Multimedia programmer
A multimedia programmer gives a multimedia product its functionality by writing computer programs or creating websites that draw together multimedia features such as text, sound, graphics, digital photography, 2D/3D modelling, animation and video, according to a designer's specification. Multimedia products work on particular 'platforms', predominantly the internet, as well as interactive television, information kiosks, DVDs, CD-roms, computer games consoles and mobile phones.
Programmers may come from a design or computing background, but the role demands a combination of both creative and technical skills.
The term multimedia is used interchangeably with other terms such as new media, interactive media, digital media and online/internet services. Similarly, as IT job titles and descriptions aren’t standardised, the work of a multimedia programmer may overlap with the role of a web developer or games developer, systems developer or software engineer.
Programmers are involved at various stages of the system life cycle - initial analysis, implementation, integration, testing, debugging and support.
A programmer's role includes the following:
The programmer works in a team with the designer and other specialists, such as animators, video producers and 3D modellers, who create the multimedia features. Because of the size and complexity of some applications, there may be several programmers working on one or more aspects of the application. In smaller projects, programmers may take on other roles, such as design and animation, depending on their expertise.
Programmers may become specialised in particular output formats, such as web applications, mobile technologies or interactive television, depending on their range of skills.
Salary data from IT Jobs Watch . Figures are intended as a guide only.
Although this area of work is open to all graduates, a degree/HND in the following relevant subject areas may increase your chances:
Many university courses in multimedia and computer sciences have sandwich years in industry, which are valuable for building up portfolios. Offering previous hands-on experience is reassuring to employers hiring for entry-level positions. Employers will want to be sure that candidates have a strong programming background so courses in mathematics, engineering, art and design may be a good entry route if you can also demonstrate aptitude and skills in multimedia applications.
Entry without a degree or HND is difficult as there is intense competition, but having a strong portfolio or experience in designing personal web pages will help. Some employers may also prefer graduates to diplomates.
A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not necessary, though an MSc in multimedia or similar may compensate for a non-relevant first degree.
An employer is unlikely to hire you without seeing examples of your work. Pre-entry experience is desirable and relevant vacation work, voluntary work, projects or placements will be an advantage. A flash drive, CD-rom or personal website demonstrating a broad skill set can be used to support a CV or application form. It is important to build up a good personal multimedia portfolio to demonstrate skills and creativity. This might include an interactive website, an animated computer game, or a presentation incorporating a variety of media.
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
Employers also usually look for knowledge and experience in a combination of:
Actual employer requirements vary depending on the sector and the platform being used.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Skills and knowledge requirements move on very quickly in multimedia and, consequently, the most important training consideration for programmers is to keep up to date with new developments. In most cases this means adapting existing skills to a new package, learning a new programming language or working with a new platform. This may be achieved by learning from other members of a team, attending short courses, keeping up to date via newsgroups, keeping an eye on websites that showcase the newest ideas, and reading specialist journals. Programmers may have to take responsibility for their own development.
The following are useful sources of development training:
Until now, the industry has had a fairly flat structure, in which career development has been towards new skill areas rather than upwards. Opportunities exist for career development in areas such as internet, interactive television, games development, and e-learning. However, as the industry develops, more layers of management are emerging.
Programmers may remain focused on the production of multimedia or, with experience, may move into middle management roles such as team leader, project manager or production manager. Depending on the size and structure of the company, these roles may vary or overlap. Project leader is likely to become a more important job profile as the collaboration of skilled professionals for the duration of a project becomes the norm. Project leaders, responsible for coordinating the work carried out by the various team members and ensuring that the project is completed to deadline, require an all-round skill set encompassing business, content, design and technical competencies.
As the multimedia industry evolves, digital security and online services are becoming major growth areas with the opportunity for skilled professionals to work with larger and more diverse audiences in new markets, such as China. The majority of companies will be small and focus on specialist services and niche markets.
Multimedia programmers are typically employed in specialist multimedia companies, as well as other organisations that use or create multimedia products.
Programmers are employed within the following industry sectors:
Typical employers include:
Organisations with in-house websites and/or new media or multimedia departments include, amongst others:
Opportunities in multimedia programming have expanded as broadband has made more facilities possible via the internet. Mobile platforms such as phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) require specialist software and there is a requirement for embedded software in many other electronic products. In addition, the UK has the largest computer games industry in Europe, concentrated particularly in London, the North West and the East of England, and with pockets in Guildford, Brighton, Cambridge and Dundee (Creative Skillset: The Sector Skills Council for the Creative Industries , February 2012).
Try ITProfessionals.co.uk for a directory of companies to which you can address speculative applications.
Recruitment agencies commonly handle vacancies. Check out the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) to search for agencies by type of vacancy and location.
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