We bring you the second part Ondieki's article on getting work online. Tomorrow we will bring you the third and last part of the same article.
2. CAREERS IN THE ONLINE JOB MARKET
There is a plethora of careers
that one can get online. Most of these
careers require making use of various computer applications for example
Microsoft Office programs, Adobe Photoshop, etc.
There are also careers that
require a person to make use of their computer knowledge to do such things as
making software, making a unique computer application or optimizing existing
websites to enable people to market their products.
1.
Data Entry
Data entry involves
transferring data from a document into a computer. The document can be a form, a report or some
other record.
Requirements of a data entry specialist
·
The worker deals
with such data as customer information, medical records, membership forms,
sales records, enrollment details, etc.
·
A data entry
specialist needs to be proficient in spreadsheet programs.
·
The specialist also
needs to understand the value of accuracy.
·
The data entry
specialist also needs to be good at keeping confidential information as and
when needed to.
A person aspiring to try a hand
in data entry should also have good oral and written communication skills.
The programs that a data entry specialist
needs to be good at include Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access or FileMaker.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and handling PDF documents will be an added
advantage.
How big is the earning potential in data entry?
According to the U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics (2008), the average annual salary of data entry specialists
was $26, 120.
What is the level of education required for data entry
specialists?
Ideally, graduation from high
school is sufficient. This should be accompanied by thorough computer literacy.
2.
Web Researching
Being a web researcher simply
means that you collect information by use of the Internet.
What knowledge is required of a web researcher?
- Other than thorough knowledge of using the Internet to get information, a web researcher should also have one or more areas of expertise.
- The researcher should also have the ability to utilize keywords appropriately so as to locate relevant content with pinpoint accuracy
- The web researcher should also have knowledge on how to access the various scholarly databases e.g. Lexus Nexus, MLA.
For whom do web researchers work?
Web researchers are required
for scientific organizations, business firms, magazine and newspaper
developers, etc.
What is the earning potential in web researching?
The SimplyHired website states
that a web researcher’s average salary is $68,000
3.
Graphic Designing
Graphic designers are people
who create logos, letterheads, menus for restaurants.
Requirements of an online-based graphic designer
- Creativity
- Resilience/ persistence
- Orderliness
- Knowledge of pro-graphics computer software like Photoshop, CorelDraw and Illustrator.
- Experience
The need for graphic designers is
ever increasing. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for
graphic designers is expected to rise by 13% between 2008 and 2018.
What is the earning potential of graphic designers?
According to PayScale.com,
graphic designers earned between $9.71 and $27 per hour in March 2010.
4.
Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant is a person
who provides administrative or specialized services to businesses, managers and
entrepreneurs.
The common tasks of virtual
assistants are typing, transcribing and performing repetitive administrative
tasks on behalf of someone else.
At an advanced level, a virtual
assistant can help a company move forward during holidays, when a staff member
falls ill or during staff shortages.
Other duties of virtual assistants
- Translation
- Proofreading
- Copywriting
- Diary management
- Web design
- Event management
- Marketing
- Requirements virtual assistants
- Good communication skills
- Speed and accuracy
- Ability to work on short notice
- Versatility: Because no role may be like a previous one
- A sufficient amount of education
- Being street smart
5.
Writing
Each day, there is demand for
new content to be created. This content needs writers to create.
Some of the areas that require writers
- Academic writing
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) writing
- Build My Rank (BMR) Writing
- Blog writing
- Creative writing (children’s fiction, poems, etc)
- Proficiency in word processing applications e.g. Microsoft Word
- Nice command of language
- Creativity
- Good typing speed
- Ability to work on short notice
- Research skills
- Good communication skills
- Editing skills
- Translation skills
This excerpt of jobs available
on oDesk.com on 5th September 2011 creates a picture of the manpower
demand of the various jobs
Great post. This is exactly what the tech savvy youth need to know so that they can be self employed.
ReplyDeleteSure. Those behind kazi kwa vijana also need to rethink their approach in this line. Lets hope also that the youth will stop looking for jobs that are not there and start working online from their homes!
ReplyDelete