Careers in Multimedia Technology

Do you have a talent for using the computer and an eye for design?  Then you might consider rebooting your career by highlighting and clicking on the emerging new field of multimedia technology. This career specialty is predicted to grow by 18 perceny into 2016 and yield annual salaries from $56,000 to $100,000 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

From motion pictures and video to Web design and mobile media, careers in multimedia technology can be as creative as they are challenging.

What Is Multimedia Technology?

Multimedia technology applies interactive computer applications, such as graphics, text, video, sound and animation, with the goal of delivering a message. Professionals in multimedia use computer software to develop and manage online graphics and content.

Career Opportunities

There are a variety of job opportunities in multimedia technology spread along a wide horizon of industries.  In this day and age, information presented to a large audience often contains digital and print images. The use of text and animation can often enhance the communication of an important message. With a strong back ground and skills in multimedia technology, you might find job opportunities in marketing and advertising. Or you could discover your work niche in the publishing industry, where there is the need for designing, managing or generating multimedia content for websites, newspapers or magazines. Even libraries, museums, cable TV, retailers, filmmakers and training departments offer jobs to people with skills in multimedia technology.

Typical Multi Media Job Titles:

• Web developer
• Graphic artist
• Digital photographer
• Instructional designer
• Production assistant
• Desktop publisher
• Film/Video animator

Education 

Many community colleges offer associates degrees in multimedia technology which prepare students for entry-level employment in the field.  An associate’s degree in multimedia is offered at Montgomery Community College through its digital design program.

There is some preference by employers to hire candidates with bachelor’s degrees. The University of the Arts in Center City offers a bachelor of fine arts in multimedia and allows students to minor in specific areas like Game design, e-music or web design.

If you don’t have an associates or bachelors degree in multimedia technology, don’t despair, there are many certificate programs in multimedia for career changers.

Training

Multimedia degree programs provide training on using computer programs and creating interactive presentations or materials. Many programs will focus on teaching students how to use website development software like Cascading Style Sheet or the Adobe suite, which includes Photoshop, Flash, Illustrator and Dreamweaver. Design techniques using multimedia technology are often emphasized in the curriculum. As part of the learning process, students often have the opportunity to take on creative projects to develop their own artistic style using digital art.

A multimedia professional can look forward to applying a dynamic combination of website design basics, electronic imaging, animation, graphic design and digital editing. But most exciting, is the potential to integrate creativity and imagination with the cutting edge tools of technology.

Related Topics:BLS, Jane Finkle, and Multimedia

Advertisement