Multimedia programming is a team activity drawing together text, graphics, data, sound, still pictures, animation or moving pictures by means of a computer program. You may come from a creative or computing background but will need to have an understanding of both.

Programmers work alongside designers to combine sounds, pictures, text and graphics to convey information in a more interesting and usable way way.

Recognition of its usefulness is spreading rapidly through a broad range of sectors including business, advertising and marketing, communications, retailing – via the Internet and point of sale, publishing, entertainment, public information systems, healthcare, tourist information, art galleries and museums, education and training as in interactive packages to support skills training.

Roles as a programmer are crucial.

However, in order to make the most of opportunities available, programmers need to be prepared to learn new skills in, for example, sound, video and animation, and recognise that keeping up to date with new technology and packages is an essential part of the work.

As a rule programmers are employed by a dwindling number of large multimedia agencies. Many now work in smaller agencies with small teams of designers and account handlers. Many major companies employ teams of multimedia programmers and designers in-house.

Multimedia implies interactivity and interactivity requires programming.

The programming may include languages such as C++, Visual Basic, Lingo or just moving icons on screens. It is not just programmers who want to make a career in the multimedia industry.

In many cases the industry is being driven by graphics orientated people who work closely with programmers to turn their creative ideas into a marketable product. This means that computer training alone is unlikely to be enough. An understanding of layout, design and graphics is important. Good communication skills (oral and written) are essential.

Small multimedia companies are on the look out for a spectrum of skills, including creative and technical ability. An interest in 3D geometry and graphics is valuable, as is endless enthusiasm, and the ability to work effectively in a small project team.

Range of typical starting salaries: £12,000-£18,000
Range of typical salaries at age 40: £60,000+

Even if a recent graduate in computer science or mathematics programmers may find that an ability to program is not enough. Producing a portfolio to demonstrate creative ability is almost essential to the application process. A personal Web site could also be used as it could be accessed directly by a potential employer. A Masters in multimedia can compensate for a non-relevant first degree.

British Interactive Media Association, www.bima.co.uk
Chartered Society of Designers, www.csd.org.uk
Design and Art Directors Association, www.dandad.co.uk
British Design Initiative, www.britishdesign.co.uk
Society of Typographic Designers, www.istd.org.uk