6 answers
DanielDavid
Student
Anaheim, California
1
Question
Updated
720 views
How would getting an internship affect my path towards a career in Video Game Design/Director? #Fall24
Hello, I am a 16 year old who is seeking an answer to this question. After going to different fairs and talking to different people in different job fields, I learned one thing, I should get an internship in the fields I would pursue. I do not know how much it would help me, I do want to have some experience in any field I choose before I fully follow one.
Also a follow up question, where would I find an internship in Video Game Design?
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6 answers
Erica Miller
Executive Assistant
17
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Erica’s Answer
It's awesome that you're thinking ahead about your career in video game design or becoming a game director. Getting an internship can be a game-changer for your future career. Internships give you hands-on experience, let you see what working in the industry is really like, and can help you build a network of professional contacts. You'll get to work on real projects, learn from experienced designers, and understand the workflow of game development. Plus, having an internship on your resume can make you stand out to future employers or colleges because it shows you're proactive and serious about your career.
As for finding an internship in video game design, there are a few routes you can take. Start by checking out the career pages of game studios you're interested in. Big companies like EA, Ubisoft, or smaller indie studios often post internship opportunities on their websites. You can also look at job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn, which sometimes list internships specifically for game design. Another great place to check is your school's career center or talk to your teachers; they might have connections or know of local opportunities. Don't forget to attend game development events or join online communities like GameDev.net or Reddit's r/gamedev, where you can network and learn about openings. Good luck, and have fun diving into the world of game design!
As for finding an internship in video game design, there are a few routes you can take. Start by checking out the career pages of game studios you're interested in. Big companies like EA, Ubisoft, or smaller indie studios often post internship opportunities on their websites. You can also look at job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn, which sometimes list internships specifically for game design. Another great place to check is your school's career center or talk to your teachers; they might have connections or know of local opportunities. Don't forget to attend game development events or join online communities like GameDev.net or Reddit's r/gamedev, where you can network and learn about openings. Good luck, and have fun diving into the world of game design!
Hitesh Haran
Product Management
25
Answers
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Updated
Hitesh’s Answer
Hi Daniel, this is a great question! Internship is a powerful approach to get into right career path. Here is how an internship can help you
1. Internships can typically run from 1-6 months (depending on the agreement with the employer) giving immense flexibility to get exposed to variety of assignments.
2. It's great opportunity to apply your learnings from a course or academic curriculum. Interns are not under pressure to know it all, so prior experience is not a must. However, you do need to have knowledge/some information regarding the intern assignment you would be getting into.
3. It can help you get connected with right people who can give you further guidance to help decide right career for you.
4. Interns with prior experience (e.g. school projects, submitting articles, participating/winning relevant competitions etc) can sometime get paid decent amount which can help you financially.
5. Most importantly, internship gives you real insight to decide if you really want to get into something like that as part of your career.
Regarding your follow-up question, I have listed few approaches below
1. Invest time in learning game design. You can find many online courses portals like Coursera.
2. Attend online/off line events, seminars, workshops related to gaming industry
3. Join relevant groups/forums available on LinkedIn, What's App, Telegram etc.
1. Internships can typically run from 1-6 months (depending on the agreement with the employer) giving immense flexibility to get exposed to variety of assignments.
2. It's great opportunity to apply your learnings from a course or academic curriculum. Interns are not under pressure to know it all, so prior experience is not a must. However, you do need to have knowledge/some information regarding the intern assignment you would be getting into.
3. It can help you get connected with right people who can give you further guidance to help decide right career for you.
4. Interns with prior experience (e.g. school projects, submitting articles, participating/winning relevant competitions etc) can sometime get paid decent amount which can help you financially.
5. Most importantly, internship gives you real insight to decide if you really want to get into something like that as part of your career.
Regarding your follow-up question, I have listed few approaches below
Hitesh recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6308
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello DanielDavid!
How Getting an Internship Affects Your Career Path in Video Game Design/Director
Pursuing an internship in video game design can significantly impact your career trajectory in several ways. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how an internship can benefit you:
1. Practical Experience
Internships provide hands-on experience that is crucial in the field of video game design. Unlike theoretical knowledge gained through coursework, internships allow you to apply what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios. This practical experience is invaluable as it helps you understand the day-to-day responsibilities of a video game designer or director, including working with design software, collaborating with teams, and understanding project workflows.
2. Skill Development
During an internship, you will have the opportunity to develop specific skills that are essential for a career in video game design. This includes technical skills such as proficiency in programming languages (like C++ or C#), familiarity with game engines (such as Unity or Unreal Engine), and graphic design tools (like Adobe Creative Suite). Additionally, soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving are honed through collaborative projects.
