PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS IN MULTIMEDIA: PROGRAMMERS

• THE JOB
• COMPENSATION
• REQUIREMENTS
• FINDING THE JOB
  
  

PROGRAMMERS IN MULTIMEDIA
California Occupational Guide Number 2006 (part)
Interest Area:  Emerging Occupations
1995

THE JOB

Programmers create the computer code that allows all the components of a 
multimedia product to work together seamlessly and produce the desired 
effects.  Some programmers work in programming languages such as C++.  
Others (sometimes called scripters) work with software programs known as 
scripting languages or authoring software  such as Macromedia Director, 
HyperCard, or Apple Media Tool.  Some programmers create products that are 
distributed on the World Wide Web.  They work in HTML (Hypertext Markup 
Language) to create 2D products, and VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling 
Language) for 3D product.  Programmers are often responsible for assessing 
the technical feasibility of a project.  For example, they may need to 
determine if the electronic or programming tools exist or can be created to 
produce the desired result, or if the intended distribution medium (such as 
a CD-ROM) is large enough to contain the final product.

COMPENSATION

Many multimedia specialists do not work as salaried employees for a single 
company over a long period of time.  It is more typical to work freelance as 
an independent contractor, moving from one project to the next, and being 
paid hourly, daily, or per project.

A formal salary survey is not available; however references to annual 
salaries range from $35,000 for beginners to $75,000 for those with 
experience.  Hourly wages range from $50/hr to $100/hr.  All salaries 
depend on the nature of the project and the skill of the specialists.

REQUIREMENTS

Job Skills Needed:

  -- Knowledge of various authoring software packages, including their 
     strengths and weaknesses.
  -- Ability to select  software most appropriate to the requirements of 
     the project.
  -- Knowledge of computer operating systems, their multimedia extensions 
     and programming utilities.
  -- Knowledge of data structures, algorithms and program debugging.
  -- Ability to contribute to the prototype, design and production of the 
     project.
  -- Ability to work as a member of a team.
  -- Ability to clearly communicate ideas.
  -- Ability to quickly and accurately understand the goals and 
     objectives of the project.
  -- Ability to be organized.
  -- Ability to use the computer tools required to complete the project.


Other Helpful Skills or Characteristics:

  -- Understanding of the Internet and World Wide Web.
  -- Ability to prototype, contribute to the design and finish a product.
  -- A high degree of determination is needed to keep working on code until 
     it works correctly.  Just getting close is not good enough.
  -- Expert knowledge of a few programming tools or areas will make you more 
     competitive than someone with only a general knowledge of many tools.
  -- Willingness and ability to frequently seek employment on new projects.
  -- Willingness and ability to join projects without much advanced notice.
  -- Willingness and ability to continually update skills by learning new 
     tools and techniques.
  -- Passion for the work.
  -- A good sense of humor. 
  -- Patience.

FINDING THE JOB

  -- Use contacts from previous projects or professional organizations to get 
     an interview with the project's technical lead or producers since they
     are the ones most likely to make the hiring decision.
  -- Create a portfolio of your work that demonstrates your versatility, 
     creativity and technical abilities as well as your capacity to work 
     within time and budget constraints.
  -- Customize your portfolio to highlight work you have done that is 
     similar to that of the new project.
  -- Become an active member of professional organizations in order to keep 
     current and to make contacts that may lead to employment opportunities. 
  -- Attend multimedia and professional conferences and meetings to generate 
     job leads and to acquire current information about trends, tools and 
     techniques.
  -- Update and acquire new skills through enrollment in continuing 
     education classes and through reading magazines in the field.  Network 
     with other students and faculty.
  -- Those without experience or training should consider interning or 
     volunteering on a project to gain experience and build marketable 
     skills.

Source:  State of California, Employment Development Department,
         Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
         (916)  262-2162

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