There isn't a certification in the web analytics space. Thus far it is possible for you to get the certificate after completing the University of British Columbia. UC Irvine is also working on rolling out a similar program.

You can also get certified by the web analytics vendors, though in that case it is more the case that you are getting certified in usage of the particular tool and not such much perhaps what you are seeking.

As a member of the Web Analytics Association (WAA) board of directors I can say that this is something that is on the WAA's radar. Thoughts are being thought, options are being considered. I am sure you'll hear about it as soon as things are on the runway and ready.

Thanks,

Avinash.

Here are some thoughts:

* Try:

http://www.google.com/search?q=web+analytics+consulting

Every web analytics consulting company from Zaaz to Stratigent to Pop to others are always looking for candidates with varying degrees of experience.

Call 'em and tell them in fifteen words why you equals awesome.

* Try interactive agencies in NYC (I think that is close to you). Perhaps there are some that willing to accommodate remote employees. Every agency (interactive or search or digital or whatever) is looking for qualified / bit qualified folks for the web analytics space. Look for ones in the "search business" they are booming.

Cold call if you don't see ads.

* Try:

http://webanalyticsassociation.org/en/jobs/search.asp

Full disclosure: I am on the board of directors for the Web Analytics Association. Regardless I think that the jobs board at the WAA site is one of the best ones.

To the best of my knowledge there are always way more jobs than there are applicants.

* Do you know of the Web Analytics Association Yahoo group?

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/webanalytics/

[See full disclosure above!]

I am very fond of the group, there is always lots of lively debate but more importantly there are lots of job postings.

* Finally try to cold call the biggest websites you can find in your local area. Ask for the "web team" or "marketing group" if you can. Tell them why you are great at Web Analytics and tell them five things you would change about their site or five things you could tell them if only you had access to their Google Analytics / Omniture / WebTrends / HBX / whatever data.

I hope this helps a little bit.

Paul : Now you've scared me with your comment!

I am paranoid that I am going the way of the dodo becuase I don't "get" Twitter! Or MySpace! Or whatever the "kids" are into these days!!! :)

I think your observation on the pace of evolution is right. There is a generation just a handful of years behind us that will think of us and "web 2.0" as quaint.

I worry. But then I try to figure out how to be a part of that generation's thinking and mindset. Maybe that will be my mid-life crisis!!

Thanks,

Avinash.

Ok, maybe an exaggeration, but think about it, if you're on this blog you're likely part of a highly selective group (unless you got her by accident, like me)–you're almost like a new species (who says evolution happens at some constant rate of speed?). You don't beleive me, but what differentiated the Neanderthal from modern humans? Apparently tool-making and usage. Who would have ever imagined that the computer keyboard would send large blocks of humanity into natural selection oblivion!

But I haven't found a job in almost a year now. Maybe it's geography (not many dot-com's here in South Jersey) but I've also come to realize that a lot of employers don't actually want someone very good with analytics. I've interviewed with four local web design firms which are almost scams in the way they build sites that look great for presentations but are just terrible from a search or usability perspective. They spit out local business sites fast and furious for clients who have no idea what questions to ask. The design companies advertise SEO but don't want someone asking hard questions that might slow them down or affect the gee-whiz wow'ness of their demo sites. I experienced a similar phenomenon with a minor dot-com that designs and hosts over 700 websites for a particular retail niche and has no one even checking the visitor logs.

It seems like it's not enough for just the perspective employees to "get it." Employers need to as well.

– Martin

I agree with Avinash's assessment on who to hire completely. However, I never hire without remembering Warren Buffett: "Somebody once said that in looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence and energy….