Careers

Career Outlook

The growth of the World Wide Web has brought about a whole new era in technology. In 1995, less than 3% of Americans had access to the Internet. Today, more than 20% of U.S. households regularly access the Internet and that number is growing with each passing day. Worldwide there are approximately 171 million users online. As a result of the increase, an entire industry has arisen. Companies who develop for the Internet are now providing a wide variety of services and products online - selling almost anything imaginable, producing newspaper and magazine-style publications, travel agencies, employment agencies, building brands and developing online game networks. Where it will end is anyone's guess. The opportunities seem limitless.

The Information Technology Associate of America (ITAA) has indicated that there are presently 350,000 information technology jobs that are now vacant. The ITAA also reports that Multimedia Specialist is one of the eight computer career clusters that is most in demand.

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Interactive Multimedia/Web Professions

Webmaster

Develop and maintain web site, program HTML and upload pages on to the web server, and integrate multimedia assets and applications into the site. The web master is often involved in developing and maintaining a strategic plan for the organization's internet presence. Other duties may include create enhancements and modifications to the web site; organize and maintain the site; adapt to new standards, technologies and trends. May direct others involved in the development and maintenance of the web site.

Web Designer

Performs the more creative and artistic aspects of the development and design of the web site. Usually responsible for producing a consistent visual image on the site through the use of uniform fonts, formatting, icons, images, template implementation and layout techniques.

Web Developer

Works with other programmers in planning and development of web sites and thoroughly test and debug code. Manages implementation of databases, analyze traffic statistics. Develop, research, layout, and incorporate new features. Writes both client-side and server-side scripts.

Project Director/Manager

Responsible for the overall development and implementation of a project - including the day-to-day operations. Supervises the creative team composed of individuals and teams involved in the development of multimedia or web applications. Administers budgets, manages schedules and often meets with clients to assess needs and sales presentations.

Video Specialist

Produces audio/video programs, conducts research, develops scripts, schedules production activity. Acts as technical director to schedule shoots, set up and adjust cameras, lighting equipment, microphones and other audio equipment, and monitor and adjust equipment during recording/taping sessions. Records and/or tapes audio and video segments to produce a program. Edits audio/video tapes to create audio and/or video effects, and produce a finished program using audio/video equipment for multimedia production.

Instructional Designer

Design and deliver training programs, workshops and seminars in classroom, on Internet, via multimedia and other instructional technologies. Plan and coordinate training programs with technology training staff. Research, write and produce clear documentation and other instructional materials (websites, multimedia and online tutorials) to support student learning.

Production Assistant

Detail oriented position that assists the project director in all aspects of an interactive multimedia application development. Job duties will range from following up with clients, working with the production team, and research.

Multimedia Programmer/Developer

Draws on the skills of the computer programmer and the visual artist to integrate graphics, text, and digital audio and video with interactivity that can be delivered on CD-ROM, DVD, or the World Wide Web. May use programming languages or other authoring applications.