Career Services

Electronic Commerce

Nature of the Industry

E-Commerce can be broadly defined as any form of business transaction or interaction conducted electronically. It includes: business to business transmission of commercial data; electronic trading; access to services and retail sales via the Internet; electronic news and information services; online entertainment; e-mail; and any other form of electronic data transmission.

Electronic Commerce is an emerging career, and its definition is changing daily. Internationally, eCommerce is changing the way in which companies process purchasing orders, ship merchandise, and handle customer requests.

Examples of E-commerce:

Skills required for e-commerce occupations

The skills required for e-commerce is varied. E-commerce involves many different technical IT&T skills as well as business, project management, communication and creative design skills.

The ELECTRONIC COMMERCE AAS degree at Richland College is designed to meet the needs of professionals in the rapidly changing world of Internet Commerce. ECommerce includes all aspects of business processes enabled by Internet technologies. The increasing volume of transactions that take place electronically is a revolution in business practices. This program introduces students to eCommerce through marketing, management, communications, and Web site design and development.

» Electronic Commerce AAS at Richland College
» E-commerce certificate at Richland College

Salaries and Employment Opportunities

E-commerce project managers are now offered an average salary of $114,000 per year, according to dice.com, the online job board for IT professionals, and salaried jobs hold a clear majority over hourly or contractual ones.

These professionals are probably best off in New York, since that city has both the largest number of open positions for e-commerce project managers and the highest average salary ($126,000 per year). Other areas with a large concentration of open jobs are Silicon Valley (13%), Los Angeles (13%) and Washington D.C. (9%) Averages are based on 118 listings on dice.com, with cities and job types bearing fewer than 4 listings excluded from mention.

Data came from available jobs listed during December 2000. Results are based on averages or totals from the following information: salary, job type, job skills, and location.

TECHNICAL PRODUCER I - WEB, $39,133

Acts as a liaison for the creative content team and the IT technical team. Develops the technical specifications for the site. Plans and reviews the navigational user interface designs. Plans and reviews site architecture for new web site products and features. Troubleshoots, tests and oversees the launch of new products. Coordinates among cross functional to identify challenges, recommend, and implement solutions. May require a bachelor's degree or its equivalent and 0-2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field (i.e., HTML, JAVA, Mac, UNIX, and Window platforms). Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Little creativity is required. Typically reports to a project leader or manager.

US-TX-DALLAS-BUSINESS ANALYST, $35,000 TO $45,000

Office supply company is looking for a self-started individual to join their printing department. Candidate will work directly with the Consulting Project Manager in implementation of the various eCommerce solutions offered within the document and printing department. These implementation responsibilities include analysis of requirements, construction of databases, profiles, and reporting capabilities, testing, documentation, and training. Some direct interface with clients is required.

Job Summary Sources

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