚 The course consists of nine modules, which can be completed in 5 to 7 months at a self-paced schedule.
• ⚠️ While the course is beginner-friendly, those with no prior knowledge may find some terms challenging, and individuals with some experience may find it too basic.
• 🛠️ Key topics covered in the course include Python programming, version control (GitHub), databases, Django web framework, APIs, and full-stack development.
• 🎯 The final capstone project requires students to create a comprehensive Django web app, showcasing their ability to apply the skills learned throughout the course.
• 📜 At $49 per month, the course is considered a good value for those looking to build backend development skills, though it won't guarantee a job on its own.
• 🔑 The course can be a stepping stone for those aiming to start a career in backend development, but additional education or experience (such as a degree or bootcamp) may still be necessary.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Meta's Back-End Developer Professional Certificate offered on Coursera?

The main focus of the certificate is to provide a comprehensive learning experience in back-end development, covering essential topics like server management, application development, and database handling, which are crucial for the behind-the-scenes work of a website.

What are the job security prospects for back-end developers according to the script?

The script mentions that with nearly 2 billion websites on the internet and the number growing daily, back-end developers can expect good job security.

What is the estimated salary range for entry-level back-end developers as discussed in the script?

The script discusses that entry-level back-end developers can expect to earn between $68,000 to $92,000 per year, depending on their location.

How does the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) project the job growth for back-end developers?

The BLS projects an astounding 23% growth for web developers and digital designers, which includes back-end developers, over the next 10 years, which is significantly higher than the average career field growth of about 5% per year.

What is the structure of Meta's Back-End Developer Professional Certificate?

The certificate is structured as a professional certificate consisting of nine courses that build upon each other. It is designed to be completed in five to seven months and is self-paced and online-only.

What is the content of the first course in the Back-End Developer Professional Certificate?

The first course provides an introduction to back-end development, covering technical aspects like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, and ends with a grid assessment.

Which programming language is emphasized in the second course of the certificate?

The second course focuses on programming in Python, which is a core language for future back-end developers.

What is the significance of the Django web framework in the certificate?

The Django web framework is significant as it is one of the most common solutions for developing a web server, and the certificate includes a hands-on opportunity to develop and administer a web application using Django.

What does the Capstone project in the certificate involve?

The Capstone project involves creating a comprehensive Django web application that ties together the knowledge gained throughout the certificate, making use of APIs and connecting the system to a database.

How does the script suggest leveraging the certificate in a job search?

The script suggests leveraging the certificate by showcasing it on LinkedIn, using the Meta job board, and using the knowledge gained as a story to tell in interviews to demonstrate self-starter qualities.

What is the script's final opinion on whether the Meta Back-End Developer Professional Certificate is worth it?

The script concludes that for the right person, especially beginners, the certificate is absolutely worth it due to its credibility, skill-building opportunities, and the relevance of the course material for current front-end development practices.

Outlines

00:00

💼 Introduction to Meta's Back-End Developer Certificate

The video begins with an introduction to Meta's Back-End Developer Professional Certificate offered on Coursera. It aims to provide an honest review and insight into what learners can expect from the course. The course is designed for beginners and covers the essentials of back-end development, including server, application, and database management. The presenter discusses job security with the rapid growth of websites and provides a salary range for entry-level back-end developers, which is between $68,000 to $92,000 annually. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is cited for its prediction of a 23% growth in web development and digital design jobs over the next decade. The course structure is highlighted, consisting of nine self-paced online courses that can be completed in five to seven months.

05:02

💻 In-Depth Course Content and Career Prospects

This section delves into the specifics of the nine courses that comprise the certificate, starting with an introduction to back-end development. It then covers programming in Python, which is a core language for back-end developers, including error handling and understanding data structures. The course also teaches version control, crucial for collaboration among developers, with a focus on GitHub. Databases are introduced as a fundamental component of back-end systems. The use of the Django web framework is emphasized, being a common solution for developing web servers, with a hands-on project included. The course also branches out to full-stack development to provide a broader perspective, which is beneficial for understanding the full development cycle. A capstone project is designed to challenge learners by creating a comprehensive Django web application, integrating APIs and databases. Finally, the course prepares learners for coding interviews with common back-end development questions. The presenter advises setting realistic expectations, evaluating personal circumstances, choosing the right path, and leveraging tools and resources provided by the course.

