Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Multimedia Project Manager- from: Youtube Search
Working Life
Multimedia is the communication of information using a variety of media, for example words, sounds, images, interactive graphics, modelling and web design.
A Project Manager co-ordinates and controls the combined efforts of a team of multimedia/systems designers, programmers, writers and support personnel.
Project Managers oversee the entire running and successful completion of the project at hand. This involves liasing with each person involved in the completion of the project including customers or clients who may have ordered the product or service that the team is working on. The number of staff reporting to a Project Manager on a development project varies, depending on the sise of the project.
The Project Manager budgets for personnel requirements and other direct costs. This cost analysis is discussed with the client company before agreement is reached and final contracts are signed.
The Project Manager has responsibility for various tasks, including: establishing clear targets and timescales to implement the requirements within budget and quality parameters; administration of the project, assessing production against targets, liaising with the client and, if necessary, refining processes.
He/she makes decisions on content, informs others and is well informed of all aspects of the project. It is up to the Project Manager to ensure design quality and consistency. Project Managers can work long hours, particularly when a deadline is approaching or problems are encountered.
The Project Manager can often be considered the producer of the multimedia product and as such the role has more in common with a video/film producer than with a Project Manager in the software industry. A Project Managers' work can be very varied and unstructured.
Qualities - Multimedia Project Manager
The Project Manager must have all round experience in multimedia product development and be highly qualified in the IT and multimedia spectrum.
The successful Project Manager must have the ability to manage the project team of people from diverse backgrounds, to achieve project objectives on time and successfully. Therefore, they need to be people oriented and have skills in communicating, listening, understanding and motivating staff.
Project Managers also need to be flexible, act quickly when the need arises, and have sound business and administrative skills. This is very much a producer/managerial rather than a technical post.
Experience in business and administration, co-ordinating people and other resources are most valuable. Experience gained from working in previous project teams before moving up to a management position is a requirement in order to become a successful and efficient project manager.
Interests - Multimedia Project Manager
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Entry / Progression - Multimedia Project Manager
Project Managers are middle or senior managers, new entrants or recent first time graduates may not be considered for a post of this level. As the posts are generally non-technical, many degree disciplines would be suitable however; many Project Managers have previously been employed as programmers or systems designers for which a technical background is required. All Project Managers would have experience of working within project teams, of systems design and some programming, but this job is primarily managerial.
Aspiring Project Managers should seek out opportunities to gain skills in management and administration. Postgraduate qualifications might improve the chances of appointment and a qualification in management may be most appropriate.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: business admin, supervisory management, project management, prince 2, scrum master.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: business management, event management, services management, tourism, hospitality management.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Lean Sigma Manager, Senior Engineer.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: business management, general management.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: project management, general management financial advice.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Multimedia Project Manager
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €45k - €80k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Prosperity.ie / Moragan McKinley/ CPL / Sigmar
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Multimedia Project Manager
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Information technology and telecommunications directors; IT specialist managers; IT project and programme managers.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
The annual average employment growth rate for this occupation over the five-year period was strong, with employment levels growing annually since 2018. Those employed were primarily male (70%), working full-time (97%) and the share of non-Irish citizens at 19% was in line with the national average.
The number of employment permits issued grew from 359 in 2021 to 974 in 2022; although the majority were for the ICT sector, they also spanned a range of other sectors, with roles including IT project/program manager and technical lead. Vacancies for IT project managers were identified in the Recruitment Agency Survey and by employers (Spotlight on Skills and Skills for Growth) as being difficult to fill. While demand may be slowing, shortages persist for this occupation.
Useful Contacts - Multimedia Project Manager
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Smart Futures
- Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
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- Click Here
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Irish Management Institute
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Irish Computer Society
