Production Assistant and Credentials
 

Hi, everyone.

I am currently on my 3rd year of the JET Program in Japan and I am looking to move on from my current position into some game companies. I was an English teacher for 2 years, but have been a advisor and event coordinator at the board of education where I live. My Japanese is conversational and I am hoping to get it to business by the summer. I have talked to a few guys in the industry about my credentials and landing either a marketing or production assistant role. Ultimately, a PA is something I would like to start as because I would like to become a producer somewhere down the line, since I have some experience and skill in team management.

I am kind of curious about my credentials and how much they would help me land a job like a PA, or something in Marketing/PR. I am sure my Japanese could help me out for some Japanese based companies, but I would like to think my job as an advisor would help me as well.

Any insight/advice on this would be really appreciated! Thank you!

Re: Production Assistant and Credentials
 

How much do you know about software development lifecycles and methodologies?

Re: Production Assistant and Credentials
 

How many IGDA meetings have you gone to?
http://www.igda.jp/modules/bulletin/

Re: Production Assistant and Credentials
 

@Yaustar

Honestly? Not much. That is why I am aiming for a PA job in particular, so I can learn from far more experienced people in the industry. Though, any kind of information that is out there that could benefit me would be really appreciated.

@tsloper

I haven't even heard of the IGDA until now. This site is great, though some of the Japanese is still a bit over my head. Is this just a community of game developers here in Japan? This would be a great way to network, for sure.

Re: Production Assistant and Credentials
 

1. http://sloperama.com/advice/lesson42.htm
http://www.amazon.com/Introduction-D.../dp/1584506792
http://www.industrygamers.com/
http://www.gamasutra.com/
2. That's a problem! http://sloperama.com/advice/lesson48.htm
3. Yes, sorry. That's all that is. Just the organization for game developers.
4. Yes. Just a great way to get started networking.

Re: Production Assistant and Credentials
 

Would you happen to have any experience working for game companies in Japan? I went to TGS a year or so ago and networked with a lot of foreigners there and it seems like a lot get their start in localization. The thing is, I am afraid my Japanese is not up to that level and I am only really interested in getting it to business (JPLT 2) level, since I don't really want to be a translator. But, I am wondering how many Japanese companies have entry level positions like PAs and if the requirements are any lower than what is expected of a translator.