I've just been offered a job at a reasonably well known and respected games company. However, it was my intention to complete the final year of my degree (honours year) and pursue a masters in computer science. (I am currently studying Computer Games Technology at the University of Abertay Dundee) The pay in the job is decent (although not great), considering that I'm straight out of university and don't even have a degree yet. However, I'm wondering if sticking it out and getting my masters would get me a better salary in the long run such that I can enter the industry at a higher salary? On the other hand, if I do enter the industry, I probably won't get a chance to do a masters degree or complete my actual degree, which I'm afraid might leave me in a very unfortunate situation. I'm just looking for opinions, what would you advise? EDIT: I've not had confirmation of the offer yet, it's still up in the air. The management is apparently reviewing my CV. So it might turn out that it's all a big fuss over nothing.

Leo wrote:

>I'm wondering if sticking it out and getting my masters would get me a better salary in the long run such that I can enter the industry at a higher salary?
> I've not had confirmation of the offer yet, it's still up in the air.

Are those two birds in the bush fatter and tastier than the one bird that's almost in your hand? I don't know.

This is a classic dilemma. Actual industry experience, coupled with your name in a game's credits, are arguably just as valuable as a degree (if not even more so). The only downside I can see is if you later decide to drop out of the game industry - then you don't have that degree.

>if I do enter the industry, I probably won't get a chance to do a masters degree or complete my actual degree, which I'm afraid might leave me in a very unfortunate situation.

I think you can always go back and finish it later. Don't burn those bridges.

Tom

Just my suggestion but, if you're offered the job I would take it. Industry experience can amount to more than a piece of paper and, you can always finish your degree, and do your masters, at another time. There is no guarantee of being accepted into your dream job once your masters is completed.

Absolutely finish your college degree now. Once you start workng it's very psychologically difficult to go "back to school". Whether or not you get the masters is up to you.

-me

If you've been offered a job in the games industry and you haven't graduated yet then you can take it that the employer thinks quite highly of you. Consequently you shouldn't underestimate your ability to find a job in the games industry in the future. I would very strongly recommend that you at least finish your current degree. You can't be sure how you will feel about the games industry a year or two down the line - I know it wasn't everything I hoped it would be.

One option would be to ask the company to consider postponing your employment until after you're finished studying. Even if that's not possible for them, they will most likely be keen to give you another chance if you apply again at a later date.

As to money, you'll probably be doing slave labour for the first year or so but you're salary will probably go much higher after that. Finishing your current degree will probably help a little with the initial salary because you'd be more employable elsewhere. Spending a year in the industry will also probably give you a higher salary than a year doing a Masters degree.

All the best with whatever you decide.

Part of the dilemma is that I am actually receiving my degree in July (still have exams to sit though). The final year is optional (but highly recommended) but it is thought of as the most important year of the degree. (Many people think the degree is almost worthless without it)

By saying that I probably won't be able to get the masters, I was referring to the difficulty mentioned above with re-entering education after having worked in the industry. I'm pretty sure it's hard to leave a paying job to go study, especially if the pay is good.

The final year is the masters? Personally, I would finish the masters program. There's actually a substantially different salary base depending on your level of education. Employers will pay more for a PhD than for a masters than for a BA. Having that masters will also make it easier to transition out of games if you ever get burned out on the industry (very very very very common). Don't let the lure of money now get in the way of a better education. If there's good money now, there will be great money in a year with a higher degree.

-me

Not quite a masters. Degrees in Scotland have an optional fourth year in which we complete a dissertation along with a number of specialist subjects. It's still considered an undergraduate degree. Following this, we can go for a masters degree, although I will probably try to get into a computer science masters in the states. (Strangely enough, a 4 year fine arts undergraduate degree over here is considered a masters degree :p)

Thanks for the advice. :)

Quote: Original post by Palidine
There's actually a substantially different salary base depending on your level of education. Employers will pay more for a PhD than for a masters than for a BA.

I have yet to see this get played out in the real world, its been my experience that umm... experience has a lot more to do with your pay than your degree. YMMV.
Perhaps its what you mean by substantially that makes me doubt that. Where I work a master's won't get you any more of a pay increase and I don't think it should. I'd rather get the guy with 2 years of exeprience in the real world than 2 years of theoretical experince in a subject that's not really directly related to what we do.

Cheers
Chris

Quote: Original post by Leo_E_49
However, I'm wondering if sticking it out and getting my masters would get me a better salary in the long run such that I can enter the industry at a higher salary? On the other hand, if I do enter the industry, I probably won't get a chance to do a masters degree or complete my actual degree, which I'm afraid might leave me in a very unfortunate situation.

Also think about how the lack of completed education may affect you down the road. Entering the industry is only the first step. I do know of a few people in related industries who hit a ceiling at some companies because of their lack of a completed undergraduate education. When it came down to promoting them versus someone with a little less experience but a full education, they lost. Some companies do highly value a proper education.

Also consider why the company wants to hire you over someone else with a completed education. Could it be that they believe you are just as skilled, but they can pay you less because you are not finished with your schooling? Try to put yourself in their shoes and figure out why they would want you. This will help to guide your discussion with them and to make your decision once they make you a formal offer.

For now, think about it but don't worry to much until you see what they are really offering. It's all just talk until they officially offer the position to you.