Career-of-the-Month: Webmaster

If you’ve ever surfed the Internet, you already know something about what webmasters do. Webmasters make web sites. They turn words and art into Internet sites that people can use. They work with artists, writers, and designers who create the things that go on the site and decide how the site will look. They give computers instructions about how words and art should look on the computer screen.

Webmasters test web sites, too. They watch people using a site to see if there are any parts that are hard to use. They might build a site in a few different ways so that it is easy for different computers to understand. Webmasters also try to make sites work faster. They keep the size of files as small as they can so that it doesn’t take a lot of time for a computer to download. They fix mistakes, like links that don’t work and pictures that don’t show up on the screen. They also update web sites by adding new features to the site.

Webmasters use computer software to do their jobs. They might learn to use many different types of software. Webmasters can also make a web site by typing direct instructions in HyperText Markup Language (HTML) or some other programming language. Some webmasters decide what kind of computer will hold a web site’s information, and how the information in a web site will get to the Internet. They pick the kind of software, server, and other equipment that will be used. They also decide when information will be sent to the Internet.

Webmasters work for Internet businesses, other businesses, schools, and governments. Some work for many different companies, doing specific projects for each one. Some webmasters have their own businesses. Webmasters usually work in offices or computer labs. Some work from home. Sometimes, they must work in the evenings or on weekends to solve important problems with a computer system. Many webmasters like their jobs because they like computers and solving problems. They also like the chance to make creative web sites.

In college, webmasters learn about computers, the Internet, and communications. They study math to strengthen their problem-solving skills and English so that they can write well at work. Many webmasters also study art and design so that they can work better with the artists and designers that help to make web sites. Some of these workers go to college for 2 years and get an associate degree. Other people need a 4-year degree to get their jobs, especially if the job is complicated, high paying, or includes being in charge of other people.

Getting a certification can also help webmasters get jobs. In order to get a certification, people usually take classes and then pass a test. Companies and organizations offer certifications. You can learn more about them at a career center, college, or library. Experience with computers is also very important. Employers look for people who know how to use specific types of software. They also want workers who are good at learning new computer skills. Students can start getting ready now by taking computer classes, reading computer books, and teaching themselves new skills, especially skills related to the web sites and computer networks.

The number of webmaster jobs is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2018. That’s because more companies are using the Internet to do business. Companies will need webmasters to help make it easier to share information across computers. New technologies, such as wireless networks, will also lead to more jobs. People with the latest skills are expected to have excellent job opportunities.

Related Occupations:

Computer and information systems manager

Computer programmer

Computer software engineer

Computer systems analyst

Designer

Mathematician

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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