Should I Leave Grad School for a Career in Game Development?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the challenges of pursuing a graduate degree in computer engineering while developing a strong interest in game programming. The individual expresses dissatisfaction with their current research assistant position focused on web applications, finding it unengaging compared to their passion for PC and video game development. They contemplate whether to seek entry-level jobs in the game industry and abandon graduate school, despite recognizing the volatility of that field. There is a debate about the merits of completing the graduate program, especially given how close they are to graduation. Participants emphasize the importance of building a portfolio through personal projects like games or mods to enhance employability in game development. The conversation also touches on the emotional toll of maintaining interest in a program that feels less fulfilling, questioning the wisdom of continuing in a field of limited interest for an extended period.
fizziks
Messages
239
Reaction score
1
I have recently taken up a bigger interest in programming (mainly C++/C video/PC game programming). I was very impartial to programming until I took this game programming elective. I'm losing interest very fast in graduate school (in my courses, except the graduate game programming class, and my RA position). My RA position is about designing web applications for a company + some web application development research. I THOUGHT I would like to do this but it turns out to be very dull and boring. It feels I rather be creating programs I can understand (PC/video games) instead of abstract business/web applications.

I really want to get into the game development industry, despite it being extremely volatile and unstable, but it seems to be the thing I rather spend the rest of my time in. I'm not looking for a top paying job. If it's at a place where I don't mind going 5 days a week for 8-10 hours, I could really care less about the pay, as long as it covers the basic bills.

Should I start looking for entry level jobs in the game industry and just drop this whole graduate school thing? And in this industry that can give me some insight?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Develop a portfolio. Have you made any games? Mods? Flash games? Java games? Programmed with opengl or direct X? They can certainly help show you have experience.
 
Why do people quit, when they lose interest. If your in GRAD school your almost done, stick with it for the remaning years. No point of quiting when your so close
 
th3plan said:
Why do people quit, when they lose interest. If your in GRAD school your almost done, stick with it for the remaning years. No point of quiting when your so close

Years are pretty long. Is it wise to continue doing something I have some/little interest in for such a time?
 
I think you need to make clear how far you're into grad school. How many semesters have you covered so far?
 
Defennder said:
I think you need to make clear how far you're into grad school. How many semesters have you covered so far?

I'm couple weeks into my 2nd semester as a MS in CE. I'm expected to graduate by the end of next summer or next fall.
 

Thread 'Working for defense company?'

I don't know if anyone on here works for any of the well known defense companies of your country, whichever country you are from?? Also, if you choose to work in one, do you think the engineering education provide from your school would adequately prepare you for the job. What do I mean by that? Well if you work at say Lockheed Martin and you work in the latest iteration of a missile or if you work at Pratt & Whitney, they assign you to work in the team helping out with building the jet...
View full post »

Thread 'Physics Major Considering Masters in EE -- Need help!'

Hello, I graduated from undergrad a few years ago with a Major in Physics and minor in Electrical Engineering. I tried to get experience working on and testing circuits through my professor who studied Neutrinos, however covid caused the opportunity to go away and I graduated with no experience or internships. I have attempted to break into the engineering industry with no success. Right now I am considering going for a Masters in Electrical Engineering and I need advice on if this would be...
View full post »

Similar threads

Physics Lost undergrad looking for advice on career path and grad school
Replies
5
Views
3K
Physics Grad School (and career) Work-Life Balance: Physics vs Other Fields
Replies
8
Views
3K
Physics Questions by a First Year UofToronto Physics Student on Grad Admissions
Replies
26
Views
4K
Other Strategy for going from postdoc to software
Replies
2
Views
2K
Physics From Software Engineering to Astrophysics Grad School
Replies
2
Views
2K
Other Should I Transition from Meteorology to Game Design?
Replies
4
Views
3K
Other Just got Phy+Math Degree, Waiting for Grad School, what to do
Replies
2
Views
2K
Physics Is the Job Market for Geophysics in Canada Uncertain Due to the Pandemic?
Replies
13
Views
3K
Job Skills I finally got my bachelor's degree in physics, now what?
2
Replies
92
Views
21K
To grad school or not to grad school?
Replies
3
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top