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Senior Year... What to do after? /help thread

Archive: 26 posts

Yep, well, this is my last year of high school. Next year I'm going to have to start college. And I really have no clue on what to do. I could go into more detail, but let's just say that all my life I've been trying to be "special" and do something amazing- only way I've been able to get through school.

However, school's almost over, and I'm facing the reality that the lofty goals I've set for myself are, really, impractical and improbable. I won't be a famous author, and I won't be a game designer... most likely anyway. Meanwhile, I have no idea what to do, and everyone is saying I should be a History teacher... which may be a good compromise for me, but the concept of, after living through 12 years of this hoping to one day be special, only to be a teacher teaching the one class everyone hates... it just... yeah. Meanwhile, other people are having ideas on what to do, and since I have shut myself in and tried to make life a "competition" to get through school... it seems like I am losing my self made competition, which cracks the system of "justice" I've made in myself- after spending 12 years a broken friendless wreck, I just can't stand to see everyone else who had a better school life have a better... "rest" of the life. I know I should just "not worry", but honestly... I can't help it. Hoping to one day be better then them has been my primary drive for all these years.

Now, I know I said I wouldn't go into a rant about how my life sucks, so I won't. But yeah. I really don't want to be "normal". I know I probably will be, but at least something would be good... like I like writing stories. That's kinda what I do.

My dream job, as I'm sure many people also would find, would be to pursue game design... now, my only "Real" qualification is that I can kinda lead projects... somewhat, like with LBPC: TG... even if that was nowhere near as well received as I hoped. But being a mediocre project leader with a vague concept of what to do is probably nowhere near enough qualification to lead a game project, as I'm sure people with actual programming/ modeling/ designing skills would be better.

So, I guess you can say I'm at an impasse... think that's the word. Anyway, I want to be special but have no real qualifications. I'd like to be able to have help pursuing that career path, but I really don't think I am really "capable" or realistic at least... Probably the only reason LBPC: The Game ever went anywhere is because I didn't have to actually "make" anything with my meager skills and that I was respected enough here for some reason to keep enough people together to cobble it together... So yeah... Basically I need help thinking about what to do with my life, and I figured I'd ask here since, well, this site... I've pretty much lived on this site for two years, and I don't know anything outside of it ;-;. So yeah. Um...

... So help with my depression perhaps? Or maybe with my life after college? I unno, hope I'll be able to get some help here... ;-; Well, I needed to post this anyway, so yeah. ;-;		2010-12-08 22:09:00

Author:
RockSauron
Posts: 10882

Hmmmm, I really don't know what to say here.

I'm sure you don't have to go to college to get a qualification in games design.


I'm currently going through my last year (13) at Sixth Form, "Senior Year" to you guys over the pond. I was worried about what I was going to do when I leave, but what really helped me was to think about what I enjoyed doing (no matter what anyone else thought), even hobbies so I put my mind to it.

Now I've got several conditional offers from London Universities, hopefully i'll be working in the film or game's industry, creating music after my 4 year masters course.		2010-12-08 22:18:00

Author:
Pattington_Bear
Posts: 777

Game design? Go to Full Sail University (http://www.fullsail.edu/) it looks like a great place to start off in.2010-12-08 22:28:00

Author:
Unknown User

If you really want to be a game developer(which I really think you should), though you may not have many qualifications now, all you would have to do is work as hard as you can to learn what you need to know.
Aren't there any game development and design institutes that you know of that you could go to? If not, try looking into it.( with Google)
You've read Johnee's Story (https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=40567-Johnee-s-story), right? He had like no knowledge of game development whatsoever, and he ended up getting a job at MM.


Just remember: you shouldn't give up, never ever never ever...
NEEEVAAARRR..
ever never ever never ever.....

Your fans love you<3		2010-12-08 22:29:00

Author:
Ninjaferret22
Posts: 1403

My advice to you is to do whatever makes you happy. If you want to go into game design, then go for it. If you don't even try, you might regret it for the rest of your life. You say you don't have the qualifications, I say so what. Your Young. You can go to school, and build those qualifications. All you need is a little self confidence, and the drive to succeed. If you stick to it, you'll do fine. I'll tell ya one thing. Life's too short to go through it unhappy because you didn't even try. I say, go for it!2010-12-08 22:55:00

Author:
smasher
Posts: 641

Game design? Go to Full Sail University (http://www.fullsail.edu/) it looks like a great place to start off in.

