The Games Game

The Right School (December 2003)

Dear Tom,

I've been working on my bachelors degree at the state college near where I was raised. The teachers have taught me a lot, and my portfolio is shaping up pretty nicely if I do say so myself. The thing is, this is a nowhere school. Trust me, you never heard of it - and nobody else ever heard of it either. I'm worried that when I go submit my resume at the game companies, that they won't take me seriously because of the school I went to.

Don't get me wrong, they have good courses here. I've learned a lot about 3D graphics, computer animation, a little programming... and a couple of the instructors have counseled me well in researching how to apply it all to game development. I really believe I'm getting a good education here. I'm not ashamed of the school. But I'm concerned about the reaction I'll get from interviewers who first learn of the school when they see my resume.

If they never heard of this school, how can I prove to them that this is a good school? I just want to sell myself, not my school!

Anon E. Muss

Dear Anon,

It sounds to me like you are going to a perfectly good school. Getting a good education is all it's about. Well, that and what you do with it. And it sounds like you're doing all the right things with the education you're getting. And don't sell yourself short - the way you described the school is plenty good enough (if anybody asks). You're a better spokesman for the school than you give yourself credit for.

A lot of industry aspirants have the common misconception that they have to go to "the right school" in order to break in. And that just isn't so. There isn't just one school. There aren't even just twenty schools. Any school that teaches you the knowledge, the work ethic, and the skills is fine.

To an interviewer, you are much more than a school name on a resume. You are an enthusiastic and talented individual who's anxious to join the team and work hard. The school helped you become that person, or at least it helped give you the ability to be helpful when you join a team. It really doesn't matter which school is listed on your resume.

You mentioned that you've been working on a portfolio. Keep polishing it; put only your best stuff in it. Leave out any items that need more work, or that need explanation. Keep it short, and make copies. It costs a little money to make a copy of the portfolio, but it's a good investment - you want those babies to circulate, not to collect dust on your bookshelf. Don't buy expensive portfolio covers except maybe for your master copy. See what's reasonably priced yet reasonably attractive at the office supply store for the portfolios you give away. Be prepared to leave a portfolio at each place where you apply.