3. Networking Opportunities
Internships often provide access to industry professionals and peers who can be instrumental in your career development. Building a network within the gaming industry can lead to future job opportunities, mentorships, and collaborations on projects. Engaging with professionals at events or through company activities can help you gain insights into the industry and make connections that may benefit your career long-term.
4. Resume Enhancement
Having an internship on your resume demonstrates to potential employers that you have relevant experience and a proactive approach to your career development. It shows that you are serious about pursuing a career in video game design and have taken steps to gain practical knowledge and skills before entering the job market full-time.
5. Clarifying Career Goals
An internship allows you to explore different roles within video game design—be it level design, character modeling, programming, or project management—and helps clarify which path aligns best with your interests and strengths. This exploration can guide your educational choices and professional development efforts moving forward.
6. Understanding Industry Trends
Working within a company gives you insight into current trends and technologies shaping the gaming industry. You’ll learn about emerging tools, player preferences, and market demands that can inform your future projects or areas of specialization.
Where to Find Internships in Video Game Design
Finding internships specifically tailored for video game design requires some research and networking:
Online Job Boards: Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn frequently list internships in various fields including video game design.
Company Websites: Many gaming companies post internship opportunities directly on their careers page. Companies like Electronic Arts (EA), Activision Blizzard, Ubisoft, and smaller indie studios often seek interns.
University Career Services: If you’re enrolled in a school with a strong computer science or art program, utilize their career services office which may have partnerships with local gaming companies or access to exclusive job postings.
Networking Events: Attend gaming conventions (like GDC - Game Developers Conference) or local meetups where you can connect with industry professionals who might know of available internships.
Social Media & Forums: Platforms like Twitter or Reddit (subreddits like r/gamedev) can be useful for finding leads on internships as well as advice from those already working in the field.
In summary, securing an internship is a strategic step towards building a successful career in video game design by providing essential experience, skill development opportunities, networking possibilities, resume enhancement, clarity on career goals, and insights into industry trends.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
1. International Game Developers Association (IGDA)
The IGDA provides resources for aspiring game developers including information on internships and career paths within the gaming industry.
2. Game Developer Magazine
This publication offers insights into trends within the gaming industry along with articles focused on education and professional development for those interested in game design careers.
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS provides comprehensive data regarding job outlooks for various professions including information relevant to careers in computer science and multimedia arts related to video games.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless!
JC.
How Getting an Internship Affects Your Career Path in Video Game Design/Director
Pursuing an internship in video game design can significantly impact your career trajectory in several ways. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how an internship can benefit you:
1. Practical Experience
Internships provide hands-on experience that is crucial in the field of video game design. Unlike theoretical knowledge gained through coursework, internships allow you to apply what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios. This practical experience is invaluable as it helps you understand the day-to-day responsibilities of a video game designer or director, including working with design software, collaborating with teams, and understanding project workflows.
2. Skill Development
During an internship, you will have the opportunity to develop specific skills that are essential for a career in video game design. This includes technical skills such as proficiency in programming languages (like C++ or C#), familiarity with game engines (such as Unity or Unreal Engine), and graphic design tools (like Adobe Creative Suite). Additionally, soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving are honed through collaborative projects.
3. Networking Opportunities
Internships often provide access to industry professionals and peers who can be instrumental in your career development. Building a network within the gaming industry can lead to future job opportunities, mentorships, and collaborations on projects. Engaging with professionals at events or through company activities can help you gain insights into the industry and make connections that may benefit your career long-term.
4. Resume Enhancement
Having an internship on your resume demonstrates to potential employers that you have relevant experience and a proactive approach to your career development. It shows that you are serious about pursuing a career in video game design and have taken steps to gain practical knowledge and skills before entering the job market full-time.
5. Clarifying Career Goals
An internship allows you to explore different roles within video game design—be it level design, character modeling, programming, or project management—and helps clarify which path aligns best with your interests and strengths. This exploration can guide your educational choices and professional development efforts moving forward.
6. Understanding Industry Trends
Working within a company gives you insight into current trends and technologies shaping the gaming industry. You’ll learn about emerging tools, player preferences, and market demands that can inform your future projects or areas of specialization.
Where to Find Internships in Video Game Design
Finding internships specifically tailored for video game design requires some research and networking:
Online Job Boards: Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn frequently list internships in various fields including video game design.
Company Websites: Many gaming companies post internship opportunities directly on their careers page. Companies like Electronic Arts (EA), Activision Blizzard, Ubisoft, and smaller indie studios often seek interns.
University Career Services: If you’re enrolled in a school with a strong computer science or art program, utilize their career services office which may have partnerships with local gaming companies or access to exclusive job postings.