10:02

🌟 Course Value and Practical Application

The final paragraph discusses the value of the Meta Back-End Development Professional Certificate. It emphasizes the importance of setting the right expectations, such as using the course as a stepping stone rather than a guaranteed job offer. The presenter encourages viewers to evaluate their circumstances and consider the course in the context of their career goals. The course is positioned as a cost-effective and time-efficient option compared to traditional college education or boot camps. The presenter suggests leveraging the certificate on professional networks like LinkedIn and using it as a narrative in job interviews. The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to help the channel reach 10,000 subscribers and invites comments and questions about the course.

Keywords

💡Back-end Developer

A back-end developer is responsible for the server-side of applications, creating and maintaining the technology that powers servers, databases, and applications behind a website. In the video, the role is discussed as crucial for the functionality of the internet, with nearly 2 billion websites requiring back-end support, indicating strong job security.

💡Coursera

Coursera is an online learning platform offering courses from universities and companies. In the script, it's mentioned as the platform hosting Meta's back-end developer professional certificate, emphasizing the credibility of the course due to Meta's reputation.

💡Professional Certificate

A professional certificate is a qualification that signifies completion of a specific course or program. The video explains that completing Meta's professional certificate on Coursera shows that the individual has undergone coursework designed by Meta, one of the most reputable names in the industry.

💡Entry-Level Jobs

Entry-level jobs are positions for individuals who are new to a profession and typically require minimal experience. The video discusses the potential salary range for entry-level back-end development jobs, which is between $68,000 to $92,000 depending on location, highlighting the financial benefits of starting a career in this field.

💡Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

The BLS is a US government agency providing statistics on various economic measures, including employment and unemployment rates. The video references BLS data to support the high growth rate of 23% for web developers and digital designers over the next 10 years, emphasizing the promising job prospects in the field.

💡Version Control

Version control is a system that records changes to a file or set of files over time, allowing collaboration among developers. The script mentions a course section dedicated to teaching version control, including the use of GitHub repositories, which is essential for back-end developers working in teams.

💡Django Web Framework

Django is a high-level Python web framework that encourages rapid development and clean, pragmatic design. The video highlights a significant part of the course focused on using Django to develop web servers, indicating its importance in back-end development.

💡Full Stack

Full stack refers to developers who can work on both the front-end and back-end of an application. The video mentions a course section that introduces full stack concepts, suggesting the value of understanding both sides of development for back-end developers.

💡Capstone Course

A capstone course is a culminating academic project that integrates and applies knowledge from previous courses. The script describes the final course as a capstone, where students create a comprehensive Django web app, tying together all the knowledge gained throughout the certificate.

💡Coding Interview Preparation

Coding interview preparation involves practicing common interview questions and scenarios to improve one's chances of success. The video describes the last course in the certificate focusing on preparing students for back-end development interviews, equipping them with strategies to answer questions effectively.

💡Self-Paced

Self-paced learning allows students to complete coursework at their own speed. The video emphasizes that the professional certificate is self-paced, which can be completed in five to seven months, offering flexibility for learners to balance their time commitments.

Highlights

Meta's back-end developer professional certificate is a popular course on Coursera, designed for beginners.

Back-end developers are responsible for the server, application, and database, which are essential for running websites.

Job prospects for back-end developers are excellent, with nearly 2 billion websites currently online and growing daily.

Entry-level back-end developers can expect a salary ranging from $68,000 to $92,000 per year, with an average of $71,000.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 23% growth in web development careers over the next 10 years, compared to the average 5% growth across other fields.

The course includes nine modules and takes approximately five to seven months to complete, depending on the learner’s pace.

The certificate doesn’t guarantee a job but provides a solid foundation, with the added credibility of Meta’s brand.

Course 1 introduces back-end development, including an overview of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.

Course 2 focuses on Python, one of the most essential programming languages for back-end developers.

