Job title: Manager, project development for e-commerce

Company and location: Walgreen Co., Deerfield, Ill.

How he got the job: Hired by Walgreen for its IT product-support area after being an on-site consultant for 18 months. Worked in many IT areas; helped develop a critical pharmacy information system that's the backbone of the company's e-commerce system. Joined the e-commerce department when it formed in October 1999.

Skills required: A heavy programming background, with fluency in syntax and program design, although McCauley says understanding a language's capabilities is more important to an e-commerce architect than actually being able to program in it. Database design and programming skills are critical; experience with warehousing and logistics systems is helpful. Communication, team building and diplomacy skills, as well as a thorough knowledge of the company and its industry, are vital.

Training needed: McCauley received almost all of his IT training on the job, through assignments at Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) and at Walgreen. His people skills were honed watching two of his bosses, both pharmacists. "They dealt with ill, worried people day in and day out, so they know a lot about how to handle people," he says.

Job and salary potential: McCauley declined to reveal his salary. However, he did say that his deep knowledge of Walgreen's business and IT structures increases his value to the company and that his is considered a management position. Recruiters say salaries for similar positions range from $90,000 to $150,000, depending on skills and responsibilities.

Career path: E-commerce architects with strong business knowledge may either move up through the IT ranks to the CIO slot or could choose a business management path.

Advice: "Be as well-rounded as possible," McCauley says. "Don't always be on the front end, but also do testing, support, rollouts and conversions. Learn all about the business as you go. If you don't, you won't have a lot of value."