Sporting chance in graphics

Matt Coubrough's dream is 'to have all the premier league football in the UK using our software to show the graphics'. Picture / Fotopress

My job

* Graphics applications developer, Kiwi International Digital Systems (KIDS)
Name: Matt Coubrough
Age: 28
Role: Graphics applications developer, Kiwi International Digital Systems (KIDS)
Working hours: A flexible 45-hour week
Average pay: $50,000-$60,000
Qualifications: Avalon Studios Certificate in Television Production

Q: Describe how you got this job?

A: I was working in London and got a call from Graham Veitch, a well-known New Zealand television sports director. I had never met him but he asked if I was interested in working on graphics for the Tour de France last year in July. I wasn't available, but I was interested and so after the tour Graham interviewed me and I came back to New Zealand and had a second interview and checked out the operation.

Q: Describe what you do?

A: Monday to Friday I am writing software for all kinds of sports to display the television graphics information for events. When the matches are happening we are operating the software, pushing the buttons to make the graphics appear on screen.

Q: What have you had to do to succeed at this job?

A: It has been a steep learning curve. I am self-taught at programming and it has been a challenge learning this particular equipment. Succeeding with the software development is about hearing what clients want and writing the software that does what they need by drawing on all the elements of my television background and the computer software side of it.

Q: What sort of training or experience do you need?

A: The ability to write software. That can be a lifetime of learning. I am constantly learning new techniques and actively doing research. You need a good understanding of television technology, which is what I trained in, as the job involves controlling broadcast industry equipment to make it display digital images.

Q: What skills and qualities do you need?

A: The ability to think through a problem and come up with the best solution in the timeframe. The ability to work under pressure in a live on-air situation. More and more, computing and television are converging. Consequently, everything I have learned from all my different fields of interest is useful. I never in a million years would have thought that all the couch potato sports knowledge that seems quite trivial would be useful.

Q: Best part of the job?

A: The on-air adrenalin buzz. The fact that I will press this button and show the score to the world and you have to know which player that was who just kicked that ball. The travel to go to these matches and amazing sporting events and meet the people involved. It is also extremely satisfying when you have spent months developing the software to see the graphics in action.

Q: Most challenging part?

A: The deadlines are fixed and there is no way they can change. The pressure is on in that respect. It is also very challenging keeping up with the constant technological change.

Q: How do you define success in this job?

A: In the short term, making sure that the game goes to air flawlessly. In the long term, success will be if we can take advantage of the unique qualities of the software we have written and sell it on to as many broadcasters around the world that want to make use of the technology.

Q: What are your career hopes for the future?

A: I am very keen for the software we are developing to be used around the world, and part of that means making it the best that there is out there. My dream would be to have all the premier league football in the UK using our software to show the graphics.

Q: If I wanted a job like yours how would I go about it, and what qualifications would I need?

A: The software development qualification is a degree in computer science or similar. In terms of the television industry, it is very much about your reputation and contacts. A big part of it is about getting your foot in the door, learning from everyone you meet, respecting their knowledge and leaving a good impression.

Q: What advice would you have for someone contemplating a career like yours?

A: Offering to do some free work is a good way to start. The week I spent at TVNZ as an 18-year-old eventually led to job opportunities. You never know when something is going to be useful, so absorb things like a sponge.