Commerce is the exchange of goods and services. When you add the "e" (which
stands for electronic), it means that you are taking business to the Internet. If
you have bought a song online or a book from a website, you've experienced
e-commerce.
The Internet has brought global connectedness, giving students the opportunity
to greatly expand their career choices. One of those choices is building a
career centered around e-commerce. With large and small companies alike offering
shoppers the chance to purchase online from their cell phones, the need for
skilled e-commerce professionals to help business owners take advantage of
this market is constantly growing.
In North America, e-commerce sales grew 13.9% in 2012, reaching $364.66
billion. Consumers shifted their spending to retail and travel websites rather
than physical stores, thanks to lower prices, convenience, greater selection
and detailed product information. Amazon.com is the leading e-retailer in
the United States, with more than $74.45 billion in net sales in 2013.
“If you want to stay competitive in our ever-evolving consumer landscape,
you better keep pace with what your customers want. These days, it’s all about
mobility†says Sarah Bauer, of Navigator Multimedia Inc.
There are several options for those wishing to begin training as e-commerce
professionals: Community and career colleges, technical and business schools,
as well as colleges and universities. Training options include certificates,
diplomas, bachelor's and master's degrees. Some universities offer an e-business
or e-commerce specialization at the MBA level.
“The e-commerce realm is quite focused and hands-on. To succeed in e-commerce,
you need to practice specific techniques, whether it’s SEO, analytics, or
customer experience management. Students should like and be proficient at
doing online research to stay abreast of what the latest trends are. Students
should also have a liking for numbers and data. The entire online business
world is moving towards analytics and data driven decision making†stated
Axel Kuhn, an e-commerce instructor at the University of Toronto and owner
of epath consulting.
Programs range in length from a few months to four years. Institutions
offer different courses depending on their focus. Most programs will list
the expected employment opportunities for their grads.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to e-commerce programs, see: Computer
Systems Design and Related Services
For more information related to e-commerce programs, see: Computer
and Information System Managers
How E-Commerce Works
Learn the details
E-commerce Times
Read about developing trends
E-Commerce Guide
Stay up to date with news and reviews
Epath Consulting
Learn about training opportunities and best practices.