Inside the Industry: Web & App Development with Maya Chen, Lead Developer at NexaApps
At WillTheOtter.com, we love bringing you insights from top professionals who are shaping the tech landscape. Today, we had the pleasure of chatting with Maya Chen, Lead Developer at NexaApps, about her journey in web and app development, the biggest challenges she’s faced, and advice for anyone looking to break into this exciting field.
Expert Interview: Insights into Web & App Development Careers with Maya Chen
WillTheOtter: Maya, thanks so much for joining us today! Could you start by telling us how you got into web and app development?
Maya Chen: Thanks for having me! My journey started with a computer science degree, but what really ignited my passion was building my first mobile app in college. I loved how apps could solve everyday problems and create great user experiences. From there, I focused on learning JavaScript frameworks and native mobile development, eventually landing a role as a frontend developer at NexaApps. Over time, I moved into leading projects and now manage a talented team building cross-platform apps.
WillTheOtter: What do you find most challenging about your role?
Maya Chen: One big challenge is keeping up with the constantly evolving tools and frameworks. Web and app development move fast — React, Flutter, new APIs — you have to stay curious and keep learning. Also, balancing speed with quality is tough; users expect apps to be fast and bug-free, but deadlines are often tight. Communication is key to aligning the team and managing expectations.
WillTheOtter: What industry trends are you most excited about right now?
Maya Chen: Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are huge because they blur the line between web and native apps, making it easier to deliver seamless experiences across devices. Also, low-code/no-code platforms are empowering more people to create apps without deep coding knowledge, which is changing the development landscape. And on the backend, serverless architectures and cloud functions help scale apps efficiently.
WillTheOtter: For someone just starting out, what skills or habits should they focus on?
Maya Chen: Strong JavaScript fundamentals are essential since so many tools build on it. Beyond coding, practice problem-solving and debugging — those skills really set you apart. I also recommend building your own projects or contributing to open source; real-world experience teaches you things textbooks can’t. And don’t forget soft skills like teamwork and clear communication — development is a collaborative process.
WillTheOtter: What advice would you give students aiming for a career in web and app development?
Maya Chen: Be patient and persistent. The learning curve can feel steep, but consistency pays off. Keep building and experimenting with new technologies. Attend meetups or join online communities — networking can open doors and help you stay motivated. And always focus on the user experience; ultimately, apps exist to serve people.
WillTheOtter: Any final thoughts for our readers?
Maya Chen: The web and app development field is exciting and full of opportunity. If you love problem-solving and creating, there’s a place for you here. Stay curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to try new things!
Ready to Start Your Web & App Development Journey?
Inspired by Maya’s story? Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your skills, the world of web and app development is full of possibilities. Start building your own projects today, join developer communities, and never stop learning.
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