Hello,

This is my first time posting in this forum, but I wanted to ask for advice. My son will be graduating with a Computer Science degree with a focus on game design in December. Unfortunately, he was never able to land an internship, and he ended up having to be the Project Manager for the majority of his projects because other students failed to do their portion.

That being said, I realize that the job market is tough for college graduates currently. He loves what he does, but he's getting pretty discouraged about any potential opportunities for employment. From what I understand, jobs in the field are based on your portfolio, not your resume.

His professor told him to consider going to graduate school. Im not sure that's the best option if he does more school, but still can't find a job. Especially with AI taking over the majority of that job market. It seems like a waste of time. I have encouraged him to reach out to HR and recruiters directly. Does anyone have any thoughtful advice on what he can do to find employment?
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  • Crystal Wizard

    2w
    Best answer

    if he's had to be project manager already, then he should consider applying to companies as a project manager

    5
  • Gaming market is brutal right now, not only for graduates but even for seasoned pros, as studios are being closed left and right. There is a lot of... small, indie ones, but they typically operate remotely or look for experienced players. My advice would be to have a really solid portfolio showing strong fundamentals + one really polished personal project. Don't rely on AI, but show he knows how to utilize it. more

  • He should sign up for a LinkedIn account.

  • Tell him to start an AI Agency. Start up is next to nothing. He doesn't need the text skills but he won't be intimidated by anything that looks... techie more

  • The best thing he loves what he does
    Being a game designer gives him an upper hand in both computer programming ,animation not forgetting... graphics

    Their are hundreds of of jobs in that category he can apply for those as he keeps working on his passion in game designs
     more

  • that is good for him

  • At my firm, I work with more and more college graduates in the same position with an unemployment rate for college graduates between the ages of 21 -... 25 being at or close to 5% and increasing. While skills-based training is important, there are several other economic factors that are contributing to this problem.

    Some of the solutions I share are: The Pivot to Skills-Based Hiring
    GPA is Less Relevant: For the third straight year, less than 40% of employers are screening candidates based on GPA.

    Skill-Based Screening is the Norm: Nearly two-thirds of employer's report using skills-based hiring practices (e.g., work samples, technical assessments, portfolio reviews) all or most of the time to identify candidates with potential.

    "Experience Required" Entry-Level: A growing number of job postings classified as "entry-level" now demand a few years of prior experience, making the initial job search more difficult for new graduates.

    It is a dichotomy of issues and challenges. If you would like to speak with me, I can set 15-minutes aside for you.
     more

  • project manager skills are required of him

  • He should apply to companies as a project manager . with time , consider going back to school to develop his competence in project management.

  • He should possibly add some AI skills relevant in his domain and that might single him out as an ideal candidate for a competitive role; he should... distinguish himself from others to make himself relevant in the job market  more

  • He may have to do contract work.

  • If he has the opportunity, I would push for grad school. I feel it would lead to more meaningful and fulfilling career. The prospects could be an even... higher income. The only reason you wouldnt is crippling debt but if that isn't a concern then he should totally do it, it will be more rewarding more

  • Become a contractor to build his porfolio

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  • if he's had to be project manager already, then he should consider applying to companies as a project manager

    5