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There are many home grown hobbyists that have transferred their skills onto the marketplace with exceptional results. However, most jobs require a bachelor's degree in mathematics, physics, computer science or some equivalent experience. Universities are starting to offer courses and degrees in game programming. These should include all the fundamentals of software engineering. There are also several game specific institutions popping up offering coursework and degrees. There are advantages and disadvantages to these; advantage that you are surrounded by others studying the same field and building a network for the future, disadvantage being that many do not have an undergraduate education.

Some college and game specific colleges:
DigiPen Institute of Technology in Redmond, Washington
Guildhall at SMU n Plano, Texas
Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, North Carolina
Brown College in Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Collins College in Tempe, Arizona
Full Sail Real World Education in Winter Park, Florida
Academy of Interactive Entertainment in Canberra and Melbourne, Australia

Full Sail Real World Education has a bachelor degree program that is the most innovative seen to date. It is a game programming school with courses such as: Programming I, II & III, OpenGL, Physics, Rules of the Game, Advance tool programming, Windows Programming I & II, etc. Check out their webpage at www.fullsail.com for a full layout.

"One of the Top 5 game degree programs in the world." From Electronic Game Monthly

A webpage that will be useful for your questions, watching the market, and trends is www.gamecareerguide.com. There is a large list of schools and training available here. The authors have wonderful stories relating to this large industry that will be constructive. They also have a store with Game Career Guides answering questions such as "Is Modding useful?" Game Developer Magazine is maintained with this company, it can help you keep up with the markets.

Whatever position you are interested in pursuing, the key requirements are communication, understanding of how to solve problems, grasp of a programming language, good mathematical skills, and high standard of both written and verbal English. Impress the companies with examples of programs you have written, include the source code. Keep building upon your knowledge of current and future programs, languages and market. This industry is constantly growing and discovering new ideas. Make lifelong industry connections with your fellow students, conference attendance and just showing up at a business asking to learn about it. This will benefit your future.

The industry has vast competition from others just like you. You will want a resume and knowledge that will impress a company into wanting you over the others. Get organized and stay in control to get noticed. Pull together contact information that you will use throughout your career, Learn the company that you are seeking to gain employment, and find a mentor that can help with all aspects of your career.

Learn more about this author, Kellea Croft.
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