• Programmers are involved at different stages of the system life cycle from initial analysis, implementation, integration, testing, to debugging and support.

  This role includes the following:

  • Working with the designer and other creative specialists to understand the design concept and advising on how it can be implemented technically within constraints;
  • Sorting out operational logic and business rules that are necessary for the feature to be reproduced correctly according to the designer's specification;
  • Writing efficient computer code or script to make the various features work, ensuring that sound, graphics, animations and timings work as intended and make good use of processing and data storage capacity;
  • Creating and linking databases to the user interface so that information can be retrieved, stored and processed interactively via the application;
  • Writing HTML or similar input and using authoring packages where appropriate to create content and effects;
  • Running tests of the application to identify bugs which need to be rectified;
  • Solving the problems by re-writing the code or adding new code which works around the problem;
  • Providing technical support to an application once it is running and making further adaptations or patches to the code, or creating new versions;
  • Researching and keeping abreast of emerging technologies in order to be able to deliver the most up-to-date solutions. This may mean learning new programming languages or technologies.
  Programmers work within teams 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, the programmer may take on other roles, such as design and animation, depending on his or her expertise.

  Programmers may become specialised in particular output formats, such as interactive television, web applications or mobile technologies, depending on their range of expertise.

Although this area of work is open to all graduates, a degree/HND in the following relevant subject areas will increase your chances:

• Interactive/Multimedia Technology or Design/Animation;
• Computer Science/Software Engineering;
• Mathematics and/or Physics;
• Engineering or Electronics;
• 3D Design or Digital Art;
• Graphic Design/Illustration;
• Spatial Design;
• Fine Art/Visual Art.

Regardless of the subject you have studied, employers will want to be sure that you have a strong programming background in some of the main languages listed below, and logical problem-solving skills. If you have taken an HE course that specialises in multimedia it will usually be an advantage, but employers are also impressed by computer science or software engineering courses, or even maths or engineering courses that include computer programming, provided the candidate can also demonstrate skills in multimedia applications. Similarly, art and design courses can be a good entry route if the candidate has aptitude and skills in programming.

Entry without a degree or HND is difficult in view of the intense competition, but having a strong portfolio or experience in designing personal web pages may compensate. Some employers may prefer graduates to applicants. A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not needed, though an MSc in Multimedia or similar will 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 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 learning materials or presentation materials incorporating a variety of media.

experience in a combination of:

• Relevant software (Macromedia Director, Cold Fusion, and Macromedia Flash);
• Programming languages (C, C++, Java, Delphi);
• Scripting languages (Action Script, Java Script, and Ajax);
• SQL, PHP, Perl, ASP, CGI, XML CSS and internet networks.

Actual employer requirements vary depending on the sector and the platform being used. Skills can date quickly due to the fast-moving nature of the industry. An interest in 3D geometry is valuable, and an understanding of layout, design and graphics is also important, along with endless enthusiasm and the ability to work effectively in a small project team. Multimedia programming is not suitable for people who prefer to be solitary. A combination of good communication skills, a logical approach to problem-solving, technical aptitude, and the ability to manage a complex range of tasks to meet deadlines will be expected.

• Broadband Bananas
• Computing Careers
• Develop Magazine
• Freelancers Net
• The CV Index
• IT Jobs Post
• linkdup
• Mad
• Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) Online Directory of Recruitment Consultancies
• Work in Games

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• Broadcast, Film and Interactive Media Sector, AGCAS Sector Briefing, Biennial
• Handling Discrimination, AGCAS Information Booklet, Biennial
• Information Technology Sector, AGCAS Sector Briefing, Biennial
• Options with Multimedia, AGCAS Options Series, Biennial
• Options with Computer Science/Information Technology, AGCAS Options Series, Biennial
• Options with Electrical/Electronic Engineering, AGCAS Options Series, Biennial
• Options with Graphic Design, AGCAS Options Series, Biennial

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