---- Original message ----
>Date: Thu, 30 Aug 2007 10:04:35 -0400
>From: "David Kemper" <siansleep gmail.com>
>Subject: [Web4lib] Seeking Advice: Switching Career
Paths
>To: web4lib <web4libwebjunction.org>
>
>Colleagues,
>
>I am wondering what I should do to switch career paths
effectively. I
>have taken numerous courses on web and multimedia
design; online
>information organization; graphic design and others. And
I have a real
>keen interest in the web and the latest trends, and how
they work to
>better communications and information delivery. I am
wondering if a
>few programming courses are in order? I am not sure what
should be my
>next step.
>
>Your input and advice would be much appreciated. Feel
free to email me
>off the list at siansleepgmail.com
>
In my opinion, stop trying for libraries. Sad to say, but
most libraries want a web designer/web developer/database
administrator all rolled up in one neat little package.
Partly it's just limited resources and also amount of work.
There's few libraries that change websites or add new pages
frequently enough to require the services of a full-time
designer. So most people round it out with programming
experience.
But if you're really interested in the field, develop a
portfolio and try to start getting customers. You might be
able to help with libraries, but more likely you'll have to
do it pro bono. The sites that really, really need help
also have little money.
Not a lot of companies are probably going to hire you
either. If you want to do this you'll have to think of it
in terms of consulting or similar. You'll be self-employed,
run your own studio, and actively seek out customers for the
first few years till you make a reputation.
Of course, my impression could be completely wrong. I wish
you the best of luck and hope you find what you're looking
for ;).
Jon Gorman
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