Web designer

Question: I read your Q&A article on web designer from a few years back. I was wondering if you could provide me with updated information on what programs people are using these days for web design. As a newbie, I may be interested in taking web design classes. Is there much of a difference between courses offered at community colleges versus university extension? What courses would you recommend?
— Connie

Response: As mentioned in the 2002 web designer/developer article you are referencing, web design still entails the use of such software programs as Java Script and Visual Basic.

However, DreamWeaver, Flash, and Fireworks are also popular programs currently being used in web design. The use of DreamWeaver allows web designers to create web pages that are not as flooded with static and dynamic content, so pages load more quickly.

DreamWeaver 8 is the latest version of the software. New features include the ability to integrate XML data with a powerful drag and drop workflow and a new Zoom tool to help control the design.

Training Options and Costs
Community college courses generally focus on basic instruction on the mechanics of web design program usage. University extension programs, while more costly, often provide more in-depth instruction. These courses delve into topics such as the management of database systems. This instruction would be needed to support a company web site.

The following is a list of university extension departments in the Los Angeles County area that offer web design courses:

UCLA Extension

10995 LeConte Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90024

(310) 825-4100

www.uclaextension.edu

The Computer and Information Systems department offers a variety of courses on web design. Courses include Macromedia DreamWeaver: Introduction to Website Design and Management with DreamWeaver. This is a hands-on workshop on how to build web pages.

Course topics include HTML tables, JavaScript, and site management. No HTML coding or prior DreamWeaver experience is required. The cost of the course is $700.
Additional courses include Introduction to Java Programming, offered at a cost of $575. And Visual Basic .NET Database Programming for the Visual Studio .NET Platform class, offered at a cost of $800.

These classes will provide you with the opportunity to build a portfolio of web development projects. Another benefit is that it is common for professors to make in-class announcements about job openings in web design.

California State University, Los Angeles

Division of Extended Education

5151 State University Drive

Los Angeles, CA 90032

(323) 343-4900

www.calstatela.edu/exed/

The division offers Introduction to Multimedia Web Development. This course covers interface design, screen design and digital motion video. Additional courses include Macromedia DreamWeaver. The cost per course is $295.

California State University, Dominguez Hills

Department of Extended Education

1000 E Victoria St.

Carson, CA 90747

(310) 243-3696

www.csudh.edu

The department offers Beginning HTML. This course covers the basics of building a web site. It is offered at a cost of $160. Also offered is Using DreamWeaver. Instruction covers visual page design and use of JavaScript behaviors. The cost is $320.

Salary
After gaining hands-on experience in web design, you could consider working on a contract/per project basis. Entry-level contract web developers earn from approximately $25 to $35 per hour. Your earnings will be highly dependent on the length and nature of the project.

Employment Outlook
Above average growth is projected through 2010 for web designers.

Job Description
Web Designers apply knowledge of programming techniques and computer Internet systems to design, lay out, test and maintain the web pages of company web sites. The goal is to create visually appealing and user friendly Intranet and Extranet pages and sites.

The web designer may be given a certain amount of latitude in the creative aspect of web design, such as in color choice and use of multimedia graphics. If working in a staff position, a web designer may also be responsible for maintaining and updating the web site. They may also be called web masters.

Professional Associations
You might consider joining the following associations after securing employment as a web designer:

Society for Technical Communications

901 N. Stuart Street, Suite 904

Arlington, VA 22203

(703) 522-4114

www.stc.org

Los Angeles Chapter

www.lastc.org

Contact: Kerry J. Tani, President:

E-mail: president@lastc.org

This is an individual membership organization dedicated to advancing the art and science of technical communication. Members include web designers.

Membership benefits include networking opportunities at local chapter meetings, online seminars on technical issues, and industry updates through publications. Annual membership dues range from $70 to $150 depending on type of membership.

Association for Women in Computing

41 Sutter Street, Suite 1006

San Francisco, CA 94104

(415) 905-4663

E-mail: awc@awc-hq.org

This is a not-for-profit, professional organization for individuals with an interest in information technology. Membership benefits include networking opportunities through e-discussion forums and industry updates through articles. Annual individual membership dues are $42.

The following association now serves as an online resource as opposed to a membership association. You can use this site to engage in online e-chats concerning the field of web design.

International Association of Webmasters and Designers

IAWMD Membership Headquarters

13833-E4 Wellington Trace

PMB Suite #214

Wellington, FL 33414

(561) 533-9008

www.iawmd.com

This is a professional association of IT and Web Professionals that offers free membership. To join, fill out an online registration form. Membership benefits include networking opportunities through e-chats.

 
Susan W. Miller, M.A., is a National Certified Career Counselor, a Certified Vocational Evaluation Specialist and holds diplomate status on the American Board of Vocational Experts. She heads California Career Services, a private practice career counseling firm in Los Angeles.

E-mail career questions you'd like answered in this column to info@californiacareerservices.com or visit California Career Services at www.californiacareerservices.com.