The Way of the Webmaster: A Practical Guide

by Edward Castro
ed.castro@university-of-phoenix-online.net
University-of-phoenix-online.net Columnist

If you're wondering whether an information technology career is worthwhile, you should remember this number: 15 billion. That's the amount of money ComScore Networks predicts e-businesses will earn this holiday season.

A portion of that money will of course find its way into the bank accounts of webmasters and information technology consulting firms. An information technology education is the first step toward becoming a Webmaster.

What is a Webmaster?

A webmaster manages a web site. Using skills gained through an information technology education, a webmaster is responsible for a variety of tasks. Depending on the size of the organization and web site, a webmaster might be responsible for some or all of the following tasks:

Web server maintenance
Software & hardware management
Web site architecture
Web page design, maintenance and management
Managing development and design teams
Replying to customer web site feedback
Monitoring traffic

In addition to the technical management of the web site, webmasters must also understand how to market, advertise and promote the web site they are tasked with managing.

Becoming a Know-It-All: Information Technology Education

Having above average computer skills are not the only things you'll need to succeed as a webmaster. You'll need excellent technical and design skills as well as the ability to manage medium and large-scale projects; problem solving and communication skills are also highly sought after by employers – all skills you'll gain in your information technology education. While a strong business sense is needed in any information technology career, it is particularly important for webmasters managing small web sites. In fact, you'll have to be a jack-of-all-trades in most cases. Some areas of study for webmasters and information technology consulting jobs are:

Web content development
Web server administration
Multimedia and interactive design
Electronic and computer security
Graphics
Database management
Marketing and Advertising
E-Commerce principles
E-Commerce Law
Accounting and Business Administration

World Wide Webmasters: Where the Jobs Are

While the technology industry has seen a downward trend in new employment, anyone seeking an information technology career or a position as a webmaster can still take their pick from among many different opportunities. These days, an information technology education can help you land jobs in large corporations, web design firms, government agencies, Internet service providers, and university and college campuses.

Show me the Money: Information Technology Career Salaries

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for computer specialists, such as webmasters and information technology consulting professionals, are growing faster than the average for all occupations. This trend is being driven by development of new software tools, growth in E-Commerce, and increased demand for general web sites.

The typical salary for an information technology career has been steadily climbing for years. In 1998 the average salary hovered around $49K. A year later, that number jumped to $53K. Over the last few years, the typical salary for an information technology career has peaked as high as $100K for some professionals in the field.

With an information technology education, the opportunities can be lucrative indeed.

About the Author

Edward Castro has an extensive experience as a creative media writer. His client portfolio has included such notables as Hewlett-Packard, Sony Computer Entertainment, Shockwave, AtomFilms, GameBlast and Mervyn's California. In his current position, Ed is developing the marketing strategy of an Internet start-up company specializing in Japanese trade goods.