Internet Transaction Specialists

High School

There are a number of classes you can take in high school to help get ready for this career. Improving your computer skills should be a priority; therefore, take as many computer classes as possible. Develop your analytical and problem-solving skills by taking mathematics classes such as algebra, geometry, and precalculus, and science classes, such as chemistry and physics. To get an idea of how companies function, take business and economics classes. English classes are essential and will help you develop your communication, research, and writing skills. Many high schools also offer technology classes that give you good experience working on a Web site.

Postsecondary Training

In the early days of Internet and computer development, many people without college degrees were able to find jobs in the field if they had computer experience. However, as this field has matured and the market has grown tighter, many companies now require new hires to have college degrees. In addition, a college degree may help you to advance professionally. Typically, people entering this field have degrees in computer science; some have degrees in other areas such as computer engineering, e-commerce, business, or mathematics. Most colleges offer at least one or more classes in e-commerce, and some community colleges offer associate degree or certificate programs especially for people interested in becoming an Internet transaction specialist.

The most important aspect of your education is to gain a thorough knowledge of computers and programming. It will be to your benefit to complete an internship or do summer work in programming at a computer company or a company with a computer/technology division. When you are deciding on a college to attend, find out if the college has classes on e-commerce and is the career services office has information on internships or jobs and will help you find one.

People working in some advanced positions, such as architect, may be required to have extensive computer and business experience as well as an undergraduate or graduate degree.

Other Education or Training

Continuing education classes, webinars, and seminars on topics such as artificial intelligence, e-commerce, Internet marketing, and information security are provided by professional organizations such as the SANS Institute and CompTIA. Contact these organizations for more information.