Ebusiness education, as is all education, is an individualized process. No longer do you simply register at the local technical institute or college and start classes. The choices and options for training and education can be overwhelming. There are online courses, online certifications and degree programs. There are traditional colleges and universities.

The student today needs to look at the equation at a deeper level and ask questions, “Is it the certificate or diploma that is important and necessary for my career path?” or, “Do I simply need a rigorous program that will make my business competitive on the web immediately?” You can find good non-accredited training for ebusiness, of course. Research schools and training programs the same way parents and high school students look for the right college or university to attend. There are plenty of con artists out there offering less than sterling courses online. So, consider the following when looking for ebusiness courses:

1. Attend established schools with accredited programs.

2. Use online courses for your ebusiness training.

3. Look at online resources and unique tools and opportunities for ebusiness.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use established colleges and schools for an ecommerce degree

Go to an established school for ecommerce degrees or certifications that hold up under scrutiny. Fully accredited schools will give you something no one can ever take from you.

I recommend: Full Sail in Florida is an accredited school in Florida with a presence for more than two decades. This school is a well-known school for media and entertainment training. They have branched into the Internet marketing field and offer both Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Internet marketing. Boston University offers a Master of Science in Administrative Studies with a concentration in electronic commerce, systems and technology. Look at their program.

Find online ebusiness classes that offer rigorous training

There are many fine training programs online. Look for testimonials and professional looking web sites. There are as many or more low-standard program and even scams online, as well. Find the great programs by researching, asking questions and scrutinizing.

I recommend: EClasses.org offers a reasonably priced Web Business certificate. Wintrac, located in Oregon, offers Web 2.0 training for the ebusiness technical type. Learn to use WBT with Dreamweaver, one of the most popular software programs for web pages—a necessary skill for any ebusiness entrepreneur. Learn to write content and make a web page, and create interactive training at training-classes.com.

Take advantage of free resources and training for ebusiness at MIT and Internet marketing sites

You need to do your research. Just like the high school senior looking for his or her college or university to attend, you too need to define your needs and goals and find the right school. Use resources like these for more ideas and information.

I recommend: MIT has a Digital Research business center that co-partners with industry, students and professors. This research group, formerly called Ebusiness Research Center, at MIT has a list of published books and materials in ebusiness. Early to Rise offers a glossary with all the latest ebusiness and Internet marketing terms. Look a little deeper and you may discover irresistible seminars in ebusiness offered a couple of times a year in places like Colorado and Florida.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When it comes to online programs, formulate clear goals and needs before choosing ecommerce courses. If you want accredited, check for accreditation. Maybe you simply need a rigorous program to get you up to speed quick. Look for it. Beware of programs that promise more than they can deliver. Look at testimonials and teacher credentials and backgrounds to find good training programs that meet your needs.