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John

senior multimedia developer at an e-learning company

In general terms, what does your job entail?

I design e-learning software using a software package called Authorware. Authorware is a multimedia package, incorporating sound, video and flash graphics, which provides the user with hands-on interaction. Following a pre-written script, I develop products that will help the user to become more acquainted with and test his/her ability using the Microsoft Office suite and the Internet through simulations, interactions and lessons on screen.

Describe the main events in a typical day

The work that I am required to do on any given day, I have usually planned to do from the day before. Because of the tight deadlines that we work to, I try to stick to the plan that I have made.

Starting at 9am I usually start by going through the previous days testing to see what has to be done before I can send my section of the project off to quality assurance for further testing. By nine thirty, nine forty-five I am working on the Authorware file, either developing new products, upgrading old products or fixing edits (from small problems to major whoppers) that I am continually getting back from QA (Quality Assurance). The team that I am apart of, the Development team, usually meet about 12.30pm, to go over what we have done and what we are doing and we discuss any issues or problems that we may have with regard to other departments or the work that we are doing. This could take anywhere from ten minutes to half an hour so, after this we break for lunch.

Two o'clock and I'm back at the desk. I make sure that everything I need for the afternoon is ready. This usually requires me chasing down someone in the graphics department or someone in the scriptwriting department to get what I need. If they don't have what I need, the whole development process slows up and this effects the project timeline. And the knock-on effect can get out of hand. And usually the buck stops here with the development team. About mid afternoon, I stick the audio files (a woman's voice telling you what you are supposed to be learning) into the section I am working on. And then I test it again myself. There is a lot of satisfaction to be gained from looking at the section that you just developed and knowing that it is going to help somebody somewhere learn how to use a computer.

By five o'clock my section of the days development goes into what is termed the "packaged" file. "Packaging" involves getting all of our work together and going through the process known as packaging so that it can run on any pc. It can only be tested by quality assurance in this state, and believe me they always find mistakes.

Five thirty and its usually out the door. On the odd occasion a few of us might stay back and play a networked game like Quake or Medal of Honor. Which is always a great way to unwind.And this is my day!!!

Do you feel that you are using your talents in your job?

I am constantly learning, I will definitely say that!! I feel that I am using most of my talents on the job. From using my intellect and problem solving skills on specific problems to my people-person skills, when dealing with teammates and other teams. I would like to think that there is a lot more for me to do and learn..

After leaving school what were the major milestones in your career development?

After leaving school I entered UCG, now NUIG, and I thought that the world was my oyster. I finished college in 1998 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a higher Diploma in Systems Analysis and Design Techniques. I started work, after travelling for a little while, about 10 months after leaving college. The company was also in the e-learning market and while the dot-com boom was taking shape it was an innovative company to be working for. The skill of some of the people working there really rubbed off on me and gave me the confidence needed to speak my mind in meetings for the betterment of the team. My project leader placed a lot of faith in my abilities and subsequently gave me a lot of responsibility with regard to certain projects. However, the venture capital ran out and the company closed its doors.

I did a few week-long courses in management and business, and in people-mentoring skills that came up with a temporary employer that I had. I was also sent forward for training in first-aid, which I still think should be trained in secondary schools.

And recently, I started the present employment and I am enjoying the challenge immensely. From meeting new people to working on challenging projects. I am still challenged and still learning and that is always a good buzz.Job training is on-going. And it is something that keeps a company dynamic. Keep your employees at the edge of new and emerging technologies. This way you will be ready when these new technologies do emerge.

What do you like about your work?

The people that I am working with, they are extremely talented and they drive you to succeed.

Is there any aspect of your work that you not like?

The early starts. When the schools are back after the summer break the traffic gets continually worse and entails me getting up earlier and earlier. I am presently up at 7.15am. Unheard of in college.

Do you have any specific advice for someone wanting to enter IT?

IT is such a broad area. It takes in everything from call support to designing software to run satellites. A small bit of research is a great thing. If you see something you like, contact someone in the area and I am sure that they will be only to happy to talk to you.

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