A new programme on offer from the Irish Internet Association (IIA) will take a blended learning approach to e-commerce management, providing an 11-week evening course alongside on-the-job learning.
The Diploma in E-commerce Management and Internship programme will offer internships with members of the IIA e-commerce working group and IIA members. It is designed for retail managers, merchandisers and marketers seeking to move into e-commerce management.
“With €4bn being spent online by Irish shoppers the opportunity for Irish retailers is enormous, but 75pc of that is being spent with overseas retailers so much of that opportunity is being lost,” said IIA CEO Joan Mulvihill.
“The challenge is not in convincing retailers to develop an e-commerce proposition but rather in enabling them with the skills and knowledge to execute it. This course is ideal for retailer owner/managers to build that knowledge. Likewise, many retail sector workers have suffered during the downturn. This combined diploma and internship is a great way to adapt your retail and merchandising knowledge to fill the increasing number of e-commerce manager positions.”
Developing the right skills
Classes will take place in the evening from 28 February while internships awarded as part of the course will be granted by the businesses directly based on an interview with the candidates, and some positions may qualify for JobBridge.
“One of the most challenging aspects of my role has been finding the right people with the right skills,” said Gordon Newman, head of online sales at Life Style Sports and member of the IIA e-commerce working group. “People think they have to be web developers or social media gurus but this just isn’t the case. We really need great process and merchandising people with commercial acumen and customer focus. A broad understanding of retail operations is just as important for an e-commerce specialist as getting to grips with the technical components. It’s why we are so supportive of this diploma course and also why we are one of the businesses looking forward to taking an intern, and with our proven record of internal progression there is a very real prospect of a job at the end of it.”
Those interested in participating in the programme are encouraged to send in a CV as soon as possible. The course is not covered by any Government programme so fees from €1,100 will apply.