I must admit, that DOES look intriguing... Especially since my parents are moving down to Florida (very close to there) when they retire a year or two after I graduate... I just may look into that. ;o Or I definitively will, but yeah.

And as for everyone else... well... thanks, I guess . Though Ninja... is there an actual reason why you think I should be a game developer, like do you think I'm actually good for the part, or you trying to make me feel better or is it just a "you should cause you want to" thing?

So, um, yeah. I'll definitely look into that. <_< >_> D:		2010-12-08 22:56:00

Author:
RockSauron
Posts: 10882

Though Ninja... is there an actual reason why you think I should be a game developer, like do you think I'm actually good for the part, or you trying to make me feel better or is it just a "you should cause you want to" thing?



I think you should because it seems to be something you really want to do, and having a career that you're passionate about is the best way to go, as far as i'm concerned.
Not to mention I actually do think you would be good at it.

But hey, you'll never really know unless you give it a try, right?		2010-12-08 23:13:00

Author:
Ninjaferret22
Posts: 1403

Aren't you already an evil overlord? That seems to make qualifications somewhat redundant, given that you can kill all who oppose your path to whatever job it is that you want.

That said, I really can't help you much more, because i'm also drifting through life with no real idea of what i want to do, so i just drink and try not to fail my exams in the hope something good will happen.		2010-12-08 23:34:00

Author:
Unknown User

Game design? Go to Full Sail University (http://www.fullsail.edu/) it looks like a great place to start off in.

That's an option (plus Oprah's boyfriend Stedman teaches a course there). My advice is get into either Pharmaceuticals (no not a pharmacist)or insurance sales.There's BIG money in that field, or (since we're in a never-ending war) maybe something to do with military engineering.You could design a MECH for the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.		2010-12-08 23:44:00

Author:
KILLA_TODDZILLA
Posts: 653

That's an option (plus Oprah's boyfriend Stedman teaches a course there). My advice is get into either Pharmaceuticals (no not a pharmacist)or insurance sales.There's BIG money in that field, or (since we're in a never-ending war) maybe something to do with military engineering.You could design a MECH for the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

And you know this how? xDD

Also, hmmmm, peanut mechs. . . /imagines

OH GAWD TEH HORROR D: PEANUT BUTTER. . .EVERYWHERE		2010-12-08 23:48:00

Author:
Unknown User

And you know this how? xDD



Howard Stern
I'm not always the last to know stuff, just most of the time (http://www.prweb.com/releases/stedman/graham/prweb2673104.htm)		2010-12-08 23:50:00

Author:
KILLA_TODDZILLA
Posts: 653

Hopefully you don't get to where I am

For five years (since I was 12) all I wanted to do was get a foot into the car industry by becoming a mechanic and working my way up from there. I've already put resumes into multiple dealerships and even had an interview. Haven't heard back from them though >_>

But now, I'm reconsidering whether I actually want to go down that path. I'm wondering whether I would be happier being a graphic designer. I did graphics (3D modelling), visual art and I.T.S. (website design, photoshop etc) I was even top of the class for graphics and visual arts for my last 2 senior years. So I've got qualifications, just not tertiary.

I can't sit around on my rear end though, so I've got to do something.
I guess it's time to have a hard talk with my parents.


Anyway, good luck with whatever you choose Rock.		2010-12-09 00:09:00

Author:
SR20DETDOG
Posts: 2431

Game design? Go to Full Sail University (http://www.fullsail.edu/) it looks like a great place to start off in.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6r3jZVqQoKA

You could join the revolution. :kz:

VIVA LA REVOLUCION COMMUNISTA DE BORICUA!



Or you know... you could go to college for game design..

or help me with the Puerto Rican Communist Revolution. :kz:		2010-12-09 01:19:00

Author:
Bremnen
Posts: 1800

Honestly, I think you should do something that involves writing. Perhaps making stories for games? Maybe you could do writing and gaming. Make the half the game, rub it in everyone's face :kz:2010-12-09 03:00:00

Author:
Testudini
Posts: 3262

I still don't know what I want to do. :/

I would suggest a games design course to see if you like it.
Or even a writing course (or what ever the correct term is), you will probably enjoy it and get a degree out of it at least.		2010-12-09 03:18:00

Author:
midnight_heist
Posts: 2513

Honestly, you still have a lot of time to figure out what you really want to do barring unpredictable social/global upheaval. There's no way to really know for sure whether pursuing a goal you've dreamed of will lead to something entirely different, or if pursuing something you never really cared for leads to finding what you needed all along. I'm not saying everything has a way of working out, but paths you pursue tend to play out differently then you may expect.

