Digital and Media

The sector in a snapshot

Digital and media roles are creative roles that use their technical skills for a purpose like delivering a message or to support a business.

There are strong links between the digital sector and creative industries such as broadcasting, journalism and publishing. Digital roles can also appear as more technical roles using computing. This could include marketing and social media, data and analytics or a combination of the two in Games Design.

Sheffield City Region has seen a huge growth in the number of digital careers, particularly in the creative sector and it currently employs 35,000 people. With companies such as Technophobia, Plusnet, Sumo Digital, Warp Films and Zoo Digital , the city has gained a reputation for its innovation and has attracted lots of people with a talent for all things digital.

What could the sector offer you?

Jobs in these industries are likely to:

Join a growing sector- the reality is that digital careers aren't going anywhere, with more and more advancements happening all the time.
Experience interesting work- some of the companies offering digital and media roles are household names.
Have access to lots of options and variety- there are loads of career choices once you find yourself on the ladder.
Careers with computers (and without)- most jobs involve using computers but some careers have less of a focus on them and more on the 'message' they want to convey.
Learn loads of transferrable skills- the skills you learn can be helpful in any career and work would usually be exciting!

Reality Check

You will need to constantly develop your skills and keep ahead of the curve in this industry, which can be a challenge as there's usually so much going on either in the programmes used or social trends. If you are working to project briefs and business demands you will be required to meet these versus following your creative process. You may also find that there are rises and falls of some sectors combated by growth in others such as the reduction in paper journalism and increase in digital.

You will likely need to have skills in...

Technical ability, adaptability, creativity and innovation, problem solving, organisation, attention to detail, willingness to keep learning and developing, independent working, teamwork

The Local Scene

Find out about how you can get involved with the digital community in Sheffield through some of these links.

Sheffield Digital

Brings together individuals and businesses involved in the digital industry. Lots of information about developments in the industry and interesting events.

Sheffield Digital Showcases

Sheffield Digital hosts regular showcase events when new developments and business ideas are presented.

Sheffield Digital Festival

A celebration of the digital community in around Sheffield. Recordings of previous events and talks.

Sheffield Women in Technology

A community that supports and encourages women into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).

Explore: the digital industry | A detailed look at all you need to know – FutureLearnAs we explore the digital industry, we take a look at the types of jobs available, the salaries on offer, and the skills and knowledge you’ll need to work in this sector. We also explore the impact of COVID-19.

Some roles in the sector

DIGITAL DESIGNER (Between £18,000 to £40,000 per annum)

A designer will meets with client to clarify aims of project briefs. They will discuss media, software and technology that will be be used, establishes timetable for project and defines budgetary constraints. They may have to research the project and compares options. They may also have to produce a variety of options for the clients to consider before deciding on a final version, altering as necessary where they go. They will also need to liaise with other members of the team to ensure the project is on task until it has been completed.

GAMES DESIGNER (Approx. £25,000 to £70,000 per annum)

Games design is a creative career that combines digital skills with art, story, music and production to create a finished product that will engage the user. Designers will be involved in planning and detailing elements of games, from conducting initial research to target audiences and design, to transforming this into a product on the screen. They will be collaborative workers, working with game developers to programmers and artists to make the game a reality. They will also support in the adjustments once the game has been play tested.

WEB CONTENT EDITOR (Approx £30,000 per annum)

Depending on the website, editors may be involved with both internal or external clients. They will have a good understanding of the requirements and present design options to the client. This may include graphics, animation and functionality to maximise visual effectiveness. They will then develop the website itself using their designs, and ensuring the site is secure. They will also write content for the website and strength test it once it is live.