Job

Im thinking about something really important in my life, as it concern direcly my future.

 

I was looking throught a website that has a database containing all job informations including requirements at school, in what kind of jobs it may lead, and all that stuff. For my own future. I have a preference for anything related to computers and video games (design, graphics and anything related to graphics, games and physical stuff like computer towers or consoles would be my choices).

 

I suddenly thought about something - What about Blizzard?

 

I went on their site, and looked throught their Employment page for fun. And at my surprise : I learned there ain't much pre-requisites for their jobs. Yeah sure you need skills on what and that depending what you want to do (If you want to go there being a programmer, you need vast knowledge of C and C++ language... etc). You need to live in Irvine, California to work there. But there's a thing I like : They don't seem to be asking for specific school requirements. Which is good for me.

 

Then I thought about UbiSoft; since they have established here in Quebec (think about Splinter Cell... it's from here). It would be more local working than moving on to California. But they seems to be asking a minimum of experience in video games working.

 

They both have game testers, but for Blizzard we need to live in Irvine region to work there. For Ubisoft, they requires a minimum of Secondary 5 scholarship terminated (I'm in sec. 4 right now, which would be good for me) and Asset Education in computers and/or multimedia is a must (as it is written in french). I am considering this as it could lead me to highter job grades.

 

 

As I am still recincidering this (I am only 16 years old, and still haven't finished school) I still have a long way ahead of me. This is very important for me. If you happen to know anybody who works in anything related to computers or video games, I would like to know what life there looks like, what jobs looks like, and everything.

I know noone working in that area but would strongly suggest that you consider getting a university degree since it will open doors for you that will remain close forever if you don't. Moreover kids like you who want to have a carreer in game development must be ligning up big time.

Go to University, get a degree. Think about it. Who are they more likely to hire? A person who meeets the limited requirments for the job, or a person who goes beyond them? Anyways my dads friend is a programmer, Ill ask him about it next time I see him.

I've got a bunch of friends in the video game industry... Or at least they used to be.

 

One friend worked at Lucasarts until he got laid off.

 

Another friend worked for Stainless Steel games... until he got laid off.

 

My sister's boyfriend used to work at Capcom until he quit because the pay was not good enough.

 

Working in the game industry can be a VERY taxing career. It requires many 60 - 80 hour work weeks and can suck up much of your time. When talking to my friends, work WAS their life. Just keep that in mind when persuing this path in the future.

 

Also, as my friends have shown me, working in this industry can be risky at times. Unless you work for some of the BIG companies your job security can always be in question.

 

Take a little bit and seach the web about the working conditions at a big shop like EA. They have many documented cases of worker abuse by pushing them to the limits.

 

That being said, working in the gaming industry can be HARD, but I'm still shooting to end up in that industry myself. Nothing is better than working while doing something you love. I just wanted to make sure you knew that gaming work is not just a "fun job"

 

If you are looking to persue gaming in the future why not attend Digipen University or one of the other schools specialized in computer and video gaming education.

 

Check em out here...

 

http://www.digipen.edu/main/Main_Page

Thanks alot for the informations

 

As I said, I am still young and not sure of what I am willing to do later, but it is a consideration.

 

Thanks for the site Gryph <3

 

But if I know something in work, its that : You need to do what you like if you want to be happy. Its like, for a mechanic-born guy that wants to try the path of a Programmer... I dont think he won't last long in this path.

Working in the game industry can be a VERY taxing career. It requires many 60 - 80 hour work weeks and can suck up much of your time. When talking to my friends, work WAS their life. Just keep that in mind when persuing this path in the future.

 

Gryph is right. If your thinking about joining the gaming industry, prepare to devote most of your day to the job. Not as simple as going there, playing and creating games. deadlines have to be met, so your their till you get the work done.

 

My friend was a programmer who got a job developing software for gps. He went from working 40 hours a week to 65-70 hours a week. He basically worked/eat and slept. He eventually quit and i was offered the position. The money was awesome, but he was drained mentally nd so i declined.

 

Definitly research the job and possibly talk to current employees working there before applying for the job. The "cool factor" of the job ends after the first week. you have to enjoy what your doing and be prepared to work long hours if you plan on making that your career.

I had a professor who summed up college quite eloquently:

 

"It's not the education so much as showing that you can be trained for something new."

 

Employers understand that there may be capable and qualified people in the world without college degrees applying for jobs in their business, but it's the college degree that says "look at me, I can learn new things."

I had a professor who summed up college quite eloquently:

 

\"It's not the education so much as showing that you can be trained for something new.\"

 

Employers understand that there may be capable and qualified people in the world without college degrees applying for jobs in their business, but it's the college degree that says \"look at me, I can learn new things.\"

QFT