Not too long ago, a friend of mine was about to just start college. Currently, I'm working in an engineering firm in their architecture department. Now, my friend was considering pursuing a path in architecture because she is apparently "good at math" (probably better, or at least better educated then I was when I was her age given differences in background). The thing is, architects don't actually use a lot of math these days (know how to calculate areas and volumes and you're pretty well off), given the prevalence of computer-aided design and the fact that the work is divided between so many practices that most of the mathematics is left up to the engineers (particularly structural engineers), and of course I told her this. She started college taking this class that specialized in helping people find what career paths they could be suited for so you may what to see if you can do the same; and on that note, she's considering pursuing a career in radiology now (not really sure how that came about).

Although I will tell you that typically game designers, unless they're old hats in the industry who make the big decisions, tend to spend long hours in front of the computer. In that sense, it really isn't that different from architecture I guess. My superviser makes most of the major decisions in regards to our projects, but he himself rarely takes a direct hand in producing working drawings and such and told me that if I preferred working on projects rather then administering over them then I probably shouldn't try to get to where he is now. He didn't really say whether he would prefer one or the other now, though I guess a lot of people have to choose for themselves. I at least hope you get to a point where you're able to make such a decision as well.		2010-12-09 04:19:00

Author:
Dapiek Absaroka
Posts: 512

There are many different parts that go into making a game. I am pursuing Concept Art, but there are many different teams, coordinators, and external artists (music, writers, etc.). To tell you the truth, you still are building your qualifications, don't question them now that you are being cut off from a strait source. This is the time you need to pursue it yourself and be persistent. You won't accomplish anything if you don't strive for it. Highschool has helped you build your skills, now apply them and see which ones seem to work best for a certain career. DON'T GIVE UP!!!

...yup 		2010-12-09 05:56:00

Author:
Unknown User

RockSauron, you have proven yourself on this site and LBP that you are capable of great things. Im sure your future is very bright indeed.

I am also (or rather was) in a similar position to you. I am now applying to universities for a filmmaking course, I suggest that you follow your dream also and try to get involved within the games industry. You don't want to look back in a number of years and think 'What if?'

Make it happen now. From what I gather you are still a young guy with talent. There is a LOT going for you at the moment. I have taken a year away from education to gain some money for university and to get my head straight. This is not for everyone, but if you are feeling confused, time away is good for making your mind up.

My only other advice would be this. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfq_A8nXMsQ)

Take care! 		2010-12-09 08:41:00

Author:
Mr_T-Shirt
Posts: 1477

If you're going into game design (like myself) The BEST way to start, is to show enthusiasm, draw absolutely LOADS, fill sketchbooks etc. Much like Rex does at Mm. Then, play LOADS of video games, join sites like gamespot and write reviews, picking out the good, the bad and what you think should be changed. Produce game concepts, learn to use flash.

If you can afford it, get the iOS SDK, learn to use it and make an iPhone game! (Though if you take a games development course at college, they will probably show you how to use it anyway).

Just don't take your eyes of the goal!

As they say

http://www.myspacesarcasm.com/myspace-motivational-comments/12/pics_motivational-aim-high.jpg		2010-12-09 10:26:00

Author:
Weretigr
Posts: 2105

I say you should go and hang out with other spirits and gho... Ohhhhh this is education stuff. I say Dayne put it pretty well 2010-12-09 16:12:00

Author:
moonwire
Posts: 1627

I think mortuary science would be interesting to study. Nice thing about it is that you're serving an important service along with helping people. And let's face it...you're terrific with people. You're what they call a "people person", and it goes without saying that you'd also be terrific with cadavers. If you need any info on this subject please send me a pm. Good luck! You're future is bright. 2010-12-09 17:05:00

Author:
TheCountessZ
Posts: 537

Oh wait! ...how about motivational speaking!? 2010-12-09 17:05:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

The key thing that I think I've learned about the games industry is that they are very, very cagey and scared of recruiting people from outside the industry. Generally, if you aren't already professionally involved in the industry you either have to produce something amazing off your own back (which arguably is easier now than ever, with the mobile gaming market being what it is) or you have to get very, very lucky and the chances are, even if you get lucky, you're still gonna have to prove yourself. Remember that this dream is shared by thousands upon thousands of others and the truth is, the vast majority of those people won't make it - as it is with people who dream of being rock stars and movie stars etc.

