The work

The internet is now a part of our everyday lives. Home computers, libraries and internet cafes have made it easy and relatively cheap for everyone to gain web access, which we now use to shop, bank, book flights and holidays and chat to friends around the world.

The web is a system of pages composed of graphics, sound, text and user input linked together via the internet. It is a library of interconnected information (not necessarily accurate) stored on pages on servers across the world. The pages can contain links that enable an immediate connection into other web pages put on to the web by different organisations.

An internet/web professional may be either a web designer, responsible for the design, layout and coding of web pages, or a website manager who maintains the more sophisticated websites that handle online enquiries, sales and payment, delivery and after-sales service arrangements.

When designing a brand new website, a designer would first talk to the client to find out exactly what is wanted from the website. This might be advertising, or selling a product or service, or publicising some activity such as a club or a society. The designer has to find out the type of people or organisations the site is aimed at, and what kind of computer technology they are likely to use.

The web designer also has to discuss:

• what information the site should include and how it should be presented
• the size of text, font style, colours and colour combinations and page backgrounds
• the style, size and positioning of button icons
• appropriate graphics
• use of frames, tables and lists
• possible animation, audio and video sequences.

When it is ready, the designer submits the draft site to the client for approval or modification. The web pages are then written in a combination of codes such as hypertext mark-up language (html) or Javascript. Many websites can usefully be linked to other sites. Designers code these links, as well as designing and programming email links and counters that will enable clients to see how many people visit their website.

When a site has been completed, the designer checks it for spelling, punctuation and grammar, and makes certain that all elements of the site work. The site is tested by using different browsers to make sure it appears correctly. It is then uploaded onto a server (a computer that holds pages of information on the web) and registered with different search engines (directories of web pages).

It is possible to create a website using software packages that take over much of the routine work. This leaves web professionals able to place greater emphasis on design (rather than writing) and perhaps concentrate on the more sophisticated websites that handle online enquiries, sales and payment, delivery and after-sales service arrangements.

Hours and Environment

As employees, internet/web professionals might work 37-40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, and possibly some evenings and weekends to meet deadlines or when problems arise. Working days may be extended by travel to and from clients' premises.

Self-employed professionals work the hours necessary to meet their workload. This may include evening and weekend work.

Skills and Interests

Internet/web professionals should:

• be creative and imaginative and have good presentation skills - someone from an arts background who has a relevant qualification in IT would be highly regarded, and many come from backgrounds which include at least some non-technical activities
• enjoy working with computers and other equipment such as scanners, digital cameras and video recorders
• have a good amount of knowledge of how the internet works
• have a strong interest and ability in design
• be prepared to keep up to date with changes in technology
• have good communication skills, including writing and speaking
• be capable of explaining technical matters to people who may have little knowledge of computing
• enjoy solving problems
• be capable of meeting deadlines
• be prepared to develop an interest in the business area they are working in.

Entry

Although there are no set entry requirements, a good web developer will need a knowledge of 'front end' concepts (how the site looks and functions for the user), and 'back end' systems (how it works). An understanding of common operating systems, servers, databases, programming, networking, security, internet protocols (TCP/IP), and graphics, animation and web design software will be required. The Training section lists the more common packages and languages that cover the areas mentioned here.

An understanding of World Wide Web Consortium (WC3) standards for website development will be helpful to ensure greater site accessibility and compatibility. See WC3 website in Further Information.

Most employers want to see evidence of experience along with relevant qualifications. This could range from developing and designing a site for a local community group to commercial experience in a related area, such as graphic design. You will need to compile a portfolio of work demonstrating your creative and technical ability, usually in the form of a CD, DVD or 'live' website.

Although there are no set entry requirements, a good web developer will need a knowledge of 'front end' concepts (how the site looks and functions for the user), and 'back end' systems (how it works). An understanding of common operating systems, servers, databases, programming, networking, security, internet protocols (TCP/IP), and graphics, animation and web design software will be required. The Training section lists the more common packages and languages that cover the areas mentioned here.

An understanding of World Wide Web Consortium (WC3) standards for website development will be helpful to ensure greater site accessibility and compatibility. See WC3 website in Further Information.
Most employers want to see evidence of experience along with relevant qualifications. This could range from developing and designing a site for a local community group to commercial experience in a related area, such as graphic design. You will need to compile a portfolio of work demonstrating your creative and technical ability, usually in the form of a CD, DVD or 'live' website.
Many new entrants have a degree, which will usually be in an IT-related subject. Typical subjects include web development, web design, multimedia design, digital media development, web content management, business information systems and computer programming.

Training

You will normally be offered on-the-job training, especially where entry is through a graduate training scheme.
Depending on client needs, a working knowledge of some of the following coding and programming/scripting languages will be required: Java, HTML, XML, DHTML, XHTML, Perl, ASP, PHP, Javascript, ActionScript, CGI, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), SSL security technologies, SQL and MySQL.

You should also be familiar with some of the common web development packages, including Dreamweaver (MX or version 8), Coldfusion MX, Studio 8, Adobe GoLive, Visual Interdev and HotMetal Pro, and common plug-ins such as Shockwave, Flash MX and Adobe Acrobat Reader. There are many others which cover specialised functions.

Courses covering these packages and languages are widely available through local colleges, private training providers and online resources, and are open to people both inside and outside of the industry. Skillset, in conjunction with the British Film Institute, maintains a course database, which contains details of multimedia training providers throughout the country – see the Skillset website in Further Information. Online resources are also widely available. The Web Development Virtual Library site and WC3 in Further Information have lots of tutorials and further links for this field.

Opportunities

This is still a very new area which is developing at phenomenal speed. Opportunities exist in 'e-commerce' (eg, online shopping), film, TV, publishing, libraries and schools

Typical employers include:

• specialist and internet service producers
• publishers, graphic design companies
• Telecommucation companies
• Marketing and Branding organisations
• the press
• film companies
• organisations with in-house websites.

Jobs are quite widely available but opportunities are found mainly in the larger cities and financial services sector.

Annual Income

Further information

Web Development Virtual Library
http://www.wdvl.com