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Exact career definitions are almost impossible in the fast-moving world of Information Technology but a webmaster - who might also be known as a web designer, web developer, information architect, internet engineer or multimedia architect - is a reasonably well accepted title for a specialist in designing, coding, running and maintaining websites for companies, organisations or individuals.

In designing a website, the webmaster first talks to the client to find out what their needs are. They might discuss the target user group, what information the site should include and how it should be presented. They would move on to text style, fonts, colours and page backgrounds, icons, logos and graphics, animation, audio and video sequences, and the use of technical elements such as frames, tables, lists and hyperlinks.

Once the initial draft has been approved by the client, a sample website is written using codes such as hypertext mark-up language (HTML), Javascript, ColdFusion, Java, Perl and Flash, or code generating programs such as Dreamweaver. The webmaster tests the site for functionality in different browsers and at different resolutions, fixes any errors, inputs the editorial content, and uploads the website to the internet.

The webmaster may also provide maintenance and updates for sites that have already been established.

Entry level

Most webmasters have a degree, HND or HNC in a subject such as computer science, 3D design or graphic design, although there are tales of very young, even pre-exam, computer enthusiasts succeeding on nothing more than intuitive flair.

It is certainly true that a strong portfolio of experience in designing web pages may compensate for lack of formal qualifications. A personal website with an online CV or career profile and hyperlinks to other websites produced is undoubtedly useful and can be accessed directly by potential employers.

Making the grade

The majority of training is done on the job, with short courses (in-house or external) to cover technical training on specialist new systems and new code.

Webmasters may work towards NVQs/SVQs at Levels 2 to 4 in the areas of information technology or design. A qualification from a software company, such as Certified Internet Webmaster, may well aid your career development.

In large companies and organisations, there may be opportunities for promotion to project manager level or beyond.

Personal qualities

You would need creativity and imagination, an in-depth understanding of how the internet works, confidence and calmness under pressure, and experience of using graphics packages.

Effective verbal and writing skills would be essential, together with strong design ability and good presentation skills. You must, of course, have a passion for IT and enthusiasm for keeping up to date with changes in hardware and software.