Interactive Media Programmer

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Interactive Media Developers (2174.2) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers (C074) 
• 2011 NOC: Computer programmers and interactive media developers (2174) 

Duties vary from one job to another in this rapidly evolving occupation but, in general, interactive media programmers:

• work closely with graphic designers, visual artists and others to collect and document user requirements
• assist in the development of logical and physical specifications
• develop interfaces for interactive digital media (for example, CDs, DVDs, video game cartridges, Internet based applications)
• program animation software
• program special effects software for film and video applications
• write, modify, integrate and test software code for e-commerce and other Internet applications
• research and evaluate interactive media software products.

To keep up to date with new developments, programmers share information via e-mail and web based resources, attend technical training courses and conferences and read computer related journals, magazines and newsletters.

Interactive media programmers usually work in offices or studios equipped with leading edge information technology. Some self-employed programmers work from home. Overtime may be required to meet project deadlines.

Some travel may be required.

Interactive media programmers need the following characteristics:

• the ability to think logically and abstractly
• the ability to pay close attention to details
• the ability to work alone or as part of a team in a creative environment
• an active interest in keeping up with technological advances.

They should enjoy analyzing problems to find innovative solutions and taking a methodical approach to work that requires precision.

Interactive media programmers are employed by:

• communication design studios
• computer software development firms
• interactive software publishers
• media production companies 
• information technology consulting firms.

They also may work in the information technology units of large private or public sector organizations, or be self-employed.

Experienced interactive media programmers may move into related occupations such as web designer or webmaster.

Interactive media programmers are part of a larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2174: Computer programmers and interactive media developers. In Alberta, 78% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (PDF)
• Information, Culture and Recreation (PDF)
• Manufacturing (PDF)
• Public Administration (PDF)
• Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Over 12,400 Albertans are employed in the Computer programmers and interactive media developers occupational group. This group is expected to have an average annual growth of 1.7% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 211 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As interactive media programmers form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for interactive media programmers.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) website: www.cips.ca

Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) website: www.ictc-ctic.ca

International Game Developers Association (IGDA) website: www.igda.org

Multimediator - Canada's Multimedia Guide website: www.multimediator.com

Technology Alberta website: www.albertaict.ca 

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.