WTB [Life Advice]
So for the past month of being part of the college graduate crowd, I’m kind of at a loss on what to do. Ever since I started at Drexel, I knew I wanted to be a part of the gaming industry. As what, I had no idea. After taking some classes, I realized I wanted to animate, and then at a later point, be a more technical artist perhaps. After trying for the last two years or so to be a part of the gaming industry through networking and attending events and such, I’m still having trouble getting in. But ever since Lazybrains caught all this publicity, there was some talk about maybe pursueing a master’s doing that at Drexel. So I’m torn.
The Industry
It’s been hard as balls for me to get into this. It’s really frusterating knowing that I’ve worked my ass off for four years, been doing everything that “I should be doing” and still can’t get in. Attending the IGDA meetings, meeting awesome people in the industry and people who are just interested in development, going to the GDC and all that. I make what I think is a badass portfolio, then see others way better. So maybe I just need to improve it and spend a few months on doing that.
Continuing Education
I’ve been looking at Master’s programs all over the country. Most are CS-oriented gaming degrees (Penn’s Computer Graphics and Gaming Technology, Digipen’s game-focused CS Master’s) but some are more art-technology and theory based (like Drexel’s Digital Media Master’s). Ever since the Lazybrains thing, there has been some talk about a dual-masters in Digital Media and Biomedical Engineering, which would be right up my alley, and I could continue to work towards a degree while making neurogaming prototypes. Awesome.
Problem with this is, it’s more money. I would need to get mad scholarships, stipends and maybe a job on the side. Not that I’m not willing to do that, but still. The stipend would have to sustain me living, plus the awesome debt I’ve racked up on my bachelor’s.
So WAT?
All this, on top of pressure from parents to settle and take a web design job. Frusterating as hell working your ass off for four years, doing everything you needed to do, everything you should’ve done, and then just told to settle for less than what you wanted. It feels too much like giving up. When I think about the dual-master’s in Biomed and DIGM, it seems like an awesome opportunity to become more of something. An entry level position at some game company is one thing, and even if I work my way up, is that what I want? Maybe I could start my own neurogaming studio of the future.
I hate settling for less than the best.
Anyone have any advice?
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Universities typically “buy” grad students by funding them (stipends and such), because it’s grad students and not undergrads who perform the research that makes the uni look good. If you’ve already gotten publicity for LB, play your cards right and they’ll offer you a package to stay and finish it up. Fish for it.
Also, regarding making ends meet, a stipend would just need to feed and house you. All that you’ve borrowed for your bachelor’s can be deferred if you’re studying further. Look into something like an RA position so you don’t have to pay for housing, and perhaps that’d even come with an on-campus meal plan, I’m not sure.
I say first choice, pursue the game production position your prof turned you onto and work harder on positions in Cali. Second, look into that rigging position that was supposed to last 3 months or so. That’d be perfect for right now.
The whole time be shopping around with university people to see how to get yourself an attractive financial package to stay. Act like while you’ve got offers, it might be mutually beneficial to you and the university if you stayed and did more research.
Liminality blows to be sure, but it’s only temporary. You’ll find what you need soon enough, just keep your mind clear and watch all possible vectors of opportunity.
Awesome advice. You sir are a scholar and a gentleman. (Isn’t that your favorite compliment?)
I’m going to go through with that summer game production position definitely if it turns into actuality (details still need to be discussed), and I am definitely keeping an open mind about everything. But if I get offered an awesome deal that covers tuition and living expenses, I’d be hard pressed to find a better offer for someone like me who drools over gaming and biology.
Will keep you updated on my progress!
That’s pretty much the perfect plan IMO. Keep layin’ on the grant talk.
Maybe you could call up the Dean of Biomed and just make fun of him mercilessly. Then he’ll fall in love with you and give you all the research grants he has access to!
I guess this’d only work if the Dean is a female.
Is that what works for you?
And yes, she is female. But I think I’ll have to pass on your plan on doing that to a Turkish woman with a PhD who, I’m sure, could kick my ass.
Most game degress suck.
Yeah, I said it. Penn’s degree is basically your DIGM degree. Still, if you can get into one of those programs, it’s an easy way to build up your portfolio. Since Drexel hasn’t done anything with Lazy Brains yet, I would think that means they don’t want the IP. Look into that, and ask the team if they would like to continue working on it or if they would mind you continuing the project. Shop it around at other univeristy, and let Drexel know you’re doing it. Make them work to get you.
Or, look into areas you’re already familiar with/ Maybe the Blade3D guys want someone to work on some entry projects for prospective buyers. Talk to one of the companies making the brain wave readers and see if they want to buy LB. You have some options here.