Finding Your Niche in the World of E-commerce

by Sarah Clark
Online Degrees Columnist

E-commerce is a field that abounds with interesting jobs, from website designer and programmer to marketing manager and financial director. Here's the lowdown on jobs in e-commerce and what training and experience might be needed for them.

E-commerce emerged as a serious area of business in the late 1990s when hi-tech stocks were soaring and venture capitalists were lining up to invest in promising Internet startups. At that time, companies like Amazon.com and brick-and-mortar retailers such as Gap, Inc. and Barnes & Noble began to explore possibilities for selling their goods online.

Today e-commerce accounts for a significant portion of retail sales. With each holiday season consumers conduct more of their shopping online and startup companies like Amazon.com have consistently posted solid earnings, all of which signals that e-commerce has become a widely accepted way of doing business.

E-commerce Website Designer

So what types of jobs might you pursue in e-commerce? Those that are unique to the industry are technology-oriented jobs, such as website designer and programmer. Website designers come up with a layout and color scheme that is functional and which serves the branding goals of a company.

Web Programmer and System Administrator

The web programmer has arguably the most important job, which is to make sure that information such as credit card and social security numbers remain secure and out of the hands of cyber criminals. Web programmers might work with system administrators to make sure a site contains all safeguards that prevent criminals intent on hacking into systems.

Business Support Jobs

Other jobs in e-commerce are those you'll find in any retail business. For example, marketing managers oversee the branding and advertising efforts of a company. Professionals with financial skills are hired to draft monthly financial statements and suggest ways to grow a company through investments and acquisitions. In addition, human resource professionals are hired to oversee all hiring, recruitment and other personnel issues.

All of these jobs require a different set of skills and training. All, however, can be obtained through degree programs in marketing, business or finance, or computer science and other technology-related degrees. Find out today what area of e-commerce you'd like to pursue and begin making plans for a career in a field that's rife with opportunity.

About the Author
Sarah Clark is a freelance writer specializing in career development and postsecondary education.

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