This is what most people are usually thinking of when they talk about web careers. The web publishing group is responsible for creating, posting, changing and maintaining the web pages on a web site. Although there can be many different positions within a web publishing group, the most common is web developer. Many tasks are often associated with the role of web developer. Programmers, graphic artists and site designers all can fall under this catchall title. But generally, the responsibilities are split between the artistic endeavors and the programming tasks. Therefore, we will concentrate mainly on two common careers: web developer (programmer) and web designer (site designer). However, depending on the size of the company and the web development group, these roles can often both be assigned to the same individual. So make sure you are clear on the total job responsibilities before accepting an employment offer.

Web Developer (Programmer)

After the content is created, someone has to take it and format it into web pages. This is the responsibility of the web developer. Using a blend of programming, artistic and business skills, the developer weaves the content into an engaging format to keep folks riveted to the web site. In addition, developers are also involved in overall site design (in conjunction with the web designers) and usability testing.^xvii Interaction with network administrators and database administrators is also frequently required.

The main task of the developer is to generate code for web pages. This usually involves the use of a web development tool such as Dreamweaver, FrontPage, GoLive or Visual Interdev. In addition, good web developers are also expected to be familiar with graphic editing packages (such as Adobe Photoshop) since making changes to the formats of graphics is a common task when developing web pages. Therefore, make sure you have training in at least one of these packages (preferably two) prior to applying for a web development job.

Entry Level Job Profile - Web Developer

Equivalent Job Titles - Web Programmer, Web Designer, Webmaster, Web Application Developer.

Average Compensation - $59,364^xviii

Responsibilities - Although tasks can overlap with web design in small organizations, pure web developers would be responsible for the following:

• Generate code for web pages - This would potentially including using HTML, XHTML, XML, Java, JavaScript, VBScript, Perl, ASP, JSP or some combination of these technologies.
  
  
• Work with web designers to develop a standard "look and feel" for the web site.
  
  
• Integration of databases (or other supporting systems) into web content - Common systems that would interface with a web site would be customer information databases, inventory systems, customer ordering systems, fulfillment (shipping) systems and financial systems (credit card processing). Scripting is heavily used to pass data between systems.
  
  
• Implementing content updates as provided by the content management group.
  
  
• Generation of low level graphics or art work - Although this is a primary responsibility of the graphic artists or the web designers, often simple art work needs to be created on the fly.

Skills - To successfully perform these duties, you would need to possess the following skills:

• Extensive knowledge of page layout and web site design.
  
  
• Proficiency in modern web programming languages and technologies such as HTML, XML, Java, JavaScript, VBScript, Visual Basic, C++, C#, Perl, ASP and JSP.
  
  
• Knowledge of major web development tools such as Dreamweaver, GoLive, Interdev, FrontPage and PageMill.
  
  
• Understanding of networking technology - To facilitate communications between the web site and ancillary databases and systems, anunderstanding of network communications is essential.
  
  
• Even temperment - If the web site is down, many departments may be harassing you about repairing it. People don't usually mean to be cruel or overly demanding, but when mission critical systems like a web site are not working, tempers can flare. The ability to shrug off abuse and work well under pressure are admirable qualities.
  
  
• Basic programming/script writing skills - In setting up servers and software, some amount of scripting (writing small programs or commands) will be required.
  
  
• Excellent communication skills - Communicating needs to upper management, pursuing solutions with third party vendors and working in conjunction with other system administrators requires being able to express your thoughts clearly and succinctly.
  
  
• Keep abreast of new web technologies and test new software tools

Education - A two- or four-year college degree and/or equivalent training at a technical institute is extremely desirable. Four-year degrees in disciplines other than IT are usually acceptable when supplemented by Internet development and programming courses.

Certifications - Web development certifications are relatively new. New ones will probably continue to emerge. These are currently the certifications gaining the most attention from developers and employers:

1. Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW) - A vendor neutral certification aimed at web development professionals developed by Prosoft Training. Four different tracks are offered: Designer, Enterprise Developer, Administrator, and Web Site Manager. Each requires a different number of exams. The certification is accredited by the Association of Internet Professionals (AIP) and endorsed by the International Webmasters Association (IWA). (www.ciwcertified.com)
   
   
2. World Organization of Webmasters (WOW) Certifications - WOW offers four exams that lead to the Certified Professional Webmaster (CPW) certification. However, each exam passed entitles you to an intermediate level of certification. (www.joinwow.org)
   
   
3. Certified Web Professional (CWP) - Sponsored by the International Webmasters Association (IWA), the CWP comes in many different flavors according to your area of expertise. In addition to passing an examination, there is also a requirement that you have a certain number of years of work experience in order to be awarded the certification. (www.iwanet.org)

Web Designers (Site Designer)

Site designers and web developer roles can be very similar depending upon the organization. However, web designers usually have a more artistic background and training in interface design (as opposed to developers who have more training in programming). The site designer’s main function is to develop an effective interface between the customer, company management and the web development team.^xvix The designer must ensure that the site design helps management effectively communicate its message to the customer while still maintaining customer functionality of the site. This delicate juggling act is more art than science. Often site designers end up being the project managers for the web site since they tend to interface with all groups responsible for development and maintenance of the web site. Therefore, strong communication skills are a requirement of this job.

Entry Level Job Profile - Web Designer

Equivalent Job Titles - Web Site Designer, Web Architect, Web Site Project Manager.

Average Compensation - $52,350^xx

Responsibilities - Although tasks can overlap with web development in small organizations, pure web designers would be responsible for the following:

• Designing the overall structure of the site - topics to be covered, information to be included, customer features.^xxi
  
  
• Designing the user interface including navigation bars, table of contents, site maps, etc.
  
  
• Conduct meetings with company management, content providers, web developers and customers to keep abreast of the goals for the web site.
  
  
• Working with web developers to develop a standard "look and feel" for the web site.
  
  
• Testing the site to ensure all features and links work correctly.
  
  
• Review other web sites and research new design technologies to gather new design ideas.
  
  
• Work with the web administration group to design adequate security for the site.
  
  
• Develop site standards and templates - Using standard formats and layouts speeds the work of the web developers.

Skills - To successfully perform these duties, you would need to possess the following skills:

• Extensive knowledge of page layout and web site design, including training in instructional design.
  
  
• Familiarity with modern web programming languages and technologies such as HTML, XML, Java, JavaScript, VBScript, Visual Basic, C++, C#, Perl, ASP and JSP.
  
  
• Thorough understanding of the company's business model – Interfacing with customers and upper management requires that you are in touch with management goals and customer needs for your particular industry.
  
  
• Adequate knowledge of major web development tools such as Dreamweaver, GoLive, Interdev, FrontPage and PageMill.
  
  
• Understanding of networking technology — To facilitate communications between the web site and ancillary databases and systems, anunderstanding of network communications is essential.
  
  
• Excellent communication skills – Conducting meetings with customers, upper management and the business units of the company requires clear communications.
  
  
• Outstanding organizational skills – Functioning as the project manager for a web site will require the ability to construct schedules (using project management software) and prioritize project components.
  
  
• Up-to-date knowledge of new web technologies and software development tools.

Education - A two- or four-year college degree and/or equivalent training at a technical institute is extremely desirable. Four-year degrees in disciplines other than IT are usually acceptable when supplemented by Internet development and design courses. E-commerce courses would also be a plus.

Certifications - The same certifications that are available to web developers are appropriate for web designers.