IT/Digital Media Industry: Jobs Explained
*This list is by no means the entirety of the industry, but gives a broad outline of the jobs that are involved in IT and Digital Media.
- Animator - Animators in the games industry are responsible for the portrayal of movement and behaviour. Most they give life to game characters and creatures. Animators must portray movement and behaviour in an efficient and effective way. Animators work for development studios, both publisher-owned and independent, and also for specialist outsourcing companies. Unlike other sectors, where work is often on a project-by-project basis, Animators in the games industry are usually permanently employed.
- Applications Developer - They can work in a wide range of industries, and their main task is to use their knowledge to create a computer program to perform various tasks in accordance with the specifications agreed with the client.
- Artist (computer games) - Artists create the visual elements of a game, such as characters, scenery, objects, vehicles, surface textures, clothing, props, and even user interface components. They also create concept art and storyboards which help communicate the proposed visual elements during the pre-production phase. Some games try to look as realistic as possible while others aim for a more stylised or fantastical look and it is the Artist's job to model and texture characters and objects to achieve the desired result.
- Digital Media programmer - A Digital Media Programmer writes computer programs that draw together multimedia features, such as text, sound, graphics, digital/analogue photographs, 2D/3D modelling, animation, video, information and virtual reality. Multimedia products work on particular 'platforms', such as the internet, interactive television, CD-roms, information kiosks, DVDs, computer games consoles and mobile phones.
- Information systems manager - An information systems manager installs computer systems, ensures that back up systems operate effectively, buys hardware and software, provides the ICT technology infrastructures for an organisation.
- IT Consultant - An IT consultant works in partnership with clients to overcome their business challenges through the application of technology. A consultant's work will often be based on the need to improve efficiency and the way a company functions, with IT used as a means to achieve this.
- IT trainer - IT trainers generally design and deliver training courses in information and communications technology (ICT). This includes: desktop applications, company-specific software and some more technical-based training to software engineers, technicians, website designers or programmers. IT trainers work in colleges, training companies and within the training departments of large companies and public sector organisations. Many IT trainers are self-employed, and this is a growing trend.
- Software engineer - Software engineers research, design, test, implement and maintain software systems to meet the needs of the person they are working for. They work in teams, with other IT professionals, or alone.
- Systems analyst - A systems/business analyst designs new IT solutions to improve business efficiency and productivity. They plan and design a new IT system that is approved by their client.
- Systems developer - Systems developers work on the internal operations of computers. They test systems, diagnose and fix faults, and they make sure that the systems function more efficiently.
- Technical support officer - A technical support officer is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of computer systems. They solve technical problems and diagnose software faults either on the phone or face to face.
- Web designer - A Web Designer is responsible for the lay out and appearance of a web site. They are also expected to ensure that it is reasonably straightforward and easy to use. Their role is very similar to that of Digital Media Programmer.
