colleges and the industry
by Jonathan Roes · in Torque Game Engine · 02/06/2003 (1:36 pm) · 7 replies
Hi, I was wondering if anyone here has any input on whether it is a good idea to go to a regular state college, something like DeVry University, or a game development school like Full Sail. I'm going to be applying to college soon (I'm a Junior), and I am hesitant about applying to a school like Full Sail, and then having my options quickly cut off for other opportunities in my future. Basically, I want to make sure that if I go to a game development school and burn out in a few years, that I will still be able to find a good job. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I'm going to be going into the programming aspect.
Thanks
-jroes
Thanks
-jroes
#2
Anyway, back on topic.
If you have any desire at all to work in the non-gaming software industry, you should definately get a computer science or software engineering degree from an accredited four year institution. Most non-game commercial software development companies aren't going to consider a full sail or a digipen degree to be worth very much.
02/06/2003 (2:51 pm)
I know this is only sort of on topic, but DeVry is by no means a 'regular state college.' It's basically occupational training: equal to what you'd get at a mid to low end community college.Anyway, back on topic.
If you have any desire at all to work in the non-gaming software industry, you should definately get a computer science or software engineering degree from an accredited four year institution. Most non-game commercial software development companies aren't going to consider a full sail or a digipen degree to be worth very much.
#3
I am currently enrolled in the distant learning program and absolutly love it!
02/06/2003 (7:04 pm)
check out www.uat.eduI am currently enrolled in the distant learning program and absolutly love it!
#4
02/06/2003 (8:16 pm)
I'd suggest getting a Comp Sci degree, then going to a game school. I decided that instead of going for my masters in Comp Sci, I'll attend a game school to tune my skills in the direction I want to go. Definitely get a "real" degree first, cuz, like you said, you'll have more options available to you. 
#5
) I would work on my game when not playing Anarchy-Online.
The thing is, I never formally got a Computer Science education. Although I have a bachelor's degree in Economics from a state university (The University of the City of Manila), I thought my self everything I know about computers and programming.
I have interviewed and hired a lot of programmers. Around 98% of them are Computer Science graduate. The sad thing is, these new programmers are just that ... programmers. What I mean is that they are really good programmers, but they lack business system knowledge. I was even surprised one time when I had to explain to a particularly briliant programmer whats the significance of Debits, Credits and Adjustments.
So my answer to your question is a set of questions:
1. Do you really want to be a programmer?
2. Do you have an idea what it means to be a programmer?
2. If your gonna be a programer, what type of field/niche do you want to go into? (Business, games, utilities, etc)
You need to answer these questions because #1 signifies intent. #2 is a reality check. Btw, there is a very good article on the internet that I would suggest you read samizdat.mines.edu/howto/ and the last, #3 is specialization.
#3 is very very significant. Because it can make or break your career. Depending on the kind of person you are ... you can be a jack of all trades but a master of none ... or a highly specialized C++ developer who does not even know how to clean a blocked kitchen sink.
Still, the question is which school will you go to. My answer is to go to one which you think you'll be able to stick with for the next 4 to 5 years but still be able to help you with attaining your answer to question #3.
Best of luck to you.
P.S.
I guess from my rant ... you'll have an idea how old I am.
02/06/2003 (9:52 pm)
I work as a Technical Team Manager/Programmer in a business application software company. I'm paid well enough to get a very nice house and provide for my family. During weekends (also on weekdays The thing is, I never formally got a Computer Science education. Although I have a bachelor's degree in Economics from a state university (The University of the City of Manila), I thought my self everything I know about computers and programming.
I have interviewed and hired a lot of programmers. Around 98% of them are Computer Science graduate. The sad thing is, these new programmers are just that ... programmers. What I mean is that they are really good programmers, but they lack business system knowledge. I was even surprised one time when I had to explain to a particularly briliant programmer whats the significance of Debits, Credits and Adjustments.
So my answer to your question is a set of questions:
1. Do you really want to be a programmer?
2. Do you have an idea what it means to be a programmer?
2. If your gonna be a programer, what type of field/niche do you want to go into? (Business, games, utilities, etc)
You need to answer these questions because #1 signifies intent. #2 is a reality check. Btw, there is a very good article on the internet that I would suggest you read samizdat.mines.edu/howto/ and the last, #3 is specialization.
#3 is very very significant. Because it can make or break your career. Depending on the kind of person you are ... you can be a jack of all trades but a master of none ... or a highly specialized C++ developer who does not even know how to clean a blocked kitchen sink.
Still, the question is which school will you go to. My answer is to go to one which you think you'll be able to stick with for the next 4 to 5 years but still be able to help you with attaining your answer to question #3.
Best of luck to you.
P.S.
I guess from my rant ... you'll have an idea how old I am.
#6
06/16/2009 (6:14 am)
If you want to be a game programmer go to a school like DeVry University, a game development school like Full Sail or even the Art Institute. I'm at DeVry University and it's a great program. 
#7
For anyone else reading, I graduated from Full Sail with a BS in game development. I now work at GarageGames. While the cost is probably too high, and I will be in debt for a long time, what I got out of the school is what landed me this job.
06/16/2009 (10:08 am)
Holy thread resurrection! Last post was in '03For anyone else reading, I graduated from Full Sail with a BS in game development. I now work at GarageGames. While the cost is probably too high, and I will be in debt for a long time, what I got out of the school is what landed me this job.
Torque Owner Dr. John Nobody