Two Years on the Job
Two-year professionals work under the supervision of established programmers, handling
sections of code or modular pieces of programs. Little responsibility is offered to new
hires in terms of defining program architecture and creating new methods of handling data
or graphics. They are, however, given reasonable autonomy on their own section of code.
Satisfaction is high. Pay is average. Many work for between one and two years at a given
firm, then move to another with greater challenges. Five Years on
the Job
Salaries rise, and hours increase significantly. Duties include defining programming
architecture, coding, and debugging more junior programmers' codes. Many have contact with
executives and clients. Those who progress possess strong communication skills and
understand what the client wants and needs. Travel may be a feature of the five-year
programmer's life, going on-site to address client needs. A few begin their own
businesses.
Ten Years + on the Job
Ten-year professionals have either begun their own businesses as independent programmers,
or consolidated their positions as experienced programmers at large concerns. Hours
increase, but the position becomes one more of defining program architecture, working with
staffs of programmers, and managing a variety of projects. Few ten-year professionals do
basic coding; a number of those who love it do some, but delegate the detail work to
less-experienced junior programmers. Satisfaction is high; salaries can become
significant.
Average Starting Salary
$39,000 - $45,000 |
Graphic Artist: (from
http://www.jellyvision.com)
- Skills Needed: Foundation in traditional drawing skills, Print
design, Layout , Interactive/multimedia (syncing sound, graphics, and text), Game design
- Software Packages: Macromedia Director, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe
Illustrator, Adobe After Effects, Strata Studio Pro 3-D
- Characteristics: Exceptionally creative (have your own ideas and
vision), Able to lead and be led, Team player, Strong communication skills, Motivated,
Experienced, Fast and efficient, Good sense of humor, Ability to turn "I am looking
for something kind of like this" into "Yeah! that’s exactly what I was
thinking!"
3D Programmer/Software Engineer: (from http://www.sierra.com)
- Skills Needed: 3D programming, 3D graphics, Direct 3D, 3D math
background, C++
- Software Packages: Visual C++
- Characteristics: Strong organizational skills, Team player, Game
development experience, BS in Computer Science or Math
Business Development Manager: (from http://www.jellyvision.com)
- Skills/Experience Needed: Minimum of 5 years work experience,
Negotiations experience, Experience working with contracts and legal counsel, Exceptional
critical thinking and problem solving skills, Exceptional written and oral communication
skills, Legal background a plus, Experience in relationship (e.g., account/client)
management a plus, Business development experience a plus, Marketing experience a plus.
- Characteristics: Extremely detail-oriented, Flexible, Problem
solver, Fast learner, Efficient, Good time manager, Multi-tasker, Responsible, Team
player, Someone who will represent both our company and our capabilities accurately to our
potential clients.
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