E-commerce Asset Manager Questions (Entering into the Career Path).
Hello. I'm a undergraduate sophomore, seeking advice from E-commerce Professionals familiar with Taxonomy, or Information Architecture roles. I'm considering Digital Asset Management.
I saw job titles that range from Performance Strategy, E-Commerce Merchandiser, E-Commerce Manager, or Creative Operations, with the same overlap of skills in integrating systems and project management.
I'm completely new to E-commerce. It's something interesting that I may want to enter in.
I'm mostly curious about . . if the questions can be answered in full:
• What would be the best path to enter if the end goal is to become an Digital Asset Manager: wholesale marketing, business operations, - or - both?
• What are the best courses and certificates for business operations? - I am more familiar with the marketer commerce resources - versus operations - on Grow With Google, Skillshop, & YouTube.
• How can an undergraduate student work for a business that does E-commerce with Shopify? - In terms of networking, job boards to look for outside of LinkedIn/Indeed.
• What are the best projects that someone can do in E-commerce, without setting up a Shopify store? - I do not have anything to sell + just want to learn. (😅)
4 answers
Carla’s Answer
On the other hand, Asset Management is a distinct field. To prepare for interviews, I suggest keeping up with daily news about the financial markets. Applying for positions at prominent firms in the financial sector or industry would be a great next step.
Amlan’s Answer
Best Path to Enter as a Digital Asset Manager
Understanding the Role: Digital Asset Management (DAM) typically involves the organization, storage, and retrieval of digital assets (like multimedia content, digital documents, etc.). This role intersects with various aspects of a business, including marketing and operations.
Starting Points:
Wholesale Marketing: This path can give you insight into how assets are used in marketing campaigns and customer engagement, which is crucial for a DAM role.
Business Operations: This would provide a broader view of how various business processes integrate and manage digital assets across departments.
Recommendation: A blend of both could be ideal. Starting in a role that exposes you to marketing while also giving you operations insight (like an E-Commerce Merchandiser) can be beneficial.
Courses and Certifications for Business Operations
Project Management: Look into certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) or CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management).
Digital Asset Management: Some specific courses on platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Coursera can provide a structured understanding of DAM.
E-commerce Specific Operations: Courses on supply chain management, CRM systems, and e-commerce platforms (like Shopify) are very useful.
Gaining E-commerce Experience as an Undergraduate
Internships: Look for internship opportunities in companies that use Shopify or other e-commerce platforms. This can provide hands-on experience.
University Resources: Utilize your university’s career services or alumni network to find connections in the e-commerce sector.
Alternative Job Boards: Besides LinkedIn and Indeed, check out AngelList (for startup jobs), Glassdoor, and industry-specific job boards like those for digital marketing and e-commerce.
E-commerce Projects Without Setting Up a Store
Market Analysis: Conduct detailed market research on a specific product or industry and create a report on market trends, customer preferences, and potential marketing strategies.
Content Creation: Develop a mock-up of digital marketing content for an imaginary product or service.
User Experience (UX) Projects: Design a hypothetical e-commerce website focusing on UX/UI principles to enhance customer shopping experiences.
Competitive Analysis: Analyze and compare the digital strategies of leading e-commerce businesses in a particular sector.
Additional Tips
Networking: Actively participate in webinars, online forums, and workshops related to e-commerce. Platforms like Meetup can be great for finding e-commerce events.
Follow Industry Trends: Keep up with industry blogs, podcasts, and news sites to stay updated on the latest in e-commerce and digital asset management.
By following these steps and actively engaging with both educational and practical experiences in e-commerce, you'll be well-prepared to pursue a career in digital asset management. Good luck!
Kim’s Answer
2. For business operations, some valuable courses and certificates include those offered by Grow With Google, Skillshop, and YouTube. Look for courses on project management, supply chain management, and operations strategy to build a strong foundation.
