Prepare for Success in Game Programming Colleges

1. Research the school fully. When you're looking into game programming colleges, research what each school offers and ask yourself if what they provide suits your needs. Does the school offer solid training in computer science basics? Do they have a variety of courses in different areas of game programming? What do the faculty members bring to the table? Are there internships? Visit the campus and talk to current students for an insider's look at the school.

2. Zero in on a specialty. Besides the core mathematics, computer science and programming skills that every game programmer needs, you'll want to consider whether you're interested in a specialty area such as 3D graphics, AI programming or multiplayer networking. If you know what aspects of game programming you're interested in, and seek out classes in that area of interest, you'll be able to tailor your college education to fit your needs and career goals.

3. Become a language buff. Not French, Spanish or Japanese—though knowing another language never hurts. It's computer languages that are critical to your success as a programmer, and game programming colleges can ensure that you're a whiz in C, C++, Java, scripting languages and other core computer science curriculum. Your textbooks will be invaluable resources, chock-full of sample programs and helpful tips, so don't forget to study them!

4. Take control of your education. Being proactive about your education will make you a more successful student and a more desirable job candidate. If there are courses that interest you or faculty you want to learn from, go out of your way to enroll in those classes, even if you have to be persistent. Most professors at game programming colleges are willing to arrange independent study classes—a great way to work with instructors you might not otherwise get to work with. Pick a variety of courses to ensure that your résumé shows a wide range of skills. And don't be afraid to explore material on your own—you can learn a lot from creating your own games.

5. Make your résumé stand out. Again, making your own game can be a valuable learning experience—learning from your mistakes will help you improve your programming abilities, and when you succeed, you'll have more samples to add to your portfolio. Take classes in different areas to make yourself more marketable and versatile—a successful and varied college career will help you land a coveted internship. Any and all of these tips can help you make your résumé stand out from the crowd.

Choosing a game programming college is the first step to your new career. Explore our directory of game programming colleges to learn more.

_Sources:

• _{Bureau of Labor Statistics}
• _{www.GameCareerGuide.com}