I regularly received e-mails asking how to break into the World Wide Web Biz. I will share my thoughts with the “wannabe’s”, “newbies”, and guru’s out there. (Alpha-geeks: delete this message)

Question:
Your biz — web design — was it difficult to break into? I’ve been thinking about going in that direction for a new career. I am very good with graphics and love to create. At present am only taking the programming classes.

Answer:
1) Breaking in is not hard. Plenty of business out there! Start a portfolio with freebies you do and then network those with the target market you want. Basic marketing skills will be required if your are going to sell yourself or your work. Find a mentor in all areas.

The hardest part for me is the artistic stuff, which I outsource when my right brain is too taxed. (It’s NOT that I am not talented... just not as talented as some client’s requirements.) The easy part for me is the biz stuff because the resources are available EVERYWHERE. (My skill set is in project management and leadership.)

2) Select one area of specialization.
• Application development: These are the people, who create and maintain the business, or application software.
• Technical development: Technical developers create, maintain, and develop the system software: operating systems, database management systems, and communications systems.
• Systems support: They are responsible for running and supporting the software that the developers create.

3) Stay reported.
Jumping around will cost money and time. It is okay to not like something that someone else thinks will be the end all, be all. Know what your skills are and work them. Contact a recruiter and let them set the groundwork and ask them to help. There are folks that will do this because they may be able to place you in the end.
Technical is much higher paid than Applications from what I am experiencing via supply and demand. Working for someone is good too.
You’ll need that portfolio (read-experience) to get into the review process. WRITE DOWN all the work you do and build the resume as you do it. It all counts even if you don’t think it does. Let THEM decide. They need you out there. (FYI...This advice is not specific to this industry...)

4) Here are some interesting web pages that might help you decide if this
journey is what you want:
Differences in the disciplines:
http://www.datamasters.com/survfaq.html.
Scroll down to the area that defines the different paths within the field.
Salary info; http://www.datamasters.com/survey.html
You’ll see the true value ($$$) of what the industry is paying here. The money is there... knowing what is needed to get it can be the biggest step.

(Editor’s Note: Becky Wiles is the owner of 2Amazing Web Design. She may be reached at
(360) 613-5640, becky@2amazing.com, ICQ# 6973819 or http://www.2amazing.com.)