Career Overview
Computer programmers and interactive media developers design computer programs and write, edit, integrate and test computer code. Computer code is a step-by-step set of detailed and logical instructions that tell a computer to perform a task. It’s a language that uses numbers, letters and other symbols which become “words” that a computer understands. There are many programming languages, for example, Java and C++.
Duties
Computer programmers:
- Design software programs and write code using a variety of computer languages for personal computers, mainframe and mobile software applications, information systems applications, operating systems-level software, and communications software
- Edit, integrate and test the code to make sure that the program produces the expected result
- Maintain existing computer programs by making changes, as required
- Identify and communicate technical problems, processes and solutions
- Prepare reports, manuals and other information on the status, operation and maintenance of software
- Help collect and record user needs
Interactive media developers:
- Program animation software to pre-set specifications for interactive forms of media, including video games and internet-based and mobile applications
- Program special-effects software for film, television, video, online and mobile applications
- Write, edit, integrate and test software code for e-commerce and other online and mobile applications
- Help collect and record user needs
Computer programmers and interactive media developers may lead and co-ordinate teams. They may also research, review and recommend a variety of software products.
Depending on the organization, a computer programmer or interactive media developer may need to be able to “build.” This means to convert the source code into something that a computer can execute. In some companies, this might be a specialized team while in others, the developers would do this.
Earnings
Earnings is income that workers receive in exchange for their labour. Depending on the type of employment, earnings can be in the form of wages (hourly), salaries (fixed monthly or annual) or self-employed earnings.
Work Environment
# Workers Employed
12,800% Employed Full Time
65%People in this job work in the private and public sectors. This includes software development companies, information technology consulting firms, and in larger organizations, in information technology departments.
People in this field often work long hours to meet release dates or fix problems. Updating or testing code can be a long process that needs attention to detail, although many employers now use automated testing programs, which help in this area.
Computer programmers and interactive media developers spend many hours sitting at their computers. They must be careful to use safe work practices to avoid eye strain as well as stress on their back, neck and shoulders, and joint stress from keyboarding and mouse work.
Career Pathways
Individuals who start in this career may begin as a junior developer, at a help desk or in quality assurance (QA).
Some people in this career may oversee entire projects and supervise staff. With experience, they may move up to positions with more responsibility, such as computer systems analyst, information architect, information designer, multimedia designer or producer, technical architect, software engineer, team lead or team manager.
Those that have good business knowledge can go on to become the chief information officer or chief executive officer of a company in the software field. Some may choose to open their own company. There are many different career paths, depending on the person’s area of specialty.
Related Careers
Occupational Interests
It’s important to understand what kinds of occupations align with your interests.
For more about occupational interests visit Skills for the Future Workforce > Characteristics.
Here are the top occupational interest(s) for this career profile:
Job Titles
Education, Training and Skills
Generally, completion of a diploma or bachelor's degree in computer science or in another area with a programming component is required. Other requirements may include:
- Specific post-secondary study or specialized experience in programming for engineering and scientific applications
- Language-specific certification for computer programmers with specialized knowledge of a particular programming language(s)
- Continual upgrading of technical skills, which may be paid for by employers
Experienced computer programmers and interactive media developers can apply for the Information Systems Professional (ISP) designation through Canada’s Association of Information Technology (IT) Professionals (CIPS).
Computer programmers and interactive media developers should be analytical, creative, patient and never want to give up on figuring out an issue. They should enjoy methodical and precise work and be good at solving problems. People in this career need to have a good understanding of computer hardware and software, as well as operating systems and computer languages. They should be interested in developing new software or other media.
People in this job need good communication skills to talk to people using the computer programs and software. They will also need to work with others in the company on projects or in meetings. Someone in this role needs to be able to clearly explain technical problems and solutions to a person who might not have a technical background.
Education programs in B.C.
The following program areas are related to this occupation:
- Computer Information Systems/Science
- Math/Statistics Related (Arts)
- Computing Science/Systems Related
- Math/Statistics (Science)
- Information Technology Management
- Pre-press/Desktop Publishing/Digital Imaging Design
- Integrated/Multimedia
- Web Technologies
Skills
Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.
Here, you will find the 10 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.
See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. Check out the list and see if this career matches your skills—take that first step!
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Being able to solve novel, ill-defined problems in complex, real-world settings.
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Analyzing operational and product needs to create a design.
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations and the environment will affect outcomes.
Understanding how new information could be used to solve current and future problems in making decisions.
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, while meeting the goals of the system.
Labour Market Statistics
Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.
Employment
Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.
Employment
12,800Employment by Region
Region | Employment (2022) | % Employment of this Occupation |
---|---|---|
Cariboo | 110 | 0.5% |
Kootenay | 250 | 1.0% |
Mainland/Southwest | 17,820 | 79.4% |
North Coast and Nechako | N/A | 0.1% |
Northeast | N/A | 0.1% |
Thompson-Okanagan | 1,110 | 5.3% |
Vancouver Island/Coast | 2,360 | 13.6% |
Labour Market Outlook
The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.
Forecasted Job Openings (2022-2032)
13,480Forecasted Job Openings
Forecasted Employment Growth Rate
Composition of Job Openings
Job Openings by Region (2022-2032)
Region | Job Openings | Avg. Annual Employment Growth |
---|---|---|
Cariboo | 30 | 1.7% |
Kootenay | 100 | 1.5% |
Mainland/Southwest | 10,780 | 3.5% |
North Coast and Nechako | N/A | N/A |
Northeast | N/A | N/A |
Thompson-Okanagan | 700 | 3.9% |
Vancouver Island/Coast | 1,860 | 4.5% |
Industry Highlights
Learn about the opportunities in B.C.'s major industries, including employment trends, earning potential, locations of work and more.
Forecasted Job Openings by Industry
Industry | Job Openings (2022-2032) |
---|---|
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services | 148,000 |
Information, Culture and Recreation | 57,300 |
Finance, insurance and real estate | 50,900 |
Manufacturing | 49,200 |
Wholesale Trade | 33,100 |
Insights from Industry
The growing use of information technologies means more workers in this career will be needed. There is a strong demand for computer programmers and interactive developers. For example, the health-care and justice systems are hiring more of these workers as they continue to automate processes. The continued use of mobile devices also contributes to the demand for programmers.
Advances in technology have created software that can write basic code, removing the need for computer programmers to perform routine and repetitive work. This means there will be demand for programmers with additional skills. New graduates with knowledge of more sophisticated computer programming languages and with experience working with a variety of programming languages will be in higher demand over those who do not have these skills.
Programmers can expect their jobs to change, depending on which computer languages they use and what is happening in their employer's industry. Understanding the systems that are used in the industry is helpful. Programmers need to keep their skills current to remain competitive.
Interactive media is becoming very popular. It covers a wide range of products, from customizable multimedia for training or presentations to web-accessible databases. People who specialize in this area and have information design skills will be in high demand.
Resources
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Accelerate Okanaganwww.accelerateokanagan.com
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BC Tech Associationwww.wearebctech.com
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Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) of British Columbiabc.cips.ca
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Canadian Technology Immigration Network (CTIN)www.ctin.ca
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Information and Communications Technology Councilwww.ictc-ctic.ca
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Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council (VIATEC)www.viatec.ca