Attending college for game development can be an exciting and transformative journey. In this blog post, I want to share five valuable lessons I learned in college that helped shape my perspective on the field. From exploring different roles to embracing failure, these experiences have influenced my understanding of whether college is worth it for game development.
- A Generalist Program: The Power of Exploration Being part of a generalist program allowed me to explore various game development aspects. It offered a valuable opportunity to figure out my interests and passions within the field. While the lack of specialization may seem like a drawback, it enabled me to gain a broader understanding of the industry and discover what resonated with me.
- Self-Motivation: Unlocking Future Opportunities One crucial lesson I learned is that self-motivation is the key to selling oneself to future employers. Game development is a highly competitive industry; having the drive and determination to showcase your skills and stand out from the crowd is essential. Cultivating self-motivation helped me develop a strong work ethic and allowed me to seize opportunities that aligned with my goals.
- Curiosity and Constant Learning: Staying Ahead of the Game In the dynamic world of game development, curiosity and a thirst for knowledge are invaluable assets. Constantly seeking to learn and expand my skill set has set me apart from my peers. Embracing emerging technologies, exploring new design trends, and staying up to date with industry advancements have given me an edge and positioned me for growth in the ever-evolving game development landscape.
- Peers: Competitors and Allies In college, I realized that my peers were my competitors and my support system. Collaboration and healthy competition with classmates pushed me to strive for excellence. Engaging with like-minded individuals who shared my passion for game development created a nurturing environment where we could learn from each other, exchange ideas, and provide support when faced with challenges. Building relationships with peers proved to be invaluable for personal and professional growth.
- Embracing Failure: The Quickest Path to Growth Failure is an inevitable part of any journey, and in game development, it can be a catalyst for growth. By adopting a mindset of failing fast, often, and not on purpose, I learned to embrace setbacks as learning opportunities. Each failure allowed me to identify areas of improvement, refine my skills, and develop resilience. The ability to bounce back quickly and apply lessons learned has been crucial in my journey toward success.
Reflecting on my college experience in game development, it has been worth it. The generalist program allowed me to explore different facets of the industry, ultimately helping me identify my passions. Along the way, I discovered the importance of self-motivation, curiosity, and continuous learning to stay ahead in this competitive field. As competitors and allies, my peers played a vital role in my growth. Above all, embracing failure as a means of rapid growth has been a transformative lesson.
While college may not be the right path for everyone, my experience has shown me the immense value it can offer. By leveraging the opportunities and lessons learned, I have gained a solid foundation and a network of connections that continue supporting my game development journey.
P.S. I have not yet obtained a job in this field but I will not let that damp my dedication to my craft and I will constantly keep looking for that job.
