Compared to other careers such as computer programming, accounting or even plumbing, Internet Marketing is relatively new. Many people are unfamiliar with the extant of what it truly means. Yes, you may have heard of making money online or ‘get rich quick' schemes with television commercials featuring bikini-clad women on yachts. But that's not what Internet Marketing is all about.

Take away the word “Internet” and concentrate on just the word marketing. Now think of all of the websites you visit and all of the ads you see online promoting products and services. It's very similar to ads in newspapers and on television except they are more dynamic and interactive: flashing banners, enter your email for a chance to win, printable coupons and links directly to stores where you can make a purchase. All of these ad tactics are a part of marketing – just done on webpages instead of television. This is the world of Internet Marketing. And nearly every business on Earth is getting in on it, because it works.

For the coming year of 2012,businesses will increasing their spending on Internet Marketing because they are getting more bang for their buck than with traditional marketing. Yes, they will still market like they used to: television, radio, print, billboards, etc… But the Internet offers an opportunity to reach more people for less money. Using Youtube, Facebook, email and Google to reach their customers, you can see the power of the Internet and why businesses take it seriously. The big question that these businesses will face for 2012: where will they find enough skilled employees to fill the rising demand?

This is just a small example of why Internet Marketing is a serious career choice. One that not many people may be familiar with, but one that will play an important part in all of our lives. Do you think you have what it takes to be a part of this ever growing career?

With the economy slowly building back to pre-recession levels, the cost of tuitionfor higher education still loom heavy in the minds of students and parents alike. For most new graduates, the idea of having to pay off large student loans weighs on their minds. Still, most high school graduates believe that a college education is worth it. A host of solutions have presented themselves over the last few years making it easier for students to access higher learning that for some, may not have had the opportunity at all to attend. The biggest change has been distance education and its ability to match students with the courses they need easily and from the comfort of their homes.

As an instructor at IMTC, I myself took distance education courses when there was no real chance for me to go back to school. I was a single dad and just working odd hours to get by. The opportunity to go to school again (which I felt I needed) would have been hard to imagine if it hadn't been for distance education. For many specialized vocations, there may also be limited choices for learning near your area. Cost aside, some students find that they can't receive the education they need because there is no available campus in their area.

Tough economic times also dictate that students take whatever work they can find, interfering  with school hours at a traditional school. The ability to take classes online at your own pace, gives you the freedom to work the hours that your employer sticks you with. If you believe that distance education would be right for you, including cost, value and freedom, visit IMTCVA.org to see what we have to offer. You can download a career brochure to discover what kinds of jobs are available in Internet marketing.