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Multimedia programmer

Multimedia programmers are responsible for designing and creating multimedia computer products that combine text with sounds, pictures, graphics, video-clips, virtual reality and digital animation etc.

Freelance and contract work is commonly available for those with appropriate experience.

Multimedia programmer job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Job responsibilities include:

creating multimedia product designs
meeting/liaising with clients/managers to discuss requirements or project progress
producing, demonstrating and receiving feedback about products
keeping up to date with technological and software developments
developing skills and expertise in appropriate software/programming languages
producing products that are user-friendly, effective and appealing
working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

There can be some pressure to meet deadlines, when extra hours may be required. Promotional prospects are excellent for employees willing to change jobs regularly and to move into managerial positions.

Typical employers of multimedia programmers

software and multimedia houses
computer games companies
specialist multimedia and web design companies
IT consultancies
large organisations with in-house websites, multimedia and new media departments.

Vacancies are advertised online, by careers services and recruitment agencies, in newspapers and publications such as Computing and Computer Weekly. Try also video games magazines such as Edge. Speculative applications are advisable, for which The Computer Users' Yearbook may be useful.

Qualifications and training required

A degree in any subject is acceptable, although employers may prefer graduates with technical or creative qualifications. These include graphic design, fine art, 3-D design, illustration, multimedia technology, software engineering, IT and computer science.

There are a number of specialist multimedia degree courses available which may prove advantageous. A postgraduate multimedia course (for graduates without relevant degrees) can also be helpful.