NSIM

Stories you may like

• Systems Developers

• Multimedia Specialists

• Database Administrators

• Data Scientists

• Animators

Multimedia specialists design and create information technology based multimedia products such as websites, DVDs, and computer games that combine text with sounds, pictures, graphics, video-clips, virtual reality and digital animation.

Key responsibilities of the job include:

• meeting and liaising with clients to discuss briefs, requirements and project progress

• making technical recommendations

• producing, demonstrating and receiving feedback about ideas

• creating multimedia designs in liaison with animators, programmers, writers, video producers, sound engineers and artists

• developing and using skills and expertise in appropriate design packages such as Photoshop, In Design and After Effects

• keeping up-to-date with technological and software developments

• testing products for errors and making amendments.

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

Qualifications and training required

Although you don’t technically need a degree for entry into this profession, it is unusual for applicants to be successful without one.

A degree or HND in any subject is acceptable for entry, although employers often prefer candidates with technical or creative qualifications such as graphic design, 3-D design, illustration, multimedia technology, IT, business information systems and computer science.

Key skills for multimedia specialists

• Confidence

• A good eye for design, layout and detail

• Imagination and creativity

• Patience

• Time management skills

• Organisational skills

• Analytical skills

• Problem-solving skills

• Communication skills

Typical employers of multimedia specialists

• Retailers

• Software/multimedia houses

• Central government

• Charities

• Telecommunications companies

• Advertising agencies

• Local authorities

• Engineering firms

• IT consultancies

• Computer games companies

• Insurance brokers

• Manufacturers

• Publishers

• Educational organisations

They also work for large corporate organisations with in-house websites, multimedia and new media departments.