Job Overview Since portable computers and PDAs give people access to the Internet anywhere, they use this to be updated with the current news, music and even realtime baseball scores when they are not at home. Use of Internet have created avenues for job opportunities for people who are computer literate. A person who has the title of an online producer is responsible for writing, presenting and organizing information on Web sites. Online producers are also responsible in maintaining the Web sites where people get different kinds of information from.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
Computer classes will help one to be an online producer. They need to have a solid computer knowledge which includes knowing software that they can use to create Web sites. Some software that they need to be familiar with are Homesite, DreamWeaver and Adobe Photoshop. Taking courses in Math and Business are also recommended. Journalism courses are also helpful since online producers need to have strong writing, reporting and editing skills. This is the reason that most of those aspiring to be an online producer take a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism as there are elective class available or inclusive, like the Web-based media class.
Skills and Abilities
It is important to know how to work with a team when pursuing a career as an online producer. Being a team player would require you to know how to communicate well with other people. They should be creative and have a passion for experimenting with different methods to get good work results. Being resourceful and a quick learner is also a must. In this type of career, strong computer skills will be your tool to be successful. Knowledge in different computer software programs and equipment makes the job easier. They also need to be a fast worker in terms of gathering information and posting it to the Web site.
Duties
It is the duty of an online producer to write, edit and present information on the Web site.
If they are working for a news organization, they need to take news articles that are published in the paper and translate them in the organizations Web site. It is their responsibility to produce stories and features for online publication. They also work with other multimedia producers to incorporate special audio or video slide shows in their presentations. They make sure that the links on the Web site are working properly. Online producers manage the Web sites for the organizations they are employed with.
Earnings and Job Outlook
There are no official figures for the earnings of online producers. It is studied that they earn similarly to those who work as traditional editors which earned an average income of $45,150 in 2005. The number of people relying on the Internet to gain access to news and information are increasing which means that there will be many job opportunities available for online producers in the future.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.