Computer Programmers & Interactive Media Developers
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Computer programmers write, modify, integrate and test computer code for software applications, data processing applications, operating systems-level software and communications software. Interactive media developers write, modify, integrate and test computer code for Internet and mobile applications, computer-based training software, computer games, film, video and other interactive media. (National Occupational Classification)
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- O*NET Online - U.S. resource for occupational information
- OCCinfo by alis - Alberta-based occupational information:
- Day in the Life of a Computer Programmer - The Princeton Review (U.S.)
- Computer Science Career Overview - Sloan Career Cornerstone Center
- Sokanu - profile & featured videos
- Interview: Computer Programmer - from StudyinCanada.com
- Interview: Video Game Programmer/Software Engineer - from StudyinCanada.com
- Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters - Programmer profile (p. 18)
- Computing Disciplines: A Quick Guide - from CERIC
- NavigateITMB: Exploring Tech & Digital Careers - Tech Manitoba's guide for occupations in technology and IT
- Manitoba Ecosystem: Software Development - Tech Manitoba Guide with education and career information on jobs in software development
Education
U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
Faculty and Department Homepages
Visit U of M's faculty and department homepages to learn about program application deadlines and processes, as well as additional in-house resources and opportunities.
Exploring Other Education Options
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Trend Analysis: Job Market Report (Winnipeg Region) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- Occupation Outlook Handbook - Job outlook for the U.S.
- Current employment stats for Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers in Canada (by geography and sector) - from ICTC's e-Talent Canada
- Information & Communication Technology Council of Canada - view 'Research' market reports and learn about Student 'Education & Skills' opportunities
- Robert Half Salary Guides - view the Tech guide for salary and hiring trends
- Manitoba Ecosystem: Software development - Tech Manitoba resource with career information and educational programs related to Software Development
- OpportuNext - salary range and job growth prospects - Manitoba
Professional Associations
Professional associations may organize events and provide directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities may also be available: engage, learn and network!
- Association for Women in Computing
- Canada's Association of Information Technology Professionals (CIPS)
- International Game Developers Association (IGDA)
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- New Media Manitoba
- Tech Manitoba (formerly ICTAM) - business directory
- Information & Communication Technology Council of Canada (ICTC)
- Association for Computing Machinery
- Tech Nation (formerly ITAC) - members directory
- Entertainment Software Association of Canada
Job Boards
Search the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
Other links
These external resources may provide you with additional information about the occupation and opportunities to build experience:
- Skull Space - A Winnipeg organization that hosts community events, educational seminars, and offers a shared workspace
- Winnipeg Game Collective (formerly Peg Jam) - Discord group and source of industry information and events from the Winnipeg Game Development Community
- Game Developer (formerly Gamasutra: The Art & Business of Making Games) Resource for careers in the video game industry
- Game Dev.net - Forum and community on all areas of game development
- Article: In the palm of your hand: How to succeed in mobile app and game development- Job Postings magazine