Digital Media | Career Centre

Do you have a passion and a calling for creating digital images, animation and simulations? Are you looking for a future working with cutting edge technologies and techniques? Studying Digital Media at York may be exactly what you are looking for. The Digital Media program is a joint Honors of Bachelor degree offered by the Faculty of Fine Arts and the Faculty of Science and Engineering. This four year program engages contemporary digital culture from both the art and the science perspectives, offering studies which encompass technology, media art, culture and communications and the opportunity for students to participate in an internship program.

Career Options in Digital Media

This list is not exhaustive but it provides a solid idea of what fellow graduates have gone on to do and what potential careers a Digital Media degree can offer. Some options are more directly associated with specific areas of Digital Media than others.

Animator
Artist
Cartoonist
Computer Games Developer
Computer Programmer
Creative Consultant
Digital Media Specialist
Entrepreneur
Exhibit Designer
Film Effects Developer
Graphic Designer
Illustrator
Installation Artist
Interior Designer
IT Specialist

Landscape Designer
Medical Illustrator
Multimedia Consultant
Music Industry Consultant
Photographer
Product Designer
Set Designer
Software Designer
Special Effects Director
Systems Analyst
Teacher
Technical Support Specialist
Technology Journalist
Visual Arts Consultant
Website Designer

Some of these career choices may require additional education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential education or professional formative courses and exams. For a more in-depth description of some of the careers mentioned above visit Career Cruising (login information can be found on the home page of the Career Centre's online system) or the National Occupational Classification website.

Skills Developed through a Digital Media Degree

A background in Digital Media ensures that you develop the skills and mindset to tackle many different professional challenges.

Core Skills

A solid understanding of contemporary design software and modern digital media techniques
An understanding of the theoretical, artistic and experiential ideas that lie behind the aesthetic aspects of digital media
Exposure to hands-on studio settings and the confidence to create
Knowledge of the theory and the practice of digital media in today's professional workplace
The ability to design visual projects, create them and present them to peers
Solid computational skills and an understanding of mathematics

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
The ability to organize, understand and analyze sources of information and to apply novel forms of technology or new information to different professional settings and tasks
The ability to learn new information and apply this to professional demands
The capacity to critically analyze problems, think creatively and make sound decisions while considering different sides of an argument
The ability to explain complex ideas clearly to others and to apply complex theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas

Management and Teamwork

The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project's intended end result
The capacity to lead and interact with a variety of people with different approaches and personal and professional backgrounds
Skills enabling you to work effectively in group situations, partaking in decision-making, leading and contributing in various capacities to the ultimate success of the team and task
The capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects

Professional Associations and Organizations

Knowing the industry and how to excel in it after receiving a degree are key elements of future success. University study sets up the building blocks you will need to develop and enhance your understanding and knowledge in your career. Being part of a professional organization or network and gaining further insight through training are excellent ways of increasing your knowledge of the field.