Today's goods and services marketplace leaps across oceans and international borders. Major corporations as well as independent online entrepreneurs depend on e-commerce professionals to build sales operations as well as oversee IT systems. Specialists are needed to direct e-commerce security systems and market development. Other professionals will head project management teams or analyze business requirements.
How to Prepare For a Career in E-Commerce
Business and IT professionals make up the backbone of B2B and B2C e-commerce enterprises. For those who rise from sales or finance, an advanced e-commerce degree can bolster credentials. Those from the IT sector may enroll in ongoing e-commerce studies programs to learn the economic or marketing side of the business.
E-Commerce Career Education Requirements
Online e-commerce certificate and degree programs are available at the associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree levels. There are dedicated e-commerce degree programs or MBA degree programs that complement your experience in business or IT and can qualify you for the thriving e-commerce industry.
Salary Ranges for E-Commerce Professionals
The BLS reports a 2008 median annual wage of $108,580 for marketing managers, while computer systems analysis drew a median wage of $75,500. Annual earnings for managers of systems operations, call centers, or sales teams earned a median wage of $73,520 in 2008.
Job Outlook in B2B E-Commerce
The BLS reports that e-commerce computer systems analysts with a master's degree will enjoy a 20 percent increase in jobs from 2008 to 2018. Jobs for marketing professionals and sales managers will grow by 23 percent during the same decade.