Programmer

Programmers can be involved at different stages of the system life cycle: initial analysis, implementation, integration, testing, debugging and support. Their role can include 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;

They are also involved in: 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;

A programmer could also be: 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. 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, the programmer 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.

Typical starting salaries range between £18,000 and £24,000. If training is involved, salaries are generally lower during the initial period.

Experienced programmers earn between £28,000 and £35,000, and some over £40,000. The industry supports a lot of potential for contract and freelance work, which may pay very well but in return for fewer benefits such as paid leave.

Although this area of work is open to all graduates, a degree/HND in the following relevant subject areas may increase your chances: interactive/multimedia technology or design/animation; computer science/software engineering; maths or physics; engineering or electronics; 3D design or digital art; graphic design/illustration; spatial design; fine/visual art.

Many university courses in multimedia and computer sciences have sandwich years in industry, which may be valuable for portfolios, and hands-on experience is reassuring to employers who are hiring for entry-level positions.

Employers will want to be sure that candidates have a strong programming background and so courses in maths, engineering, art and design may be a good entry route if the candidate can also display aptitude and skills in multimedia applications.

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 help. Some employers may prefer graduates to Diplomates.

A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not needed, 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 disk, 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 or presentation materials incorporating a variety of media.

Employers also usually look for knowledge and experience in a combination of: relevant software: eg Flash, Photoshop, Flex; programming languages: eg C++, Java, .NET; scripting languages: Actionscript 2 + 3, Javascript including AJAX, Ruby, SQL, PHP, XML, CSS, XHTML. Actual employer requirements vary depending on the sector and the platform being used.