These days, it's not enough to sit back and watch or listen to the media-we want to become a part of it, whether it's on the Web or on an iPhone or Blackberry. It's not surprising, then, that the world of interactive media is growing at a rapid rate, and it needs qualified professionals to help it continue to grow. If you have a knack for computer programming and Web design and enjoy having steady access to the web and other new media, then perhaps you should enroll in a class or two at an interactive media school and see if this is a career that suits you.
 
Interactive media-sometimes referred to as new media--encompasses anything that gets the viewer or listener directly involved. From cell phone apps to Internet games to viral videos, interactive media is only gaining more momentum with each passing day.
 
Making the World a Bit More Personal
The Internet is one of the most popular forms of interactive media, thanks to many households having multiple home computers, as well as the increased presence of public WiFi hot spots. The best websites are those that are informative, engaging, and easy to navigate. Although people spend more and more time on the Internet, when it comes to finding information, users want their experience to be a pleasant one. Whether they click over to their favorite newspaper website to catch up on the top stories or linger over the latest posts of their favorite bloggers, users want to spend more time with the content than they do trying to find it.
 
Do you YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter? It's not uncommon for someone interested in new media to be active in all of these and other online social networking communities. Our wide world actually seems a bit smaller these days, thanks to faster Internet speeds which are able to connect people from around the globe. Whether one uses these sites for work, fun, or a little bit of both, there's always something aflutter on interactive sites such as these.
 
While the Internet and digital media make up much of the interactive media universe, print publications also have their own place in interactive media. Think of children's pop-up picture books or perhaps you can remember one of your own. These colorful, interactive books can hold a special place in a child's heart because it gets them involved in the story that is being told. As an interactive media specialist in the publishing world, one will be involved with the production of books and magazines that help a child learn to read by helping them get directly involved with the story at hand.
 
Both undergraduate and graduate interactive media programs are offered at colleges and universities across the country, offering either BA and MA degrees or BFA and MFA degrees. Not quite ready for a full degree program? It's important to at least stay on top of the newest technology trends by taking computer classes to stay up to date with the latest computer programming. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most computer-related careers will continue to grow during the next decade, so it is important to stay educated and informed about the world of interactive media.