INTERVIEWING THE IT EXPERTS
STRAIGHT FROM THE SOURCE

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INTERVIEWS

Name: Rob T

Title: Multimedia Producer

Degree: Bachelors of Science in Advertising
Bachelors of Science in Interactive Media

Experience: 2 years

1. What is the specific IT category you are a professional in (from the list below called "list of IT specialties"...or maybe you are in a different specialty than what is listed)?

Multimedia Producer – Specialize in video/audio production as well as graphic design and web design.

2. What is the name of the company you work for?

Active.com

3. What is your job title?

My job title at Active.com would be Multimedia Produce.

4. What kind of educational background do you have (what is the highest degree you have and what is your college degree in)?

I have a Bachelors of Science in Advertising and a Bachelors of Science in Interactive Media from the Art Institute of San Diego.

5. Do you feel your degree adequately prepared you for your technology career?

For the most part, yes. You learn a lot by being hands on. Throughout my career I have picked up skills but school defenitly got me prepared for my career.

6. Do you have any certifications in addition to your degree? If so, what are they in?

No, but will be obtaining some within the next year.

7. Have the extra certifications you've received prepare you for your IT career?

N/A.

8. How many years have you been in the IT field?

I have been in this industry for 2 years

9. Have you ever worked in a field outside IT? If so for how many years and in what other fields have you worked?

Yes, Marine Corp for 4 years. Was an Amphibian Assault Crew chief

10. If you answered "yes" to question #6, in what way did working in other fields prepare you for the IT field? Or do you feel it had no bearing on it whatsoever?

N/A

11. What personality traits and skills do you possess that you feel help you in your specific IT field?

Very motivated, self-starter. I am always learning new skills to further my productivity. I thrive on accepting jobs requiring skills I either don’t have or am not proficient in so to better mine.

12. What steps does someone go through to get a job in this field?

Must have a degree in Web-Design or Multimedia and/or have a couple years of experience in the field. Once acquired, multiple interviews and tests are completed before getting into a company such as the one I am employed.

13. In your opinion what are the best IT job resources out there? Are there certain websites that are very useful in finding an IT job?

I don’t visit many job resource sites. Possibly craigslist.com or freelancer.com

14. As an IT professional, what online resources/websites do you use to stay abreast current events/new trends in the IT field?

Best resources as far as software usability would be Adobe.com, Adobe Bridge, CreativeCow.net, Kirupa.com, gotoAndLearn.com, videocopilot.net and others, but these I frequent.

15. What are ways to advance in your field (getting an advanced degree perhaps or obtaining a certain certificate, or just more years of experience)?

Free classes at the city college. Adobe web-seminars. Side-jobs and side-by-sides.

16. What is the most enjoyable thing about your job?

For the most part, I have the open-creative say so. Some clients know what they want, but I have the ability to spice it up, so my projects reflect my creativity as well as meet the clients needs.

17. What is the biggest challenge regarding your job?

Project balance. With so many different projects and deadlines coming through, it can be over-whelming sometimes.

18. What are your daily tasks like? Walk me through what a "day in the life of an IT professional" would be like for you?

Logon to the server around 7:30-8am, check my company email for any requests or urgent orders. Begin on any existing projects that I’ve been working on. Usually, the video projects can take up to 2 months. So I’m typically working on the same project for awhile. If I’m doing any HTML design, I usually go over the request and either pick-up where I left off, or set up the files for design. I usually do something active for lunch then work through till about 5pm.

19. What skills do you use at work?

I use design skills. Html coding skills, programming skills, flash skills, video editing skills, organizational skills.

20. What percentage of your day do you spend working independently or in a group?

Other than being briefed on the initial project, most all work is done independently. Usually only working with others for review and/or opinion.

21. What is one thing you didn't know about your field before getting into it that you wish you had known?

How to perform in a corporate setting. There are many rules and regulations to follow.