How to Become a Flash Developer

By eHow Careers & Work Editor

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To become a Flash developer, you will need to have an extensive background in interactive multimedia skills. Flash is a program that is used for livening up websites with graphics, animation and sound. Learning Flash is not that hard, but to work as an upper-level developer, you'll need experience and schooling.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

HTML classes
Flash software
Bachelor's degree
Web portfolio
Master's degree (optional)
Personal website

Become a Flash Design Developer

Step1

Become a Flash developer by obtaining a 4-year degree in computer science. You may eventually want to pursue a master's degree to give yourself more earning power, but a bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification you'll need to become a Flash design developer.

Step2

Learn the popular operating systems like Windows, Mac, Linux and Unix to get the baseline skills for Flash programs.

Step3

Take courses in Java programming, Photoshop, Illustrator and Image Ready to master many Flash designs. You can also diversify your capabilities by learning MySQL, PHP and Python.

Step4

Complete hands-on courses in XHTML, XML and CSS so you can design your own website. You'll need to master creating tags, updating text and integrating graphics in order to design a truly effective site you can use to show off your talents as a Flash developer.

Step5

Create a Flash movie for your website using Flash CS3 Pro. Incorporating these elements on your website will show a company your skills as a developer.

Step6

Study advanced Flash skills by taking courses and seminars through an online site. Today, there are many ways to become educated in software design. Studying virtually can offer you a flexible schedule and save you money on commuting expenses. You can also take seminars through Adobe Systems Incorporated to compliment your computer science studies and add supplemental skills to your resume (see Resources below).

Step7

Select a school that is accredited through the Distance Education and Training Council, or DETC (see Resources below). By choosing a DETC approved school, you will be able to find a reliable online university, have a better chance for transferring credits down the line and possess a stronger chance for job advancement in the workplace.

Step8

Find work as a Flash developer or become an independent contractor. Nearly every company with a website has a need for a Flash developer, from entertainment conglomerates to healthcare agencies. Most require at least 1 year professional experience and need to see a virtual portfolio of your work.

Tips & Warnings

Since a lot of design work can be done virtually, many Flash developers work freelance and take on many diverse projects for a cache of clients.
Some virtual schools are now offering financial assistance programs for those studying online. If you want to become a Flash developer, but do not have the funds, you can apply for either a student loan or might be eligible for government assistance.