Graphics Programmers

Employers

Although computer programmers are employed throughout the United States, the U.S. Department of Labor reports that nearly 40 percent of computer programmers work in California, New York, Texas, New Jersey, and Florida. Opportunities are best in large cities and suburbs where business and industry are active. Programmers who develop graphics for software applications work for software manufacturers, many of which are headquartered in central California and the Pacific Northwest. Programmers who adapt and tailor the software to meet specific needs of clients are employed around the country by the end users.

Agencies, called job shops, employ programmers on short-term contracts. Self-employed graphics programmers can also work as consultants to small companies that cannot afford to employ full-time programmers.

Starting Out

Career counselors and professors should be able to keep you informed of companies hiring computer programmers, including graphics programmers. Large manufacturing companies and software firms that employ many computer programmers send recruiters to universities with computer science departments, usually working cooperatively with the career services offices. Your school's career services office can also tell you about any firms offering work-study programs and internships, which are excellent ways to gain training and experience in graphics programming. As employers become increasingly selective about new hires and seek to hold down the costs of in-house training, internships in computer programming are a great opportunity not only for on-the-job experience but also for a possible position after graduation from college.

Other possible sources of entry-level jobs are the numerous placement agencies that specialize in the field of computers. These agencies often advertise in major newspapers, technical journals, and computer magazines. They can also help match programmers to temporary jobs as more firms lower their personnel costs and hire freelance programmers to meet their needs. Programmers can also find out about new job opportunities by attending computer graphics conferences and networking with their professional peers. Some job openings are advertised in newspapers or online.