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Choose a Business Degree for a New Future |  |
Opening the Door to an E-commerce Career with an MBA
by Edward Castro
ed.castro@hqpublications.com
Business Programs Columnist
The field of e-commerce is so new, hard and fast rules for entry into e-commerce careers don't exist. Of course you can improve your chances of landing a great job in e-commerce with an MBA.
Few colleges and universities offer specific courses in e-commerce, but as ecommerce begins to grow as a viable retail channel, the educational opportunities become more prominent. Typically, programs with a focus on e-commerce prepare people to do business on the Internet.
Learning to Succeed
To increase your chances of getting the most lucrative ecommerce jobs, you may want to consider a Master's in Business Administration (MBA). This degree requires an additional two years of study beyond the typical 4-year degree.
Coursework varies, but you will be introduced to the various parts of successful e-commerce operations including ecommerce Web site design, marketing, and information technology.
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Getting With The Program
To get into an MBA program with an e-commerce focus, here are some things you should already possess:
- Familiarity with college business courses and reasonable work experience in a business related field.
- A bachelor's degree in a business related field, such as marketing or finance.
- Basic understanding or experience with technology, computers, and the Internet.
- Good grades and test scores throughout your college career.
- A good score in the Graduate School Admission Test (GMAT).
- A letter of recommendation from a notable acquaintance, such as a teacher, business peer, or manager.
The entry requirements for graduate schools vary, but you can get the specific requirements for most programs online.
Staying the Course
Preparing for a career in e-commerce requires specific knowledge not typically taught in most graduate programs. While an MBA can lead to many careers in ecommerce, focusing your education on e-commerce can improve your chances significantly.
Seek out programs that offer courses in:
- Information Architecture
- Emerging Technologies
- Information Systems Management
- E-commerce Marketing
- E-Business Technologies and Models
- E-Commerce Law
- E-Commerce Web Site Design
- E-Commerce Systems Design
- E-Commerce Security and Control Systems
The titles of courses vary from program to program and school to school. If you're unsure whether an MBA program offers courses in e-commerce, contact a school representative for clarification.
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Degrees of Separation
After acquiring your MBA, you'll find a variety of opportunities in business. Careers in e-commerce will also materialize, especially if you focus your extra coursework in this field. Some e-commerce careers for MBA holders:
- Marketing Manager
- E-commerce Manager
- Information Systems Manager
- Web Development
- Content Manager
- Webmaster or Web Manager
- Data Communication Analyst
- Database Administrator
- Financial Manager
- Sales and Marketing Strategy
Some of the career paths above require more than a passing understanding of computer programming. For many of the most successful e-commerce professionals, undergraduate degrees in computer science are common.
The Future is Now
Despite the dotcom crash a few years ago, e-commerce still has an excellent future. While brick and mortar retail establishments aren't going anywhere soon, the Internet is quickly becoming a trusted source for consumer products. As more businesses realize the potential sales the Internet offers, their focus will steadily shift toward e-commerce. An MBA focused in this field can ensure long-term success.
About the Author
Edward Castro has an extensive experience as a creative media writer. His client portfolio has included such notables as Hewlett-Packard, Sony Computer Entertainment, Shockwave, AtomFilms, GameBlast and Mervyn's California. In his current position, Ed is developing the marketing strategy of an Internet start-up company specializing in Japanese trade goods.
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