Hello!

I am a senior Game Programming and Development major. Being almost done with my degree, it's time to pick a specialization and start building an impressive portfolio to get jobs. I am interested in game systems design (like creating assets and such) but not so much level design. Any suggestions for developing a portfolio that is impressive and demonstrates these skills would be appreciated. What sort of projects do employers look for? Any research elements? Documents? I appreciate your feedback!

Edit:
So, just make something that demonstrates your skills and see where you fit in to a company? I'm not sure if it's actually this open-ended. Like should I post what I have and let employers put me where they think I'll fit? Or do I curate my portfolio only for the types of jobs I am looking for?

You've got it mostly backwards. Show what you have done rather than speculating about what an employer might want. Describe it in a way that looks at what you're hoping to do more of in the future.

Employers are looking for evidence you can do the job they want. Every employer is looking for a different job, they have a unique set of needs. That means the way you've asked — trying to satisfy what they might theoretically be looking for — doesn't really work.

What that ultimately looks like will be unique to you. If you have worked on completed, shipping games then that's by far the best evidence you can do the job. As you're a student, you'll likely be showcasing your student projects. What you decide to showcase and how you decide to present it are also unique to you. If that is images, video, code, projects, links to github, links to other repositories, links to open source projects or communities you've contributed to, they're all going to be unique and whatever you decide.

Further, your post isn't exactly clear on which position you're looking for, the title is “Game Programming and Development" and you specifically said “designer”, but most studios want someone EITHER as a programmer OR as a designer, and designer is usually a more senior role. Programming positions are also far more common, a single designer might be working with 10, 20, or even more other developers.

@undefined Thank you so much! I heard the the field was easier to break into through the programming route, so that's why I am majoring in programming and development. My interest lies in designing, but I understand this might come later.

maddymoocow said:
I am interested in game systems design (like creating assets and such)

Creating assets is not systems design. Assets are visuals and sounds - files that the code calls on when it's time to display visuals or play audio. Are you saying you're a visual artist or animator, or a musician or audio specialist? I know a guy who's good in both those fields, but usually one specializes in just one type of asset.