Website Designer
How to Become a Website Designer
The Internet is a fantastic source for both entertainment and information. Any consumer wishing to find out more about a company, product, service, or cause will turn to the web to see what information is available. Because of this, web presence has become an absolute necessity for any business or corporation wishing to stay afloat in today’s knowledge driven economy.
Website designers are the individuals who can help develop a corporation’s presence on the web. Companies need informative , well designed web sites to spread information, ease transactions, maintain customer relationships, develop a good reputation, and remain competitive in whatever market they may do business in. Web designers use their knowledge of design, marketing, and technology to create, maintain, and manage websites for companies to do just that. Web site designers must be skilled in web site development, graphic design, visual communication, coding, layout, content development and general design.
Website Designer Education Requirements
Although the requirements for web designer job positions will vary from company to company, most web designers will participate in some form of training or degree program in order to stay current with constantly evolving Internet technology.
In many cases, an associate’s degree, certificate, or relevant experience in the field will be sufficient to meet qualifications for job opportunities. Many companies, however, prefer graduates of a bachelor’s degree program so further study is often necessary. Bachelor’s degree holders are also eligible for better pay and opportunities for promotion.
Job Opportunities for Website Designers
As the Internet grows, adapts and expands, the need for web designers continues to increase. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, web designers earned a median salary of $59,250. Job opportunities are best for those who have education, experience in the field, and the ability to adapt to the new practices and technologies used in web design.
Graduates of web design degree or certificate programs often work closely with marketing teams, content writers, and corporate executives. Some web designers will work for companies who are seeking to increase their presence on the Internet and improve their corporate image. Others will work for design companies or technical firms that cater to companies who have not employed salaried web designers.
Web designers can also develop their own client base, consult, and be self- employed. Graduates of a web design degree program can also find work as computer systems designers, graphic designers, desktop publishers, information architects, multimedia designers, web technicians, or internet developers among others.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 Edition