Version control is covered in Course 3, with emphasis on GitHub and collaboration with other developers.

Course 4 introduces databases, an essential skill for back-end development.

Django web framework, a key tool for building web servers, is the main focus of Course 5, which includes a hands-on project.

API usage is covered in Course 6, preparing learners to work with application interfaces.

The capstone project in Course 8 involves creating a comprehensive Django web application using databases and APIs.

Course 9 prepares students for coding interviews, providing common back-end developer questions and strategies for success.

Transcripts

in today's video I'm going to give you

an honest explanation and review into

meta's back-end developer professional

certificate offered on Coursera as one

of meta's most popular courses I'm going

to take you inside the certificate tell

you what you should expect to learn by

the end of completing the course and of

course answer the single question that

everyone thinking about the certificate

wants to know is It ultimately worth it

to help me achieve my goals

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so let's get started right off the top

and knock out some of the biggest things

to know about this course before

actually diving inside the course

starting with what back-end development

actually is and Diving a little bit more

into salary and expectations and what

you could actually become if you go

through this course and become a success

story on the other side simply put back

in developers are the creators of the

behind the scenes work of a website

behind the scenes of a website consists

of three things a server an application

and a database fact and developers build

and they maintain the technology that

powers these three components which

enables the user facing side to exist

the internet contains nearly 2 billion

websites and that number grows every

single day talk about some good job

security for back-end developers alright

let's talk about money how much could

you be making I specifically want to

focus on the beginning of your career if

you're watching this video you're

watching about a very beginner

certificate so you're probably in a

position where you're looking at entry

level back-end development jobs for this

I really took into consideration

expectations and where you're likely

coming from however the numbers are

still great we're looking at about 71

000 a year from 68 to 92k depending on

where you live it's a really comfortable

range and that's with a high degree of

confidence that if you can land a

position you'll be somewhere in this

which is an excellent starting salary

however there's more let's go to the BLS

the Bureau of Labor Statistics is the

most credible website on future career

growth in different fields and it pegs

web developers and digital designers

which is the category that back-end

developers fall into with an astounding

23 growth to put this into perspective

the average career field grows about

five percent a year they're pegging 23

over the next 10. by now you know a few

things if you're in the right place the

salary is really good and the job

prospects are amazing now let's talk

about this course and it can help you

actually get there the structure of this

course is that it's a professional

certificate it doesn't prove anything

except that you've gone through a

coursework design by meta which is one

of the most reputable names of the

business and you've completed the work

that they've put you through however

you're going to be able to tell a great

story when you get through because the

details contained inside there are nine

courses that make up the certificate

you'll be able to take this in five to

seven months as it's a self-paced online

only course it is titled to be a course

for beginners specifically however a

fair warning if you are coming in with

absolutely no knowledge you may get a

little bit frustrated with some of the

terms and it could take you a bit longer

to get through the course don't worry it

is literally designed from that

perspective keep going you can do it on

the other side if you have say three to

four years of maybe College course

experience in a computer science major

you might still be a beginner in the

field not having your first job yet but

some of the concepts may be explained a

little too simply for your liking so

you'll find a happy medium in between

the absolute beginner and someone still

in the beginning stages of their

back-end Development Career we'll talk

about the value and if it's worth it all

at the but one of the best parts about

this course is its price point at 49 a

month it's one of the best values you

can get out there for a paid course in

backend development and I'll leave a

link in one of the early lines in the

description of this video you can

actually test it out for seven days free

with Coursera so there's a great

opportunity for you to sample with

actually no commitment going into it

however let's talk through in detail the

nine sections of this course to see if

it's something that could be right for

you so inside the professional

certificate One Professional certificate

broken into nine courses and you should

take these in sequential order for

understanding as it progressively builds

upon the knowledge that you gain earlier

on in the course course number one is

the introduction to backend development

it is one of the smallest sections and

you'll get a basic overview as to what

back-end development is we already

talked about it somewhat in this video

but you'll dive a little bit more into

the technical aspects JavaScript HTML

CSS are covered in here and it ends with

a grid assessment which is a common

theme in almost every single one of

