A website administrator is in charge of the code, design, and content of a website. He or she may create website applications, update the site to correct errors, select or edit the page’s layout, and test the website to ensure that users have the best possible experience. Working with a team of designers, managing the website’s security, and promoting the site online are all common responsibilities. Experience in web design and development, formal education in the form of a college degree or certification, communication skills, project management skills, and industry experience are all required to become a website administrator.
An associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree, as well as some certifications in website design, project management, or web programming, are usually required for becoming a website administrator. Web design, graphic design, programming, and general information technology degrees are common entry points into the field, with courses in web programming languages, layout design, digital imaging, electronic commerce, networking, and multimedia design typically included. The type of certification required varies employer, but it usually entails a webmaster designation. If you have significant experience as a webmaster or website administrator and possess the necessary technical skills for the job, these requirements may be waived.
To work as a website administrator, you’ll most likely need skills that aren’t technical. As businesses try to gain more exposure online, online marketing and social networking have become additional responsibilities for website administrators. Communication skills are also important because you may be responsible for creating website content as well as editing existing content. Project management is a critical skill for website administrators who work with a team of other designers and developers to keep the work process organized.
Experience working with websites and knowledge of the prospective company’s industry are usually required to become a website administrator. Many website administrators begin their careers as freelancers, building their own websites to market their services. The required amount of web design experience can range from two to five years, but some employers may hire those with less. Employers often prefer those with experience in their particular industry, such as marketing, finance, or health care, even if it is not always required. This is more common when one is in charge of creating website content or developing web applications related to the field.