3. To work for a business using Shopify, you can explore networking events, industry conferences, and online forums related to E-commerce. Additionally, consider reaching out directly to E-commerce businesses using Shopify to inquire about internships or entry-level positions.
4. When looking for projects in E-commerce without setting up a Shopify store, you can focus on tasks like market research, creating social media campaigns, optimizing product listings, or analyzing competitor strategies. These projects can help you gain practical experience and understanding of E-commerce dynamics.
Hakeem Ola’s Answer
What is an E-commerce Asset Manager?
E-commerce Asset Manager: A professional responsible for managing the digital assets (such as product listings, images, videos, descriptions, pricing, and inventory) of an e-commerce platform. They ensure that the assets are optimized for performance, comply with brand standards, and are up-to-date.
What Skills are Required for an E-commerce Asset Manager?
1. Technical Skills: Proficiency in e-commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce), content management systems (CMS), and digital asset management (DAM) tools.
2. Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze sales data, website traffic, and other performance metrics.
3. Organizational Skills: Strong ability to manage multiple assets, projects, and deadlines.
4. Attention to Detail: Ensuring that all product information is accurate and up-to-date.
5. SEO Knowledge**: Understanding of search engine optimization to enhance product visibility.
What are the Primary Responsibilities?
1. Managing Digital Assets: Overseeing product listings, ensuring high-quality images, videos, and descriptions.
2. Inventory Management: Keeping track of stock levels, forecasting demand, and coordinating with supply chain teams.
3. Content Optimization: Ensuring all content is optimized for SEO and user engagement.
4. Data Analysis: Monitoring sales performance, website analytics, and customer feedback to inform asset management decisions.
5. Compliance and Standards: Ensuring all assets comply with brand guidelines and industry regulations.
What Educational Background is Helpful?
1. Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field**: While not always necessary, a relevant degree can provide a solid foundation.
2. Certifications: E-commerce specific certifications (e.g., from Google Analytics, SEMrush, HubSpot) can be beneficial.
3. Continuous Learning: Keeping up with industry trends through webinars, online courses, and professional networks.
What are the Common Tools Used by E-commerce Asset Managers?
1. E-commerce Platforms: Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce
2. Digital Asset Management (DAM) Tools: Bynder, Widen, Adobe Experience Manager
3. Analytics Tools: Google Analytics, SEMrush, Ahrefs
4. Project Management Tools**: Asana, Trello, Monday.com
5. SEO Tools: Moz, Screaming Frog, Yoast SEO
How to Prepare for a Career as an E-commerce Asset Manager?
1. Gain Experience: Internships or entry-level positions in e-commerce, digital marketing, or inventory management.
2. Build a Portfolio: Showcase your ability to manage and optimize digital assets through personal projects or freelance work.
3. Network: Join industry groups on LinkedIn, attend webinars, and participate in e-commerce forums to connect with professionals in the field.
4. Stay Updated: Follow industry news, blogs, and podcasts to keep up with the latest trends and technologies.
What are the Career Growth Opportunities?
1. Senior E-commerce Manager: Overseeing larger teams and more complex projects.
2. Digital Marketing Manager: Expanding your role to include broader marketing strategies.
3. Product Manager: Focusing on the development and lifecycle of specific products.
4. E-commerce Director: Leading the entire e-commerce department within a company.
What Challenges Might You Face?
1. Rapid Technological Changes: Staying updated with the latest tools and platforms.
2. High Competition: Constantly optimizing assets to stay ahead in a competitive market.
3. Customer Expectations: Meeting the growing and changing demands of online shoppers.
4. Data Management: Handling large volumes of data efficiently and securely.
Conclusion
A career as an e-commerce asset manager is dynamic and rewarding, offering opportunities to blend technical skills with creative and analytical abilities. By focusing on the necessary skills, tools, and industry knowledge, you can prepare for and excel in this role.
If you have any specific questions or need further details on any of these aspects, feel free to ask!