Graduate degree help changing career to Graphics Engineer?

Question

I've been out of school for 2 years and have always enjoy computer graphics. I'm currently an IT programmer and would like to make the change into computer graphics. I'm currently working on a side project which is an iPhone game using opengl. I wanting to know peoples opinion on what might be the best route into making the change. I'm thinking I have 3 choices:

1. Keep developing my own side projects, developing a nice portfolio and learn as much as I can learning about opengl, computer graphics and such.

2. Go back to university and pursue a graduate degree in computer science with a focus on computer graphics. The particular university in mind does research in Augmented Reality which would interest me.

3. Go back to university and just take all the graphics courses I can( they offer about 2 a semester ) and still develop my side projects( just won't be as productive since school will take some of my time ).

My thought process is that sometimes, companies will say that a graduate degree can supplement some experience. Well, I have zero experience in professional computer graphics so maybe a graduate degree could supplement some of that experience.

Answer 1

I work professionally in computer graphics. Generally speaking there are three areas you can get a job working with graphics:

1. Medical imaging. I know next to nothing about this so I'm getting it out of the way first. ;)
2. Movies. I haven't worked here but my perception from SIGGRAPH and other places is these guys prefer Ph.D.s, but with sufficient work experience you can be considered. I don't know many people in this field, but no one I've met working on films doesn't fit one of those criteria.
3. Video games. This is where I work. In general this is entirely merit based, and no one cares about degrees or certificates. Have a cool demo or two and the knowledge to back it up and you will have no problems getting a gig as long as you are willing to move. Generally your new employer will pay some or all of the moving costs so this is just a matter of desire on your part.

I will say I think this is one of the most competitive fields to keep a job in. Your peers will generally be great coders, and the field is rapidly changing. I don't think you will be able to stay employable just treating it as a 40 hour a week job so that is definitely something to consider before moving towards graphics. It is a ton of fun though so if you really enjoy it go for it!