Careers in new media - an interactive industry
Information such as news, data and correspondence is flying through cyberspace, instantly connecting people worldwide in a way they've never been connected before.
Focus on the message
None of this could be accomplished without technology. It's necessary. But, it's not the most important aspect. What is? CONTENT! The message and how it's presented will make the difference between just being out there and being heard. It will allow one voice to stand out over the rest. It will allow you to succeed.
Today's message is being presented through New Media. What is it you ask? It is the delivery and presentation of information in new ways. New media includes: CD-ROMs, DVDs, virtual reality, chat rooms, digital TV, cyber-commerce, E-zines, Webcasts, digital special effects, digital video, MIDI music production, electronic publishing and much more!
New media workers play an integral part in the development and design of content. Working on the cutting-edge of what's new and exciting, they create an interactive mix of text, graphics, photography, video, animation and sound.
Focus on jobs
The demand for creators and communicators - artists, educators, designers, animators, writers and business people - who use digital technologies to deliver information to people in new ways is growing by leaps and bounds. There is no shortage of jobs for people who have a mixture of creativity, imagination, enthusiasm, a positive attitude and good technical skills.
Show and sell - the new media portfolio
People who hire new media workers will want to see the skills and abilities that will make someone a valuable member of their team. Portfolios of work could be one of the most powerful job-search tools.
A traditional portfolio - a hand-held portfolio that contains prints, slides and/or photographs of artwork that will demonstrate abilities to design a variety of new media elements.
A digital portfolio - a computer disk or CD-ROM containing Web sites, animations or other effects. This will demonstrate program design skills and display work samples.
A demo tape - displaying work in motion video or animation.
Focus on Tomorrow
E-commerce: More and more organizations are going online and using the internet as a sales and marketing tool. Some experts are predicting that E-commerce will likely surpass $300 billion by the year 2002, as Web traffic soars and online credit card purchases become more secure.
Cyber-Power Plus: The merging of our three most powerful technologies - the telephone, television and computer - is around the corner. The medium will be less expensive and available to everyone. People will be empowered. They will be able to push a button and determine the final outcome of the plot during a television movie, or click their mouse to indicate their opinion during a real-time political debate.
Virtual Reality: Will be everywhere, from entertainment, to business demonstrations, to education and training tools. You'll be able to hang-glide over the Andes Mountains, walk through the National Gallery and visit the Serengeti desert, all while staying at home.
What does this mean for new media workers?
A dynamic and expanding field where "ideas" people will be needed to develop and test infotainment and edutainment products and services that will attract browsers and call them to action. New media is changing constantly and rapidly.
No one knows what the next year will bring, much less the next 10 years. But one thing's for certain... there will be new technologies, new consumer demands, new products and new careers not yet invented!
To learn more about careers in new media, or other careers in culture, visit the Cultural Human Resources Council Web site at www.culturalhrc.ca.