What is mobile app development?
Mobile app development is basically creating any software program that runs on a mobile device. Because of the nature of phones, mobile apps need to be specifically designed for certain screen dimensions, hardware limitations and operating systems.
App developers can build native apps, hybrid apps and HTML5 apps. They represent one of the fastest growing fields of software engineering and development. In fact, with several million apps in circulation, the global app development market is expected to reach $100 billion by 2022.
Now is the perfect time to learn mobile app development. SEEK is projecting 24% job growth in Australia over the next five years, with salaries around $103,000 per annum. If you want to start your mobile app development career, start with RMIT Online.
Why work in mobile app development?
Mobile app development is one of the most future-proof careers going around. More than half the world’s entire population uses a smartphone, and market penetration is accelerating. People need apps for gaming, banking, shopping, travelling and streaming, and all those apps need to be technically sound and user-friendly. Mobile app developers are also in high demand, both for iOS and Android devices. It’s a career with excellent opportunities, strong salary growth and plenty of creative potential.
Here are some mobile app development careers to consider:
- App Developer
- Software Engineer
- UX Designer
- Multimedia Developer
- Project Manager
- Systems Architect
- Game Designer
5 reasons to learn mobile app development
It’s in demand
Mobile apps are expected to generate $935 billion in revenue by 2023. That’s big business. Mobile app development also has one of the highest rates of employer demand relative to the number of developers. In other words, the world needs more people who make apps.
It pays well
Due to high demand and relatively low supply, mobile app development tends to pay very well. Mobile Developers earn around $111,000 per annum in Australia, with scope for even higher wages. Application Developers benchmark around $93,000, depending on the industry.
It’s accessible
You don’t have to quit your current job to learn mobile app development. RMIT Online offers several relevant shortcourses and qualifications that fit around your existing schedule. Anyone can learn Python, Java or Swift in their own time, at their own pace.
It’s flexible
App developers can work for large tech companies, but they can also work as consultants, freelance developers, or in-house programmers for start-ups. Development skills are universal, too, which means you can find programming jobs overseas. App development opens plenty of doors.
It’s not boring
No two days are the same for mobile app developers. You might be mocking up apps, running beta tests, fixing bugs, doing user research, learning a new programming language, or even working on your own personal development project. Mobile app development is never boring.
Mobile app development careers
Technically, you don’t need a degree to break into mobile app development, but realistically, most employers will be looking for a qualification. For an app development career, you’ll need to learn networking, software engineering, mobile design principles, and popular programming languages such as C++, Swift, Python or PHP. But first you need to choose your operating system: Google’s Android or Apple’s iOS? The path you take will dictate the skills you need to learn.
Here are just a few app development careers to get you started.
- Software Developer | $69,000
- Software Engineer | $93,000
- UX Design | $102,000
- 3D Artist | $81,000
- Product Manager | $119,000
- Game Designer | $82,000
How to learn mobile app development for beginners
RMIT Online’s curriculum is purpose-built for online study, and you don’t need any special skills to get started. Each unit combines interactive webinars, 1-on-1 tutorials, group work and practical tasks. We built these courses alongside some of Australia’s top mobile app designers, programmers and engineers.
Here’s an idea of what you’ll need.
- Commitment. Learning mobile app development takes discipline. You’ll need to study a few hours every day to stay on track.
- Notes. Make sure to take lots of notes during online lectures and tutorials. It’s a good way to flag potential problems.
- Collaboration. You won’t be learning app development on your own. With RMIT Online, you get access to industry mentors and an online peer community.
- Knowledge. Mobile development is a rapidly evolving field. We’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest tech and methodologies.
- Resources. With RMIT Online, you’ll get all the guides, software and resources you need to learn mobile app development.
Learn about mobile app development
Ready to learn mobile app development? This is the best place to start. Read as much as you can. Ask questions. Contact one of our RMIT Online course counsellors. You can find all our development news and coverage below.
Mobile app development blogs
Want to learn more about studying app development? Check out the RMIT Online blog below.
Watch: What was it like studying App Development with RMIT Online?
Watch: How studying with RMIT Online landed Michael his dream Job
Watch: John changed his career from Train Guard to App Developer with RMIT Online
RMIT Online mobile app development courses
RMIT Online is one of Australia’s top app development training providers. We offer a range of software and app development courses and credentials, depending on your career goals and experience. You can learn app programming and engineering online, at your own pace, with plenty of support from expert mentors.
Topics and courses similar to mobile app development
Mobile app development is a broad discipline, and there are always ways to boost your CV. If you’d like to learn AR and VR applications, AI programming, front end web development or DevOps, check out RMIT Online’s related courses below.
