How to become a digital asset manager

Is becoming a digital asset manager right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do digital asset managers do?

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How to become a Digital Asset Manager

To become a digital asset manager, you can follow these steps:

  • Gain Relevant Education: Start by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as library science, communications, marketing, computer science, information science, or digital media management. Some universities also offer specialized programs or courses in digital asset management or information management that can provide valuable knowledge and skills.
  • Develop Technical Skills: Familiarize yourself with digital asset management systems (DAM), metadata standards, and digital content creation tools. Learn how to use software applications commonly used in digital asset management, such as Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and DAM platforms like Adobe Experience Manager, Bynder, or Widen.
  • Gain Experience: Look for internships, entry-level positions, or volunteer opportunities in organizations where you can gain hands-on experience in digital asset management. This could include roles in marketing, communications, graphic design, library science, or IT departments, where you can learn about asset organization, metadata tagging, and DAM systems.
  • Build a Portfolio: Create a portfolio showcasing your skills and experience in digital asset management. Include examples of projects you've worked on, such as organizing digital asset libraries, creating metadata schemas, implementing DAM systems, or managing digital content for marketing campaigns.
  • Network: Attend industry events, conferences, and meetups to network with professionals in the field of digital asset management. Join professional organizations such as the Digital Asset Management Professionals (DAMPros) group or the Association for Information and Image Management (AIIM) to connect with peers, learn about industry trends, and access resources and job opportunities.
  • Apply for Jobs: Start applying for entry-level digital asset management positions or related roles in organizations across various industries such as marketing agencies, media companies, publishing houses, e-commerce companies, or corporate communications departments. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills, experience, and achievements in digital asset management.

Certifications
There are several certifications available for individuals looking to advance their careers as digital asset managers. These certifications can help validate your expertise, enhance your skills, and demonstrate your commitment to the field. Some notable certifications for digital asset managers include:

  • Certified Digital Asset Manager (CDAM): Offered by the Association for Information and Image Management (AIIM), the CDAM certification is designed for professionals who manage digital assets throughout their lifecycle. It covers topics such as metadata management, taxonomy development, digital preservation, and DAM system implementation.
  • Certified Information Professional (CIP): Also provided by AIIM, the CIP certification is ideal for professionals working in information management roles, including digital asset management. It covers a broad range of topics related to information governance, content management, and digital transformation, with a focus on practical skills and best practices.
  • Adobe Certified Expert (ACE): Adobe offers several certification programs for professionals working with Adobe Creative Cloud products, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Adobe Experience Manager (AEM). The ACE certification for Adobe Experience Manager can be particularly relevant for digital asset managers who use AEM for DAM purposes.
  • Certified Professional in Digital Asset Management (CDP): Offered by the Digital Asset Management Professionals (DAMPros) group, the CDP certification is designed for professionals with experience in digital asset management. It covers topics such as DAM system selection, implementation, metadata modeling, and user adoption strategies.
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate: This certification from Microsoft is ideal for digital asset managers who work with AI and machine learning technologies to enhance their DAM systems. It covers topics such as natural language processing, computer vision, and conversational AI, with a focus on implementing AI solutions using Microsoft Azure services.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP): While not specific to digital asset management, the PMP certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) can be valuable for digital asset managers who oversee DAM projects. It covers project management principles, tools, and techniques that are applicable to DAM system implementation and optimization projects.