The continuous development of eCommerce has forever changed the way entrepreneurs run their businesses while transforming global consumer habits. To date, it is estimated that there are about 2.77 billion people shopping online worldwide, and this figure is expected to rise in the coming years with the emergence of new online platforms that are sure to disrupt the market. With purchasing trends and new shopping sites securing the future of eCommerce, individuals who are on the hunt for roles to build a long-term and fruitful career should consider applying for a job in this sector. The shift to online selling has created the need for professionals, so here are some skills that you’ll need to have, as well as some possible roles that you can take on if you’re considering an eCommerce-related career.
eCommerce Website Developer
When people think about online shopping, what immediately comes to mind is ordering products from eCommerce titans like Amazon, Etsy, Alibaba, and Ebay. However, small businesses are also opening their own online shops to increase brand awareness and reach a wider audience. As a result, eCommerce Website Developers are going to be in demand as experts predict that this year, 80 percent of transactions between suppliers and buyers will take place in digital spaces.
eCommerce website development roles are highly flexible, so you can pursue it as a full-time career or as a side hustle. As an eCommerce web developer, you’ll need to be adept in web development languages such as JavaScript, CSS, and HTML. Being skilled in these areas will allow you to create a user-friendly and stylish structure for any online shop. You’ll also need to master server-side scripting to create dynamic pages, validate submitted data, and ensure that the shop can securely handle transactions. Having a thorough understanding of payment options and gateways, and knowing best practices in online marketing is also a must if you’re thinking about pursuing this career as an independent or self-employed worker.
eCommerce Manager
Business owners who are running a brick and mortar shop and an online store at the same time will need the help of an eCommerce Manager to avoid getting overwhelmed by day-to-day operations and tasks. An eCommerce Manager’s role becomes even more important once an online shop starts to grow since not only are they required to keep an eye on sales and transactions, but they’ll also be responsible for creating online marketing campaigns and enhancing customer experience, among others.
As an eCommerce Manager, you’ll need to be skilled in project creation and management, digital marketing, SEO, technical SEO, email marketing and social media marketing. You’ll also need to know how to do market research, as well as some basics in web design. Knowing the ins and outs of eCommerce platforms is also a must, in addition to being familiar with AI and automation processes if the business owner wants to use Artificial Intelligence to enhance their venture.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Online shops are a favorite target of cybercriminals, and as online businesses continue to flourish, we can expect more hackers attempting to steal data for monetary gain. As entrepreneurs start to become more aware of cybersecurity, we can expect more Cybersecurity Analyst roles to be available in the job market. If you’re looking to get a head start on your finances, you’ll be happy to know that taking on this role can lead to a lucrative career. In fact, according to a recent ZipRecruiter estimate, the average Cybersecurity Analyst can earn about $99,400 to $150,000 per year.
As a Cybersecurity Analyst, you’ll be tasked to protect online shops from cyberattacks and fraud. To become one though, you’ll need to enroll in a course to be certified. Here, you’ll learn certain skills such as cloud computing security, AI in cybersecurity analysis, computer security, network security, and threat mitigation. Once you’re hired for a job, you’ll be monitoring the online shop and network traffic for security incidents and investigate them accordingly. You’ll also need to fix vulnerabilities by installing the necessary software, encryption programs, and firewalls.
The ever-evolving nature of eCommerce creates a wide variety of jobs that can lead to independence and financial stability. Consider the roles mentioned above, and see if an eCommerce career would be the right path for you.
