What do you want to be when you grow up? For some, the answer to this question comes at an early age. But for others, the answer takes them to a place they never expected. That was the case for Adam Wolff, Webmaster for BuffNET, an Internet service provider and Web-site development company. Wolff found his job in a rather unusual way, as a customer of the company. Adam knew from an early age that he wanted to write. By the time he entered high school, he set his goal on a career in journalism. He assumed that he would either work as a reporter or enter the public-relations field. What happened next may be considered an accident. As a senior majoring in journalism and mass communication, Wolff negotiated with his professors to telecommute from his home. He would complete his coursework and then e-mail it using a free Internet service available at the local libraries. This worked well for a while, but time limitations on the library’s system proved to be a frustration. Wolff realized that he would have to pay for his own Internet service unless he found an alternative. He began researching Internet Service Providers (ISP) in the area and came across BuffNET. He was so pleased with the service and attention he received from the staff that he submitted his resume. Six years later, Wolff is now a Webmaster at BuffNET who supervises the creative-services department. A relatively new company, BuffNET has about 15 employees. The company is now a predominant Internet Service Provider (ISP) and also provides Web site design for corporate and individual clients. Wolff's duties include providing assistance to approximately 6,600 users and setting up servers for commercial clients. He is also responsible for the creative development of Web sites. The best part of the job, he says, is the creative development and the rush from having his work out there for the public to see. "When someone tells me they saw and liked a particular Web site that I designed, it gives me a thrill," he says. He also likes assisting ISP members with Web pages and technical problems. "The interaction with people on an individual level can be very rewarding," he says. There is a flip side, however. Because the Internet is still a relatively new technology, the general public has limited knowledge of it. It can be frustrating to explain how it works to a client when Wolff wants to just dig in and start a project. But he understands the importance of educating his customers and is willing to spend the extra time doing so. Wolff is what is known as a day-extender. This means he works a few hours each day from home, and as a result generally works more than 40 hours a week. He works as part of a team that includes writers, technical personnel and graphic artists. Depending on individual client needs, a project can take two to three days to complete or between 20 and 50 hours. The salary for this type of job depends on the market and the size of the company and can range from US$60,000 to US$90,000 or more. Wolff says those interested should examine whether they have certain skills: good written communication, a familiarity with computers and a willingness to constantly learn, since technology is constantly changing. Excellent people skills and an ability to explain things clearly are also a must. Wolff calls it a fast-growing industry that in his words is "taking off." He tells high school students interested in pursuing this type of career to first get a solid foundation in writing, marketing, advertising and computer skills. Then spend time searching the Internet and see what is out there. Pay attention to new technology and read trade journals to keep abreast of current trends in the field. Another way to get your feet wet is to find someone who needs a Web site. Many small companies have high school students designing Web pages. This may be something worth looking into. It also can't hurt to follow a more traditional route through advertising or other print media to gain some experience. Because clients range from very small companies to large conglomerates, each project is unique and requires the designer to be creative. While it is important to have a career goal in mind, Wolff advises not to become so focused that you are unable to take advantage of an opportunity you may have never considered. Be prepared to use a variety of experiences as stepping stones to your dream job.
