Getting into the Industry 3

I'm not here to expunge the methods to get into the Industry rather today I'd like to take make a rather raucouous rant about how difficult it is to get your foot through the door. Granted there are some issues that I've identified myself, the closed doors screening that the industry has adopted makes it difficult for people such as myself to get into something we want/ love doing.

A bit of background: I graduated with a Bachelors Degree in psychology from Seton Hall University, since graduation I have been actively seeking employment into the video gaming industry in whatever method possible, to as you can guess no avail. I have certifications in CAD programs and am learning new methodologies and techniques all the time. Have also spent years beta and alphaing for free to help the industry create quality titles. What does this get me? Not much to be honest. Most companies are even unwilling to look at what current skills I have as I have no experience in the actual industry itself.

Why is it so difficult you ask? Perhpas because every company wants experience and no one is willing to take a risk. Understandably so, the industry has become more difficult, profit margins are smaller, and big titles take a lot of time and money to develop now. The industry doesn't have time or resources to waste on a newbie. Regrettably so in my opinion. Sometimes taking a chance on the FOB or the newbie can really pay off or it can really backfire. It's a tried and true method of getting different viewpoints and opinions from people who may already be more qualified than them; it's also a good way to shoot yourself in the foot.

An industry that was started from a bunch of geeks and nerds tinkering with coding for their amusement grew into one of the biggest industries.With the maturation of an industry so does it's requirements. Even graduates who are more qualified than I for entry level positions often find that the industry does not want or need them. It's tough to even say "hey, I have a great idea" when the big names won't even acknowledge your "Hello." Experts, career counselers, and veterans all say  "Hey Kevin, why not try internships?" Because every internship I've ever seen for these industry requires me to be in a 4 year accredited colege. I already graduated. You would think you'd give people like us a chance too, but no. That's really a problem in my eyes. It both limits your creativity pool as well as  your potential alternate skills pool. Yeah you'll get more "qualified" newbies, but they'll all be on a one track mindset which could in the long run hurt your creative outlet. Hell I'll even pick up your kids, do your dry cleaning, and pick up your morning coffee if you just let me tag along with you during meetings, functions, and during the day just so I could get some experince. You don't even have to pay me just let me claim a job title so I have the oh so desirable experience when I go job hunting in the future.

"Have you ever tried to make a game yourself" Yeah, I'm actually getting software to attempt that right now. Hopefully it will land me a newbie position. Maybe it won't I have no coding, art, development history. Just lots of experience both as a gamer and a tester of many games.

I may come across as a whiny prick. Who has no business being here. But, from a person who has given it his all to reach for his dream It's really disheartening to be shot down before even being allowed to say I'll work for free.

Please feel free to give your opinions on the current employment situation in the industry. As well as tearing apart my argument from head to toe. If there are any inconsistencies you find then please point them out. I may have to explain myself at times.