What do employees in e-Commerce fields do?
Students with backgrounds in e-Commerce typically work in Information Technology (IT) fields, often as the managers of IT infrastructures. They can also oversee the development and marketing of Internet web sites as project managers. Graduates of e-Commerce programs leave school prepared to fill positions in the technical staffs of corporations.
I do not have a background in Computer Science. Will an e-Commerce MBA be too technical for me?
While a Master’s in e-Commerce might require greater familiarity with IT concepts, most e-Commerce and e-Business programs are designed for traditional MBA students in addition to those with IT experience.
What degree options are available in this area?
Undergraduates can earn a Bachelor’s in e-Commerce or e-Business. Graduate students can earn a Master of Science in e-Commerce or an MBA with an e-Commerce or e-Business concentration.
What is the difference between a Master’s Degree in e-Commerce and an MBA with a concentration in e-Commerce?
The basic difference between these two options is that the master’s degree is highly specialized and will allow you to focus almost exclusively on computer science and business administration. In contrast, an MBA program will permit you to develop a general set of management skills as well as e-Commerce knowledge. There are advantages to each: a master’s program will enable you to delve into e-Commerce issues in greater depth; an MBA program will allow you to spend your first year developing a set of skills that can be transferred to other areas.
While both a master’s degree and an MBA concentration will prepare you to hold management positions within the field of e-Commerce, master’s programs are designed to help you become a leader in technology management and integration. In contrast, an MBA degree may also qualify you to hold management positions in other fields, should you become interested in a different career.
What subjects will I study?
As an e-Commerce student, you will study traditional business topics like finance, accounting and marketing, but your coursework will emphasize Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Your studies will probably include classes on e-management, electronic marketing marketing, online business strategies, MIS, web site development and IT applications. Students with IT backgrounds may take advanced computer science courses as well.
What careers do e-Commerce students pursue?
e-Commerce graduates can assume management roles in e-Business and e-Commerce fields, including operations, marketing, technical support and administration. Many become consultants for large corporations that want to incorporate internet business into their strategic plans. Companies may need you to improve B2B online transactions, vitalize internet product sales, or research e-Commerce competition.
What’s the overall career outlook for this field?
e-Commerce has suffered setbacks since the failure of many startup dot-coms, but the overall demand for business managers with information technology backgrounds should not decrease in the long run. The marketplace has changed dramatically with the introduction of companies like ebay and Amazon.com; most companies now recognize that they must develop and maintain e-Business programs in order to remain competitive. Consequently, the need for employers with e-Commerce skills remains. E-Commerce opens up entirely new business opportunities around the world; as old market practices incorporate new technologies, the field will increase in importance.