E-commerce training: courses and career opportunities

What is e-commerce?

The term e-commerce refers to transactions carried out remotely via the Internet. As its name suggests, this is a commercial practice. Depending on the case, it involves an exchange of goods or services. Since the Internet is a vast network, there are a number of possibilities for engaging in e-commerce, including :

by creating your own website;
by creating a page for yourself or publishing directly on a specialist site;
by launching a mobile application;
by carrying out transactions via social networks.

E-commerce lends itself to all types of commercial exchanges, meaning that goods and services can be aimed at individuals, businesses and professionals. An e-commerce site is directly linked to a payment platform to facilitate transactions. Payment can therefore be made by bank transfer, by online payment methods (Paypal or Amazon Pay) and sometimes by virtual currency.

It should be noted that an e-commerce site can offer its own products or opt for dropshipping. In the latter case, it acts as an intermediary between the supplier and the customer.

Why take an e-commerce course?

There are many advantages to training in e-commerce, whether you want to launch your own business or join a company specialising in the field. Training courses have a number of different aims, including

to help you master the techniques and tools you need to develop your business. Digital marketing relies in particular on search engine optimisation (natural and paid) to position your site favourably on search engines. Working in e-commerce also requires a grounding in community management, so as to build and maintain a loyal audience. You also need to use monitoring tools.
Train you to create and manage an e-commerce site using a CMS (WordPress, Shopify or Prestashop). Each CMS has its own operating principle.
familiarise yourself with the regulatory framework governing an e-commerce platform. As a company, the site must be registered with the RCS, have a name and a registered office. The customer must also be informed of all the conditions of sale and withdrawal.

E-commerce training gives you access to a wide range of job opportunities, with a wide variety of positions to choose from. As well as basic knowledge, training can help you to develop your own personal qualities.

How can I learn about e-commerce?

E-commerce courses are offered by leading business schools. They are available at all levels, from Bac to Bac+4, with a view to obtaining a BTS, a licence or a Bac+5 Master’s degree. The programme can be spread over one or more years.

When it comes to training, you can choose between a continuous classroom-based course, an online course or a sandwich course. However, some platforms offer short-cycle certification courses.

There are a number of different courses available to train in e-commerce, although the basics remain digital marketing and sales management. Among the courses available are those in :

trade and distribution ;
E-merchandising ;
UX and UI Design ;
multimedia.

What are the jobs in e-commerce?

As mentioned above, you can work on your own by creating your own e-commerce site or join companies of various sizes. Positions available include :

webmarketing manager or e-commerce manager: this role is responsible for the overall management of the site and draws up development strategies to increase sales and build customer loyalty. They are also responsible for ;
brand content manager, whose role involves creating content for the site. This may be videos, images or product information sheets;
Product manager : this position is essential in any sales company. Its role is to find and negotiate with suppliers and develop offers on the e-commerce site.

Jobs in e-commerce can also involve more technical aspects outside the purely commercial framework. You could work as a web designer, web developer, community manager or SEO consultant.

How does Sup de Pub train for e-commerce jobs?

Sup de Pub offers a range of courses to familiarise you with e-commerce. There are two main courses open to students wishing to develop their skills in this field:

digital marketing and commerce ;
digital management and e-commerce.

The first course leads to a Bac+4 diploma, open to holders of Bac+3. The second gives you a Bac+5 diploma, open to students who have already completed Bac+4, with an English language certificate.