So, you’re interested in becoming a Web Designer…
check out your future career!
Academy College can help you achieve your goals through our Web Design AAS Degree or Certificate programs.
What’s the job all about?
Web designers and developers are responsible for the visual appearance and technical aspects of Web site creation. Using design skills and a variety of software packages, they identify a site’s users, determine the design concept, and develop the site from initial production to the point that it is ready for public view on the internet. They determine the information that the site will contain and how it will be organized, and may use web development software to integrate databases and other information systems. Some individuals will manage both the design and development aspects of website creation. While many others will either focus on website design-determining the most effective way to get messages across via the internet using color, type, illustration, photography, animation and various layout techniques; or website development-focusing “behind the scenes” to ensure all aspects of the website are functioning correctly with the assistance of a variety of software tools.
Webmasters or Web administrators are responsible for maintaining Web sites. They oversee issues such as availability to users and speed of access, and are responsible for approving the content of the site. Webmasters also collect and analyze data on Web activity, traffic patterns, and other metrics, as well as monitor and respond to user feedback.
What type of skills do I need to be successful in this career?
- Written and oral communication skills
- Creativity
- Problem-solving skills
- Attention to detail
- Research skills
- Computer proficiency
- Keyboarding skills
- Adaptable to change
- Knowledge for learning
What’s the job market like?
Some web professionals do freelance work—full time or part time—in addition to holding a salaried job in design or in another occupation.
Web site design with a keen eye for design as well as animation experience will continue to be needed as demand increases for design projects for interactive media—Web sites, mobile phones, and other technology. Growth in Internet advertising, in particular, is expected to increase the number of designers.
Demand for Web administrators and Web developers will be strong. More of these workers will be needed to accommodate the increasing amount of data sent over the Internet, as well as the growing number of Internet users. In addition, as the number of services provided over the Internet expands, Web administrators and developers will continue to see employment increases.
What type of earnings should I expect?
Median annual wages for graphic designers were $42,400 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $32,600 and $56,620. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $26,110, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $74,660. May 2008 median annual wages in the industries employing the largest numbers of graphic designers were: Computer systems design and related services $47,860.
Median annual wages of network systems and data communication analysts were $71,100 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $54,330 and $90,740. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $41,660, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $110,920. These wages encompass network architects, telecommunications specialists, Webmasters, and Web developers.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, [accessed November 10, 2011] [http://www.bls.gov/oco/].
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