So, I recently finished university and I've been looking to get into my first programming job, but for some reason I wasn't getting any interest!!Unfortunately, im not in a position to relocate to where the game developer jobs are so I have to apply for any prgramming jobs in the local area. Since finishing university I have taught myself 2 new languages (c# and Java) to join my arsenal. I have sent my CV to several agencies and whilst my skills were ticking all the boxes I wasn't getting any interest. In a bit of an agry rage I phoned a few of the agencies and found a common cause for the lack of interest..... agencies cant relate a "BSc Computer Games Development" to computer science. I was told on the phone by several agencies that my CV was not passed on to the company because they couldn't see how my degree had anything to do with the job. After a lengthy discussion with several people in the agency I finally persuaded them to pass my CV on, as a result I now have a few interviews to prepare for the new year!! It's really upsetting that the word "games" carries such stigma but unfortunately I see it everywhere (outside the games industry). Its got so bad now that I get upset that I will be paying nearly £15k for a degree that people dont understand or acknowledge.

What do you expect? I'm really sorry that you're having a difficult time finding a job, but to be honest I don't think it should be surprising.

Is someone who was trained to build bridges qualified to build skyscrapers? Someone who did a generic Civil Engineering degree would be expected to be able to tackle either role (as a graduate anyway), but someone who did a Bridge-Builder's Engineering degree isn't going to be expected to be able to take on a skyscraper-building role.

The fact that you've continued to learn outside of your degree is going to help you, but personally, I can't blame the recruiters for not passing your CV on to non-game companies. Agencies are usually pretty dumb, so if a company asks them for Computer Science grads, that's all they're going to look at.

What Codeka said is pretty much why we advice against them around here; there is no 'stigma' attached, more a case of the degree is seen as too focused on game stuff which in a non-game related role isn't likely to be seen as useful.

Your course should have a better name if it's actually a comp-sci degree.

My university called theirs a "Bachelor of Computer Science (Games Technology)", showing that it's a comp-sci course, which specialises in game dev.

If you're applying for games jobs, a lot of places (the company I work for included) still prefer a computer science degree over a games specific degree. It's quite possible that the company will say they need a computer science degree, and an agency may not try to put you forwards if they think your degree won't be accepted.

On another note; I'd try contacting companies directly - we've had a few people coming to us from agencies, but it's not really worth the cost for a small company to cover the agency fees for a junior role. And it looks better if you make the effort to contact someone directly [smile]

Quote: Original post by LionMX
agencies cant relate a "BSc Computer Games Development" to computer science.

The agencies are doing the right thing.

I feel like Codeka is on the track but not all the way to the destination.

Obviously if a recruiter is looking for "BSc Computer Science" they better not equate it to "BSc Computer Games Development".

If the customer wants "BSc Computer Science" the agency should reject everything else including "BSc Computer Technology", "BSc Information Technology", "BSc Information Science", "BSc Technical Writing", "BSc Computer Engineering", and so on.

A Computer Science degree has a specific meaning.

Either you have a Computer Science degree or you do not.

If you do, then write down Computer Science and add a note about games.
If you do not, then many technology jobs are unavailable.

Quote: Original post by Evil Steve
On another note; I'd try contacting companies directly - we've had a few people coming to us from agencies, but it's not really worth the cost for a small company to cover the agency fees for a junior role. And it looks better if you make the effort to contact someone directly [smile]

This is probably the biggest factor in this whole discussion. I personally have a degree in Video Game Development, and yet that did not hinder me at all in getting interviews / finding work in both computer science and game development fields. I've found that when applying to a company, your chances of getting a positive response from them is directly correlated to how much effort you put into putting yourself in front of them.

It's true that a blind HR department will throw out my resume when I apply for a job requiring a "Computer Science" degree when it plainly says "Video Game Development" on my resume, but that same department is more likely to forward my resume to someone who will look at my technical abilities and accomplishments when I take the time to give them a call, or find out who is in charge of the HR department and send them a friendly email. The only real reason not to get a degree in gaming is if you, as an individual, are not interested in getting a degree in gaming or do not have the passion / drive to make it worth it.

Quote: Original post by dudeman21
I personally have a degree in Video Game Development

This Full Sail degree (which I assume you are referring to) has always bothered me.

The school is accredited for some art degrees, but not for computer science. Their game development related programs are under a "Specialized Fields" label that basically means they do not follow any particular standards.

The frequent complaint is that they should offer a full computer science program with emphasis on games rather than their current non-compliant program.


I favor a full Computer Science degree because of the broader knowledge base.

Do you live in an area with an active game development industry? It is not uncommon that graduates have to move to go to the places that fits their degree. And yes, you will find that companies hiring for standard software engineering positions may be unlikely to hire you if you have a game development degree.

But why are you applying at those places anyway? Didn't you get a game development degree to work in the game industry? You just need to go to where the game industry is.

On my resume I have: Real-Time Interactive Simulation (Computer Science).

Are you sending an email attached with your resume? You should explain briefly what you know and a link to your portfolio.

Apply to game companies anyway. If your NEVER going to apply to them for this reason, then when? Worth a try.