Interview with Frank Gundermann on Web Development Opportunities

1. What specific skills do you feel are necessary when you hire someone in this occupation?

Creative graphic skills and good organizational skills. Organizational skills in terms of file management and workflow will benefit you a great deal and is a key to becoming a good developer. With these skills in place, any software application can be learnt and applied. Software we recommend in the industry include Adobe PhotoShop & ImageReady, Macromedia Fireworks, Macromedia Flash, Macromedia DreamWeaver.

2. Do you offer on the job training for this position?

No. All additional work is contracted out to persons with experience in handling the specific task.

3. Are there entry-level positions available for this position?

There is little entry-level work in the industry. Individuals new to the industry will find that they need to advance thier skills Much of the work is on contract basis. Employers are looking to hire experienced individuals who can help them achieve a goal. New workers are finding they need to learn much on their own, and need to show what they have done on their own to gain work.

4. How much experience is required?

One to two years in a specific field of web design. (Copyrighting, graphics, information architecture, scripting, coding, server-end programming, database management, e-commerce configuration, search engine placements, marketing)

5. What type of training or education would you recommend for this position?

A formal education in a specific field of web design which you find suited to you. Your education should include aspects of each area for developing web sites, but you should focus on becoming an industry expert in one specific field of web design such as the areas listed above.

6. Where would you suggest I get this training?

Many colleges offer training for web design. Research the course and instructor and previous students to find out if the course would be successful for you. Community Skills Centre in Mission offers a 4-month graphics training program which includes design for the print and web design industry. It is unique in that it offeres layout & design principles which can be applied to every software program. Software learnt includes: Quark Express, Corel Draw, Illustrator, Photoshop, DreamWeaver, Image Ready, and Flash.

7. If a position were available, would you consider hiring someone who has completed the above program?

The CSC offers a comprehensive program with a practicum upon completion, however a new computer user will find it very challenging to apply all the skills in this short time. An individual needs to complement this with experience in the industry which can be gained by developing web sites.

8. What are the current employment opportunities in the Web Design or E-commerce industry for persons with training in this field?

The market seems to be inundated with self proclaiming web designers. Graphical training and ability will help you stand out in the industry.

9. Do you see an increasing demand for persons with these skills and qualifications?

The need for good developers continues to grow. Despite the inundation of many self proclaimed designers in the industry (I know FrontPage, I can develop you a site) their is room for developers who take their skills to a professional level with thier education.

Work in the industry is mostly contract work or within a large organization which maintains an IT department. Organizations are bringing the skills required for development in-house. Currently contract work is steady, and IT departments are on the uptake.

10. Are there opportunities for advancement in this occupation in your company?

All our work is on a contract basis.

11. What is the entry level wage rate?

You may expect $15/hour.

12. What are the hours of work?

Hours can be high when a project is underway. Seasonally the first half of the year has more contract work.

13. How long have you worked at this job?

I have been operating as web developer since 1997.

14. What are the skills and abilities required for a web designer?

Graphic design, excellent understanding of computer file maintenance, and copywriting.

15. Did you receive on-the-job training?

No. I had training in computer graphics and am mainly self taught in web development. There seems to be little on the job training available.

16. Did you attend a training program?

I received some training in computer graphic arts.

17. Is it necessary for you to attend occasional upgrading to keep your skills current?

Yes. Training via seminars, books, and web sites is a requirement to stay up-to-date.

18. What are the duties and responsibilities?

Update web sites, manage files, respond to e-mail, promote sites, plan site architecture, develop graphics to list a few. The duties are all encompassing as a contractor, since business functions such as marketing, accounting, and customer satisfaction need to be handled also.

19. Are there opportunities for advancement?

Yes, skilled individuals who advance thier knowledge can climb quickly.

20. What do you enjoy the most?

Staying at home to work. The flexible hours as an independent contractor. The opportunity to work hard and long to complete a contract, and then take a period of "easy" time.

21. What do you enjoy the least?

Same thing. It is difficult to get motivated when working at home. Work tends to suffer, or the family may suffer unless a strict "work time" is adhered to. Weekends or "free time" is always seen as an opportunity to get caught up. I am finding my family suffers as a result.

22. Working conditions?

Comfortable. Get the best computer monitor, chair and desk you can afford in that order. Also get yourself a lap cat. :)

posted: May 9, 2007