C programming, Perl, PHP, ColdFusion, or some type of programming: It's good to know Perl, but you should try to differentiate yourself. If you know C programming and can apply it to CGI, then you know how the server interacts with your programs, and are not simply making library calls. Any one of these languages will enable you to program your site and create dynamic Web sites.

Basic and Advanced HTML: Chances are, the longer we go in this field, the more companies will have tools to help you create HTML. However, if you don't know what the HTML tags are and what they do, then you will have a hard time fixing problems that come up, especially when you have to convert someone else's HTML.

Graphics: You should be able to use a good graphics program like Photoshop. Paint Shop Pro is fine, but most corporations do not use it. You should also be confident in your ability to put together a graphic. You don't have to be the next Van Gogh, but you should know how to do it.

Design and Layout: Know basic and advanced design principles, both of the Web and in print. If you can lay out a page that looks "cool" people are going to forgive your lack of programming experience. However, remember that what is cool today will be deadly boring tomorrow.

Writing: Content isn't king, like it used to be, but you should still be able to put a coherent sentence on the page. Use spell checkers, and grammar checkers if you have to, and know your limits. If you know you can't spell, then spell check even your name. Also, have other people read your work before you go live, they will catch the "too" for "two" and other errors.

Confidence: This is still a new profession. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there. Job postings often ask for all types of things when they might be looking for you. You know that you are the perfect person for the job, they just haven't hired you yet.