Ten years ago, the internet was a fuzzy concept that people sort of knew about, but few people were actually using. People were aware of a borderless information supersystem, linked around the globe by computers, but it was accessible to only those in the know.
Today everything has changed. Children today are using the internet to research papers, university classes are being held on-line. The internet is everywhere and nearly everyone has access to it.
But the internet doesn't simply exist. The sites, servers, and search engines don't just appear out of nowhere. Internet professionals are well-versed in all aspects of internet development, including web design, site administration, programming for the web, and business on the web. They research the web for various companies and individuals, they establish sites, they monitor and maintain sites for companies and individuals. They work as consultants for companies and government agencies. They are experts when it comes to the information superhighway, and can surf effectively, efficiently, and design, develop, and discover just about anything.
Internet professionals who work as web designers create web pages. They may just set up the site, but many also manage the sites, coordinating the work of authors, graphic artists, and programmers, or they may do all of the content development themselves. Some internet professionals focus on using the internet's rich resources for business development, including on-line transactions, emails, and database postings.
Internet professionals not only focus on the technical skills that go into internet use, but they also understand and appreciate the role of the internet in general, and its impact on society as a whole. The internet is huge, unwieldy, and confusing, and can potentially lead those unfamiliar with its complexities astray. It is easy to get lost and tangled up in the web--internet professionals are there to guide us along our way.
To work as an internet professional, you need to be organized, able to work on a number of projects at once, and comfortable working for hours at a time on your own. You should also like working indoors, and feel comfortable with the internet and computers in general. You should be focused, and enjoy learning new things. You should also have good communication skills, and a head for business and design.
Typical Tasks
Research internet for clients
Negotiate and sell URLs
Design web sites
Maintain and upgrade web sites
Post database information on sites
Develop email services for companies
Advise people on internet use
Internet professionals spend much of each day on-line. What they do on-line depends on their job description. Some research other people's web sites, while other internet professionals develop and design web sites. They work indoors, with little opportunity to travel--unless you consider endless voyages along the information super highway travelling.
Workplaces, Employers and Industries
Internet professionals work for companies with web sites or interests in the information found on-line. They can also work independently, and contract out their services. They usually work in comfortable environments, either offices or their homes, and spend hours at the computer screen. They can often set their own hours, and usually work alone, or with a small team of computer and internet specialists.
Long Term Career Potential
Anyone familiar with the internet will be able to work as a researcher, web designer or web master, or consultant, to name a few job prospects. You can apply your knowledge to journalism, writing, or desk top publishing. You can become a librarian, or become an educator for those who want to learn to surf the internet effectively and efficiently.
Educational Paths
There is no real educational path to follow, however, there are some college and university programs which could help you become an internet professional. Courses in web design, internet development, computer science, sociology, psychology, and business are some of the courses you might find useful. Most college programs last between one-three years.
You can also do some practice work on your own. Try and surf the web, experimenting with different servers and search engines. Try and set up your own web site, too. You can learn a lot before you even start classes.
You may also look to becoming a Microsoft Certified Solution Developer. This will prepare you to design and develop business solutions with various Microsoft tools and technologies. The exams are available through Microsoft, so it's a good idea to check their websites for information about the certification process.