Networking Events: Attend gaming conventions (like GDC - Game Developers Conference) or local meetups where you can connect with industry professionals who might know of available internships.
Social Media & Forums: Platforms like Twitter or Reddit (subreddits like r/gamedev) can be useful for finding leads on internships as well as advice from those already working in the field.
In summary, securing an internship is a strategic step towards building a successful career in video game design by providing essential experience, skill development opportunities, networking possibilities, resume enhancement, clarity on career goals, and insights into industry trends.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
1. International Game Developers Association (IGDA)
The IGDA provides resources for aspiring game developers including information on internships and career paths within the gaming industry.
2. Game Developer Magazine
This publication offers insights into trends within the gaming industry along with articles focused on education and professional development for those interested in game design careers.
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS provides comprehensive data regarding job outlooks for various professions including information relevant to careers in computer science and multimedia arts related to video games.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless!
JC.
Aman Kumar
Software engineer
161
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Aman’s Answer
Hi DanielDavid,
First off, it's great to see you taking the initiative at such a young age! Getting an internship in video game design can be incredibly beneficial for your career path. Internships provide hands-on experience that you can’t get in a classroom environment. You’ll not only gain practical skills that are relevant to game design, such as coding, graphic design, and project management, but you’ll also get a feel for how the industry works. You’ll have the chance to collaborate with professionals, learn about game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, and even contribute to actual projects, which can be invaluable for building your portfolio.
As for finding internships, I recommend starting with local game studios in your area. For instance, you can look into studios around Los Angeles or Orange County, like Naughty Dog (creators of the Uncharted series) or Blizzard Entertainment. Websites like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, or AngelList often list internships in creative industries, including video games. You could also check platforms like InternMatch or Chegg Internships. Another fantastic option is to participate in game jams and hackathons, which are not only fun but also lead you to meet fellow game enthusiasts and industry professionals who might have leads on internships.
You might also consider connecting with your school's career counselor, or looking for summer workshops at universities that have strong game design programs. Networking with people you meet at industry events can lead to future internship opportunities, too. Just remember to put together a solid portfolio showcasing any projects you've worked on, even if they are personal or school-related.
Best of luck on your journey!
Best
First off, it's great to see you taking the initiative at such a young age! Getting an internship in video game design can be incredibly beneficial for your career path. Internships provide hands-on experience that you can’t get in a classroom environment. You’ll not only gain practical skills that are relevant to game design, such as coding, graphic design, and project management, but you’ll also get a feel for how the industry works. You’ll have the chance to collaborate with professionals, learn about game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, and even contribute to actual projects, which can be invaluable for building your portfolio.
As for finding internships, I recommend starting with local game studios in your area. For instance, you can look into studios around Los Angeles or Orange County, like Naughty Dog (creators of the Uncharted series) or Blizzard Entertainment. Websites like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, or AngelList often list internships in creative industries, including video games. You could also check platforms like InternMatch or Chegg Internships. Another fantastic option is to participate in game jams and hackathons, which are not only fun but also lead you to meet fellow game enthusiasts and industry professionals who might have leads on internships.
You might also consider connecting with your school's career counselor, or looking for summer workshops at universities that have strong game design programs. Networking with people you meet at industry events can lead to future internship opportunities, too. Just remember to put together a solid portfolio showcasing any projects you've worked on, even if they are personal or school-related.
Best of luck on your journey!
Best
Angel S
UI/UX Design Aspirant
339
Answers
India
Updated
Angel’s Answer
An internship in video game design can be a huge asset to your career path. It provides hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and insight into the industry's workflow, which is invaluable when applying for full-time positions later. Internships also help you determine if video game design truly fits your interests and skills, and allow you to build a portfolio, which is crucial for future job prospects.
To find an internship, check out game development companies, job boards like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or Indeed, and also explore platforms like Internships.com. Local gaming studios and online communities like Discord or Reddit also post internship opportunities.
To find an internship, check out game development companies, job boards like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or Indeed, and also explore platforms like Internships.com. Local gaming studios and online communities like Discord or Reddit also post internship opportunities.
Anthany Vitela
Coding
68
Answers
Winter Springs, Florida
Updated
Anthany’s Answer
I think getting an internship would be extremely beneficial. For one you'd be gaining actual experience within the field which will teach you more than just the skills you're learning from classes. You'll get to see in depth how the development process goes and what specific ways your skills could be applied. Another thing is the potential for getting a job! If you intern for a company and end up wanting to work there, being a current or previous intern will absolutely raise you chances of getting hired because they will already be familiar with you! As for where to find internships, the best I can recommend is searching on Linkedin or simply using google to see if any gaming companies you know of are offering internships.