Changing Careers to Become a Web Designer
Vocational Education Requirements to Obtain Webmasters Certification
Jul 29, 2008
Becoming a web designer is the dream job of many people today who are thinking about changing careers. This is especially true for those who have some basic computer knowledge or have taught themselves HTML. The good thing about selecting a career as a web designer is that little or no prior knowledge in computer programming is needed to enter the field.
To enter the web design field, someone only needs to have the ability to understand technical information, have good writing skills, and have some artistic ability. The remaining skills can be learned by taking classes through vocational education programs or enrolling in online distance education programs. The important thing to remember is any course completion must result in certification as a web designer and a college degree is not required.
Web Designer Vocational Education Requirements
There are three main areas of focus for someone who enters a web designer program; these are design, graphics, and layout. Any education program needs to have these three areas as a foundation of the program. Beyond this foundation, the program must include the following:
- Programming – learning and applying popular computer languages such as PHP, ASP, and JSP.
- Networking – learning how to design and repair networks.
- Web Design – using HTML, CSS, Java Script, and others to design webpages.
- Web Layout – the artistic side of web design focusing on developing visually pleasing websites.
- Writing Web Content – using writing skills to write descriptions and information which appears on webpages.
- Graphics – developing graphics and modifying existing graphic designs.
- Portfolio – requirement to build a portfolio of web design work completed for school and any self employed work outside school.
- Certification – must earn a certificate as a Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW) recognized by the International Association of Webmasters (IAW).
Certification is based on passing an examination which covers the internet, page authoring, and network basics. This is the beginner certification which indicates the person has beginner webmaster skills necessary for employment.
Job Responsibilities of a Web Designer
Before entering the web designer career field, begin by asking current web designers and developers what the job involves. If someone is not available, then read about the job requirements in employment advertisements and the employment section of the local newspaper.
These will all provide a good idea of what is expected. Here is a breakdown of broad job requirements:
- Approximately 40 percent of time is spent developing and writing web projects.
- Another 20 percent of the time is spent completing routine maintenance on equipment.
- Remainder 40 percent is spent building websites and webpages from scratch.
Web Designer Career Income
People earning certification as a web designer typically start off earning more money annually, than other vocational career fields. Here are the current average annual incomes based on years of experience according to Salary.com:
- Less than 1 year – $35,000
- 1 to 4 years – $39,000
- 5 to 9 years – $48,000
- 10 to 19 years – $50,000
- 20 years plus – $53,000 and up
The highest average annual incomes are obtained by working for hospitals and the government. The lowest annual income is earned by those who are self-employed.
For those considering a change to this career field, focusing on transferable job skills is important. Specific information about this can be obtained by visiting Changing Careers and Transferable Skills. Many adults who want to change their career are worried about going back to school, visiting 10 Tips for Adults Who are Going Back to School provides excellent resources and things to consider to be successful.
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