Finding non-web development entry-level positions

Question

Now, I'm a college junior. I have a bit of time before the realities of the job search hit me. However, I've been trying to find more practical skills to learn since my CS department is rather theoretical. (Seriously, I only need Programming Language Design and Automata Theory to finish my major having taken all but 1 practical elective.) Ideally, I want to work in the game industry, but I also want to be flexible, because there's a lot to love in various fields. So, I started looking at job postings on the big-name sites. Monster, LinkedIn, etc. I also checked out the sites I found were more reputable among developers. Joel on Software, 37 Signals, Startuply, etc.

In both cases, I saw two or more web development jobs for every non-web dev job. (Entry-level) I expected that on 37 Signals and Joel, but now I'm wondering if there are equivalent sites out there where GOOD companies go to find good developers for non-web development positions. I like web development, but I know very little of the mountain of information that's required. Also, I need time to work on my portfolio for my game development career or that just wont happen.

In short, my question boils down to:

• Are there equivalent job posting sites to 37 Signals, Startuply, etc. frequented by companies seeking regular application developers or is the disparity the norm these days?

• Do you have any advice for me on balancing learning for what I want to do (Game development) and learning for what it's looking like I may have to do (Web development)

Answer 1

My girlfriend used to work at a pub where the Rockstar North (grand theft auto!)Programmers go sometimes. I've spoken to 1 or 2 of them and the best advice I've heard was something along the lines of:

"If you can go in there with some demo games (even very basic) that you've created, focusing on your particular strengths/interests, then you've got a far better chance of catching their interest than a good CV."

Of course experience is important. these guys have the luxury of picking the cream of the crop. But thats word from the inside of one of the better companies. show your interest, commitment, and strengths by doing what you love and doing it well, outside of just doing your job. good luck :-)

Answer 2

If you are still in college, it is not too late to really get your skills going. Especially for game development. Do you go to a large university? If so, there is probably a game development club already. If not, make one. Don't worry, you don't have to organize too much. Just invite some friends over, drink some beer, and create video games. Start working on your portfolio NOW. As for the more practical skills you talked about, there are still tons of companies hiring entry-level developers. True, most require web stuff. I would advise you to also start working on web-related skills then. Create your game design/development club at school and then make a website for it.

In the process of doing these things you will be getting tons of experience and stuff that you can put on the CV/resume. Also, start looking for an internship NOW. Believe me, if you are half way competent, you can get an internship. THis will do loads for your CV/resume and you get paid to LEARN. Also, look for jobs around your school. Universities generally hire a fair amount of programmers.

Try and learn as much as possible, and put in a lot of time looking for/researching/applying/interviewing for jobs. Yes you will be busy, yes it will suck at times. But it is worth it.

Stay hungry.

Answer 3

If you want to program games then go for it! I agree with David that a strong demo title would be a big help, but don't let that stop you if you don't have one. Especially if you're applying for an internship or entry-level engineering position.

Check out Gamasutra's job boards and start passing out your resume. Even if you can't land a great job right away, a few interviews should help you get a sense of what they're looking for.

Answer 4

Take this with a grain of salt, because I'm in embedded development and I've never looked up web development postings, but:

I suspect there are a lot of entry-level web development jobs for a two reasons:

• Regardless of industry, most companies need a website.
• Most company websites, being fairly straightforward, don't require a senior web developer. A competent junior developer can do the job they need.

If you just looked at the positions with a career track where you could eventually become senior-level (eg: Google), I bet there would be a much less prominent disparity.

You should not concern yourself with what everyone else is doing. Merely be concerned that the industry you want to work in is large enough to sustain you -- and game development is probably fine.

Answer 5

I'd suggest looking at what your college's career section may have for jobs to recent grads that is a way to get a job for a first idea.

As for the second, this requires a bit of work and strategy, IMO. What game companies are near you? What kind of games would you want to develop,e.g. Flash based, Java based, Windows based, PSP/PS3 based or other console? Are there placement firms like Robert Half that may be an idea. Lastly, how badly do you want to work at a gaming company versus working as a developer? For example, would you accept being a lowly tester or technical support person at a gaming company versus being a lowly web developer at some fancy company?