these courses that make up the

certificate course number two is titled

programming in Python and this is one of

the most in-depth sections of the whole

course and it comes naturally as the

second step is python is one of the core

languages that you use as a future

back-end developer you'll learn how to

recognize and handle common errors

Implement data structures learn about

programming paradigms modules libraries

tools and so much more it's about 44

hours worth of learning Python and it's

absolutely essential for you to

understand at this stage in the game

once you spend weeks working through

course two you'll be on course three

which is Version Control Version Control

talks all about how to work with other

developers inside you'll learn how to

use and create a GitHub repository and

you'll actually get inside examples from

meta developers as to how they work and

collaborate in the same type of

environment course 4 puts you through an

introduction to databases which are

absolutely critical course five is

another big one it's using the Django

web framework this is the single biggest

course in the entire professional

certificate and there's a good reason

for it big Django web framework is one

of the most common solutions to develop

a web server this section of the course

actually gives you a Hands-On

opportunity to put together and

administer a web application using the

Django framework once you get through

course five you'll focus on apis in

course number six course seven is called

the full stack and it takes you outside

slightly of the work that you do in

back-end development this has gotten

some really positive reviews though

because it is good to see different

perspectives in development and not just

focus on the back end and that's what

this kind of forces you to Branch out

and understand once you see the outside

perspective you'll launch smooth

smoothly into corset which is the back

end development Capstone like any good

Capstone course it takes the knowledge

that has built off of each other as

you've gone and really communicates that

to you through a difficult project to

pile all of that together he'll take on

the challenge of creating a

comprehensive Django web app this will

tie everything together by making use of

apis and connecting your system to a

database really a comprehensive project

for you to take out and show others in

an interview process what you've

accomplished yourself and finally in

course 9 you'll go through a

comprehensive coding interview

preparation kind of peppering you with

the most common back-end development

questions that you could get in

interviews and telling you how an

appropriate way to handle those would be

to best position yourself for the job so

is the meta back-end development

professional certificate worth it well

there are four steps to answer that

question for yourself set expectations

evaluate away your circumstances choose

your path and leverage your tools let's

talk through this as it relates to this

course's value one set expectations what

do you personally expect out of taking

this course is it going to get you a job

offer that you've been grinding for and

this is the Breakthrough well not in and

of itself and if someone is telling you

that you should really be cautious about

listening to them any further but this

is a good stepping stone towards that

path are you going to become an expert

after five months of doing this no

you're not either but you will have a

good competent understanding you should

have a lot of confidence going further

into this field ask yourself if you're

willing to use this as a stepping stone

not the Final Destination evaluate your

circumstances and ask yourself if this

is the best use of your time you may

need to test for seven days for free to

see if it's really worth it yourself or

if it gets you going in the right

direction you have to understand that

college is going to have a higher job

placement rate than this course will but

it's four years and it's expensive boot

camps can provide more proven results

but they're also more expensive and can

be more time consuming as well this

might be the right combination of

expense plus time commitment and you

have to see if the intended result that

you're going for matches your goals

choose your path back end full stack

front-end which way do you want to go

what is the next best step you can make

and leverage your skills if you decide

to pursue this maximize your impact from

this take advantage of the certificate

on LinkedIn use the meta job board use

this as a story that you can tell in

interviews using your interview tips to

answer those questions as to the

self-starter that you are and how that

translates into being a great future

back-end web developer if you got this

far you probably just want my opinion

and I'll give that to you right now in

conclusion for the right person it's

absolutely worth it if you're a beginner

There is almost no combination of

credibility skill buildup you can get

from this at a price of 49 a month

that's self-paced you can go as fast or

as slow as you'd like the biggest thing

I like about this course in addition to

the price point is that it actually

teaches skills that are used today in

front end development so very very

relevant course material if you have any

questions or want to comment on your own

experience having gone through this

course please do so down below in the

description thanks again for watching

this video we're racing to 10 000

subscribers so I'd love if you'd help us

get there on the channel I appreciate

every single one of you subscribed to

this channel thank you so much and have

a great day

foreign

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