If you do a define search in Google for the word webmaster, you’ll find all the description rather similar in duties. The main tasks of a webmaster is maintain and administer a website. In actual employee talk it could really mean several things. It could be that you’re expected to handle tasks from design to programming to updating and maybe to even marketing or what you really do is update text and images on the website.
The humorous part about this is that instead of calling personnel who manage websites; webmasters, any more. We are now branding them as Web Managers instead. This instantly reminded me of Zeldman’s article; Web 2.0 Thinking Game.
So let me try this game here:
Web 1.0: Webmaster
Web 2.0: Web Manager
There’s a noticing trend in the employment section of the classifieds, I’ve found a number of local companies seeking for a ‘Web Manager’. The first one came from AirAsia that really made me think if I should apply – thinking that working under an airline company might be good pay. The recent one today was from a large financial type corporation.
Being curious and attentive to the employers who are seeking specialized personnel in Web or the Internet, I noticed that only a very tiny handful would list the actual job responsibilities or requirements. I’m not sure about the fresh graduates out there but this kind of thing makes me a little skittish.
This was the list of job requirements by the recent company looking for a Web Manager:
- Degree / Diploma in a related discipline.
- At least 3 years relevant working experience.
- Able to keep abreast with the latest technology and tools in order to constantly update and enhance the Company’s web portal and other web sites.
- Good writing skills are mandatory.
It seems straight forward and a simple job with few responsibilities but is all that really true?
What do they really mean at the third point? Surf all day at your computer to find out what’s new or what’s in and what’s not?
At least AirAsia’s was better written. One of the main responsibilities of the Web Manager as I’ve researched earlier as well, is that the personnel will be managing not only the website but the web team or department too. In other words, you’re like the supervisor who’s experienced in Web to lead the group of personnels they have to improve on their website.
So the position name of Web Manager might sound cool or high level, but remember to find out what responsibilities will you have to take on.
p/s: If you’ve got a what was Web 1.0 and now Web 2.0 terminology, post it in the comments. :)