I don't know exactly how good the games development courses are these days, but ever since they came about most of what I've heard is negative - from them being poorly aligned to the industry's needs to there simply being far too many graduating students compared to industry places. If these things are still true, then when you graduate with one of these degrees, you're still going to have to prove yourself from the others in the crowd, off your own back.... And the question of how transferable your skills are to other professions once you finish that degree. I don't actually know the answer to that one btw, I'm just pretty wary of those courses altogether. However, I can assure you, from the experience of many of my friends, that graduating from university with a degree that is too specific (or too vague) in it's real world applications and realistically, trying to use that degree for other jobs might prove problematic, simply due to prejudice (a Video Games Degree doesn't exactly sound great in the eyes of many employers, I'm sure).

On the other hand, if you were to do a games degree, and didn't get a job out of it, that would arguably put you in the position to start up on your own, or with friends, doing small-scale independent design (see above note about mobile gaming and proving oneself).


In a more general sense, in terms of picking a degree course, you don't actually need to have a set career in mind and if, as you appear to be, you are unsure whether the dream you are pursuing is necessarily right for you you may wish to take a less focussed approach to the selection of your degree course, where realistically, you would decide based upon:

1. What academic strengths you have (which you've been very vague on so far)?
2. Would you enjoy the subject?
3. What options does it provide you with when you leave?

The key really is to pick out a degree course that will be applicable to many areas that you'd potentially be happy working in (obviously with one of those areas being games design). I know this seems obvious, but it's remarkable how many people get the end of their degree and realise it's not actually that useful, except for those jobs where having "a degree of some sort" is required - but those jobs tend to be moderately dull, IMO and often the years spent obtaining the degree could have been spent getting to a similar position through vocational experience.

So, in my case, leaving school with A Levels in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Computing I would have quite liked to do a degree in theoretical physics, but that failed heavily on #3 above, so instead I did a degree in Electronic & Computer Engineering, for the prospects afterwards. Even when I graduated I'd still not decided between a career in hardware design, software or continuing in academia with a doctorate - but the point was I had a ****load of options and I basically just took the one that seemed most appealing at the time.


But this isn't a call for you to stop chasing your dreams and I'm intending to give you a depressing Tyler Durden-esque speech about the futility of ambition. It's just that at the moment, you seem very unsure in yourself and in the dream itself and making a firm decision now and potentially limiting your options and focusing on one thing may not be the best thing for you. I know it sounds patronising but a lot can change over the 4-5 years of your degree, so just make sure it's something you will enjoy and that will guarantee you interesting prospects at the end and worry about where exactly your career is going in a few years' time.


You've probably worked out by now that I don't actually have any answers for you, but hopefully some of this will give you something of use to think about. I was bored, so yeah, wall of text happened.		2010-12-09 17:49:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

I hear technical and vocational schools can be a bad move since many employers look down on those type of degrees. I think it's better to go to a good public or private college and earn a degree in a more general subject like computer programming instead of game programming for instance. Not only do you open up your line of options but you also have added security in case you decide you aren't cut out for a specific career.

Also, don't forget the experience. A degree without any experience/self-created projects doesn't look too well in the eyes of an employer. They might know you have the education to do a job but have no way of knowing if you're actually capable of handling the job with no proven track record. You would still need to prove to them that you hold the skills necessary to carry out the job successfully.

I remember Alex Evans talking about how people can get their start in the gaming industry and as I recall, I believe he mentioned something about just making something that portrays the skills you contain. He has people telling him that they worked on game A and did this and that but he is still left with no idea of what they actually did. He says to just make something, he really doesn't care what you make, just make something. And I think this is really good advice because you actually prove to them what you're capable of and not just saying that you worked on whatever or accomplished this or that. Give them something to admire and secure their doubt on whether they think you are capable of handling a specific job.		2010-12-09 18:26:00

Author:
Enlong3
Posts: 357

Or world domination?2010-12-09 19:51:00

Author:
Weretigr
Posts: 2105

/long post/

You just killed my dreams.		2010-12-10 04:08:00

Author:
Bremnen
Posts: 1800


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