[Web4lib] Seeking Advice: Switching Career Paths

[Andrew Mutch]

David,

I would second the comments that you need to start developing a portfolio. As you've discovered, most organizations aren't going to take you on as a web developer without some examples that demonstrate your abilities. Gone are the days that people were hired for these positions because they knew a little bit about HTML or Javascript. 

If you already have the skills to be successful in that kind of position, you should be able to find work developing web sites for individuals, small companies and non-profits. There's a lot of people looking to establish or improve their presence on the web but who can't afford or don't want to work with a large organization or would prefer to work one-on-one with someone. You'll need to do some legwork to find potential clients. Perhaps you have friends or family who might have a need that would be willing to let you get started. Once you've done a few websites, you'll have something to show to potential employers or clients. 

As was suggested, at the minimum, you can demonstrate some of your skills and talents by putting together your own presence on the web. It's one way to show your abilities, will be needed if you do end up taking on clients and I think is pretty much expected by anyone looking to hire someone in this field. It's hard to talk about being a designer and not even having your own site. 

Good luck!

Andrew Mutch
Library Systems Technician
Waterford Township Public Library
Waterford, MI



---- Original message ----
>Date: Thu, 30 Aug 2007 10:04:35 -0400
>From: "David Kemper" <siansleep at gmail.com>  
>Subject: [Web4lib] Seeking Advice: Switching Career Paths  
>To: web4lib <web4lib at webjunction.org>
>
>Colleagues,
>
>I am seeking advice on switching careers. I am currently in the
>archival field but would like to move into the field of web design and
>website management in a library and/or information center environment.
>I have been an archivist for almost 6 years. Throughout that time,
>while mixing in some archival research work and some processing, I was
>always recognized by supervisors and colleagues as the "web guy," the
>Webmaster, the guy tinkering with Dreamweaver and Photoshop, designing
>websites, taking advantage of web technology to give greater access to
>archival material.
>
>Lately, the desire to transform myself from informal web guy to formal
>web professional has become stronger, as I feel my interest drift
>further away from my current field. A case in point: I often feel more
>connected by discussions occurring here than on other listservs.
>
>My attempts to switch gears have fallen short, however.
>
>On numerous occasions I applied for Web Services / Web Development
>Librarian positions (or something to that extent) only to be told that
>1) I do not not have enough web experience, 2) I do not have enough
>technical know-how, and the most common 3) I should remain in archives
>because I have been doing it for so long. Like a Hollywood actor, I
>have been typecast, it seems.
>
>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 siansleep at gmail.com
>
>Thank you.
>
>David
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