How do I get my foot in the door as a web designer?

By Lena West

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

I need to know what steps are needed to become a web designer and how to get my foot in the door.
The answer depends on what door you want to get into.

If you want to create your own opportunities, build some of your own websites and experiment with driving traffic and dabble in affiliate marketing. There's nothing like real-life experience to understand what will bring visitors and how design and navigation influences visitor behavior.

If you want to work with a design firm, you can get your foot in the door with internships or by networking with existing company employees. If you don't have any work experience, building some of your own sites as mentioned above will help to convince prospective employers that you have the skills necessary to succeed.
Wavy Line

Lena West is the CEO and Chief Strategist of xynoMedia Technology, a New York-based firm that helps high-growth companies leverage the power of social media, blogs, podcasts and online communities.

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