GDC, Career Pavilion

[jillduffy]

If you plan to interview for jobs in the game industry within the next 12 months or so, I have to make the push for you to go to GDC...

... not because I work for the company that runs it (which I do)
... not because I am charge with promoting the event (I'm not)
... and not because I think GDC is the most wonderful place on earth (that title is saved for places with much better food)

but because I truly believe that you will greatly increase your chances of getting a job in the game industry by attending.

Today I came across this promo piece about the Career Pavilion, which is pretty good; see the video on this page. I will testify that it's honest, too.

Also, because readers of this forum adore him, I got Tom Sloper to come speak at the Game Career Seminar, which happens on Friday, March 27. The cost of the Career Seminar is low -- $75. You don't have to sign up ahead of time either. Just show up March 27 at Moscone Center in San Francisco. It is 18 and over only, but if you're younger and really want to attend, drop me a PM and include your email address.

The Game Career Seminar will also have a fantastic keynote speaker, and although I'm not allowed to tell you who it is yet, I will probably leak it on this forum before the official announcement goes out anyway. (Sorry, marketing!) Keep an eye on this thread for more.

[ccontinisio]

This is really tempting!!
Too bad I live so far away...

[dzeligman]

I'll be there !

btw, is there any scheduled meet up for gcg people? I think there's a igda party or something.

It'd be nice to put some faces to names .

[Protector one]

$75,- is low cost?? Boy, and I thought our world was in recession...

[SkooterinEb]

No price is to high if its something you really want to pursuit

Unless its losing study time for midterms! And that sounds like so much fun!

[Mariol]

Too bad I live in the UK

[jillduffy]

Originally Posted by Protector one

$75,- is low cost?? Boy, and I thought our world was in recession...

$75 for a full day of lectures -- yes, that's extremely low cost. Consider what the workshop and tutorial pass costs for GDC: $650-$750 (I actually think that pass is a really good option if you're a more advanced student in the game space). Consider what tuition costs at universities; what would five single class sessions cost you (the seminar is five sessions total, but you get access to the Expo floor and Career Pavilion, too)? What would it cost you to fly around the country and meet face-to-face with all these people separately?

I can tell you from the inside that the company that runs the show breaks even on the Career Seminar, and that's with sponsorships and stuff. The $75 passes barely pay for anything.

[Gshonk]

Originally Posted by dzeligman

I'll be there !

btw, is there any scheduled meet up for gcg people? I think there's a igda party or something.

It'd be nice to put some faces to names .

The IGDA party is 21+ and really isn't a great place to meet up with people because it is so packed.

I want to second Jill's post, the career pavilion was an excellent way for me to gauge what people wanted in an entry level programmer. It also allowed me to practice my interview skills.

[jillduffy]

Last year we attempted a meet-up at Suite Night, but it wasn't the best venue.

And yes, while I love the IGDA party, it's 21+ up.

Maybe we could gather during the lunch break on Friday. There are box lunches provided, so it would just be a matter of finding a spot to gather.

I would also be interested in doing an informal working lunch, where we do resume critiques or something.

Thoughts?

[dzeligman]

A friend of mine recommended the IGDA party to me for networking, but it appears my age is going to hurt me for this one, I got ~4 months left . Are all the parties there 21+? Maybe I can sneak in some....

I would definitely be interested in the working lunch. I'm confident in my resume, but I really haven't had anyone industry related critique it.