Video Game Design Internship Pros vs Cons

Table Of Content

• Which game careers can do internships?
• Filmmaker, Digital Marketing Internship Program
• About our Internships & Graduate Programs
• Musician, Digital Marketing Internship Program
• International Development, Digital Marketing Internship Program
• How an Internship can Benefit Your Career
• Should I Look for a Game Design Apprenticeship or a Game Design Internship?

The video game industry is vast and varied, with a plethora of roles for which people seek apprenticeships. Below, we bring you some of the most common types of game design apprenticeships you are likely to encounter. A game design apprentice collaborates with experienced professionals to gain practical skills and knowledge in various aspects of game development. They participate in the creation of game concepts, contributing to the design process through storyboarding, character development, and level design. We’ve chosen the five best game design apprenticeships available right now. Our selection is based on the reputation of the company and the access to mentorship and other types of support to help the apprentices grow professionally.

2023: Internships Augment Career-Driven SUNY Canton College Experience - SUNY Canton

2023: Internships Augment Career-Driven SUNY Canton College Experience.

Posted: Tue, 18 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Which game careers can do internships?

Initially focused on web dev, Dustin was introduced to game design by a friend after college and was immediately attracted to the combination of technical skill and creativity required to make an awesome game. These might seem like secondary concerns in comparison to securing the internship itself, but it’s important for you to be sure the job is right for you before accepting it. Some interns may even find they are offered a permanent position at the end of their college degree or other education. Some are paid whereas others are not, so it’s important to double-check the terms of the internship before taking it.

Filmmaker, Digital Marketing Internship Program

Likewise, given the perks of these programs, such as mentorship and a salary, you can expect them to draw a lot of interest. To ensure you have the best shot of landing a game design apprenticeship, follow these steps. A game design apprenticeship provides on-the-job training alongside mentorship to help you become a full-fledged game designer while getting paid.

Future of video game development is emerging at Illinois State University - WGLT

Future of video game development is emerging at Illinois State University.

Posted: Fri, 03 Nov 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

About our Internships & Graduate Programs

Most interns will start by learning about the company and their projects, as well as the technologies the company uses to deliver their games, before beginning work on facets of a project for release. But remember, the goal of an internship isn’t to make a bunch of cash – it’s to get a bunch of experience. So don’t rule out any opportunities simply based on pay (or lack of pay). Different internship jobs have different pros and cons, and each position has a lot of competition from other students in the region.

Musician, Digital Marketing Internship Program

Grads In Games run the Rising Star challenge, which provides potential access to internship placements for college-level and undergraduate students. The game dev challenge is followed closely by many studios and covers programming, 3D art, animation, VFX and game design. It’s an excellent way to showcase your skills and abilities into a great portfolio piece that will get assessed by industry. If you’re working toward a degree that’s not in the list above, but it’s still related to games or interactive media, then you could still be considered. If you’re not sure, then it’s always worth sending your application and see what happens. Getting a game design apprenticeship can be quite competitive as not many companies offer this type of job.

We also cover game design internships, how much you can expect to be paid as a game designer, and tips to land a game design apprenticeship. The decision to pursue a game design apprenticeship or internship depends on your career goals and current experience level. A game design apprenticeship offers a structured, long-term training program, providing comprehensive skill development and often leading to recognized qualifications. Yes, a coding bootcamp can give you the experience you need to qualify for a game design apprenticeship. At a game design bootcamp, you will learn all the relevant languages and tools, including C++ and Unity, in addition to honing the soft skills needed to thrive as part of a modern development team.

The games industry is becoming more competitive, so any edge you have over other job candidates will help. Once you get your first interview for an internship job, the pace may be fast and furious. Despite the fact that most internships are part-time, temporary, and sometimes low-wage work, there are several compelling reasons to make the effort. Apprentices may assist in implementing game mechanics, testing game features, and troubleshooting issues. As an apprentice, you will learn programming languages and software tools, honing your abilities in areas like 3D modeling, animation, and game engine usage.

It involves designing gameplay, creating visual and audio assets, programming, and testing to bring the concept of a game to life for entertainment or educational purposes. Yes, game design is an excellent career choice, particularly if you enjoy technology and have a knack for creating new gaming experiences and building awe-inspiring worlds. It is also a great profession from a financial standpoint, with developers earning well above the national average and enjoying a robust job outlook of 23 percent, per BLS.

What you’ll be doing during the internship depends on the position, and on your skill level. You’ll start by learning about the company and their projects, and learn your way around their in-house tech and tools. Then, you’ll usually start working on small areas of the project, then eventually bigger areas as you become more familiar with the game. Game design is a wise career choice and getting started on your path with a game design apprenticeship just makes sense. A game design apprenticeship gives you both on-the-job training and practical experience under the supervision of a mentor who is an industry veteran. If game design is what you want to do, then don’t think twice and start looking deeper into the game design apprenticeships highlighted in this article.

Apprenticeships provide hands-on experience to help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the game development pipeline and contribute to the realization of engaging and interactive game experiences. Game design internships are invaluable, both as learning aids and career tools, so you should try your hardest to take one. Many companies, especially larger ones, offer information on their internships on their website and this is where you should start. So it’s important to follow the checklist below, as well as applying your own metrics, to make sure that the internship is what you expect it to be.

The Sumo Digital Academy’s Game Programmer Apprenticeship Programme provides a pathway into a game programming career. This is a Level 7 Game Programmer Apprenticeship Specification, which is equivalent to a master’s degree. The program requires applicants to be at least 18 years old, reside in the UK, and possess GCSEs grades 9-5 in English and Maths. The apprentice receives technical instruction in areas like C#/C++ or JavaScript fundamentals, game programming, and user interface.

According to anonymous salary reports on GlassDoor.com, paid internships at game companies in the US range anywhere from $15 per hour to over $30 per hour. Overall, an internship is a great way to learn new skills, while figuring out if it’s a career that truly interests you. Are there any tricks you can use to find game studio internships? Let’s solve the chicken-and-egg problem once and for all, and get you an internship at a game studio faster than you can say Colonel Sanders.