Question: What does your job entail?
Answer: I'm accountable for overseeing and coordinating the
Florida Atlantic University Web site, which includes
maintaining and updating all Web account servers, and faculty
and administrative staff accounts. Everything done online at
the university falls into my area of responsibility.
I
supervise department staff and implement the first two levels
of the FAU home page. Maintaining the Web site requires the
use of a many Web-authoring tools, such as Macromedia
DreamWeaver, Adobe Photoshop and Image Ready, and Microsoft
Front Page.
Three years ago, I became responsible for
handling the Web site for the first live Webcast of FAU’s
graduation commencement. It involved designing a Web interface
with a streaming Web server.
I also coordinate the annual
online student government elections and the professor
evaluations for the distance-education programs. The trend
toward distance learning has given me an opportunity to build
Web applications for the university’s online distance-learning
programs.
Q: How did you get started?
A: My career actually began in the aerospace industry while
I was completing my degree in finance. After graduation, I
became a financial examiner for the state. I was eventually
brought into the Management Information Systems (MIS)
department, where I provided data administrative compliance
applications for their databases.
I also became a hobbyist.
When the MIS field exploded, I was ready. I was fortunate to
find a profession that I really liked.
Q: What was your job search like?
A:After graduation, I used networking and the Internet to
increase my contacts. The Internet postings didn’t lead me to
an actual job, but they did give me access to company and
organization Web sites in the specific geographical location
that was important to me.
From there, I became involved
with networking and relationship-building to increase my
contacts. That process led me to a position opening at FAU.
Q: What do you like best about your job?
A: This is a challenging position with new and different
things happening each day. Being able to problem-solve and to
use my creative ability and , as well as my technical skills
makes each day a new and exciting one. The word “routine” is
not in any of the languages we speak or use here.
Q: Is there anything you don’t like about it?
A: I thoroughly enjoy my work. There are times, though,
when I wish I wouldn’t have to go through the chains of
command to implement something new, to make a change or to
solve a problem.
However, I have learned to accept this
process because it exists in most large organizations and in
academic environments. It is part of the job. The positives
outweigh any negatives.
Q: What skills are required to perform your job?
A: My position requires strong computer language skills,
exceptional communication and management abilities, and a
knack for getting along with people.
Competencies in
software and hardware programs are needed because I must have
the knowledge base to install and work with many varieties of
software programs, existing ones and new ones as they come
into the market. That way, I am able to stay current in a
rapidly changing technology to improve and enhance the Web
site for our customers and the faculty and the administrative
users.
Q: What educational requirements are there to become a
Webmaster?
A:I would encourage everyone to attain a minimum of a
bachelor’s degree in computer science or in Management
Information Systems. However, many hobbyists often get right
into certification programs without a degree and can do
well.
Training to become a certified Internet Web site user
includes courses and testing at all levels. As in any industry
or profession, continuing education with certifications in
information technology systems and project management also are
helpful. I currently have a master’s of science degree in MIS.
Q: What compensation can someone expect?
A: The compensation range at the university is $40,000 to
$60,000. Webmasters in the private sector might make more.
However, in many instances, those positions can be
time-limited or are on a contract basis.
Q: What was the most satisfying experience you’ve had as
a Webmaster?
A: In addition to the real-time, live FAU graduation
experience, I have won several awards for my pro bono work
evaluating other Web sites. That brings me a great deal of
satisfaction, and it adds to my knowledge base.
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