Taking Advantage of Career Services at Video Game Design School

Every good college, university or video game design school should have a career services department—one that's familiar with the curriculum the school offers and how that translates into job marketability for students. When you're researching schools, research their career services department, too. If they boast a variety of internship connections and career events, and if they have a job placement rate that's high but not too good to be true, then you can guarantee they'll do their best to help you get your foot in the door.

Career departments at video game design schools may encompass a range of services. Some of the most advantageous to students include:

• Job skills workshops. Career-related workshops on how to put together a résumé or give a killer interview can be invaluable for those just entering the job market. Perhaps most important, the career services department at a video game design school should be able to advise you on how to effectively tailor your portfolio to target the specific jobs you're applying for.
   
• Career counseling. If you're still trying to figure out what direction to go in, or you're not sure what courses you need to take, professional career counselors can help. The career center usually has drop-in hours, or you can make an appointment to get your questions answered.

• Information about conferences and events. Conferences and events are an excellent way to learn about the gaming industry firsthand and make connections that will be useful to your job hunt. Ask your career services department for information about how students can get involved in events such as the Game Developers Conference or Siggraph.
   
• Internship placement. According to a panel of recent graduates at the 2008 IGDA (International Game Developers Association) Education Summit, internships were the number-one factor that helped them land their first jobs in the game industry. Usually, a video game design school maintains connections with game studios and other related companies that actively look for student interns, and the career services department can help connect you with those opportunities.
   
• Networking and job fairs.  Critical to landing that internship—not to mention your first job—is how effectively you can network within the gaming industry. Besides seeking help from your professors and any connections they may have, you can attend job fairs and other industry events to meet a wider range of professional contacts. The career center usually has listings of job fairs, and may even sponsor its own networking events.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward a career, learn more about video game design schools. Find schools, request information, and take the first step today.

_Sources:

• _{www.Gamasutra.com}
• _{www.GameCareerGuide.com}