Choosing a career has always been a very intricate process. Just about every child knows what they want to be when they grow up. Actually following through with that dream is pretty rare as people get older and look at more possibilities, obtaining a more realistic outlook. As the economy is always changing, it seems to be a better decision to seek a career which would be beneficial to both oneself and the economy.

There are two career paths in particular that are constantly on the rise and have very similar traits. But their differences lie in the depth that each of them covers. Computer programming is a career that is in high demand and a lot of businesses certainly need programmers. It is a very specialized career choice, but there are not very many limits as to what a programmer can be capable of. Game design is also a very specialized career choice, but it can lead to things that go beyond gaming and delve into the depths of simulations that can be used for various things such as military and medical training.

This report analyzes information from various sources. One of these sources takes a look at “the relationship between thinking style differences and career choices for high-achieving students” and is aptly named as such (Kim, 2011). Two of these sources focus on computer programming. Out of those two, one source looks into careers involving computers overall (Moran, 2005) whereas the other gives statistics on the field of computer programming as a whole (bls.gov, 2009). There are three sources that are used focusing on game design as a career choice. One of these describes the preparation involved in pursuing a career in game design (Sloper, 2006). The other two focus on how game design can be used for other fields such as business processes (Turbett, 2009) and training using simulations (The Play's the Thing, 2011).

In preparation for this report, analysis has been done on the information provided in the aforementioned sources in order to further guide one seeking a career in either computer programming or game design. It is then carefully outlined in a way that is more suitable for those leaving school with a desire to enter either of these fields professionally for the first time.

Out of One Door and Into Another

Considering a career in computer programming or game design

A career in game design or computer programming is certainly not for everybody. In fact, in considering following either path, it is important to find out one’s thinking style. According to study, thinking styles could very well predict whether or not somebody would choose a career dealing with computers (Kim, 2011). One who is outgoing and very people-oriented is less likely to pursue a career in computers. This is probably due to the fact that it requires long working hours and a heavy workload for solving technical problems (Kim, 2011).

Before deciding on pursuing one of the careers mentioned in this report, it is important to consider everything that is involved and how one’s thinking style will affect whether or not the career choice is right. One should also consider that, just because one is outgoing and people-oriented, it does not always necessarily mean that a technical career is not the right choice. Everybody thinks differently and having an outgoing thinking style is merely just a factor that will likely stray one from choosing either career path (Kim, 2011).

The door-closing effect

It is said that once one door closes, it causes an effect to open another door. In graduating college and obtaining a degree in a specialized field, this is absolutely true in finding a career in the respective path. After determining whether or not a career in computers or gaming is the right choice, obtaining that degree to open up more doors is imperative. This is true with many careers that do not have a high school diploma requirement for entry. It is hard to find a good job with just a diploma, however.

It is not easy getting into the technical field. There are plenty of other people trying to get in as well, and this is where a good degree from a credible school really helps out. It is important to know which degrees will be the most helpful in finding a career in either of the paths discussed in this report. For instance, one may not be able to get a job in game design with simply a computer programming degree as it requires more than just computer skills. One may be able to, however, get a job in computer programming with a degree in game design as long as programming is a focus.

Obtaining a degree in a specialized field such as computer programming or game design is the first major step in obtaining a career in either field. This first step will make the second step a lot easier to begin. This will be the step to actually getting into the chosen career.

The grueling process of job search

As with all careers, getting into the door can be a grueling process. One will never know precisely which doors will be open and which ones will be closed unless enough research is done. By broadening one’s idea of what type of job one is willing to have, many more doors will open (Moran, 2005). Computer programming and game design are specialized, but they can open many other doors as well.

Computer Programming

Computer programming may be a very specialized career choice, but it deals with many aspects of computer technology. Every application on the computer was programmed by a team of people or an individual. Companies will always have a use for a computer programmer, even in developing web applications. This section will discuss the requirements of becoming a programmer as well as the outlook on the career as a whole.

Nature of programming in businesses

After having a computer programming degree in hand, the road to embarking on a career will be much smoother. It is important to know what requirements businesses have for their potential employees before just applying (Moran, 2005). Most businesses will require a bachelor’s degree for a computer programmer, but in some cases, a two-year degree may be sufficient (bls.gov, 2009). Above all else, employers will favor those who not only have a degree, but have work experience as well. Either way, in order to obtain a career in computer programming, one does not need a degree specifically in computer programming. In fact, a degree in computer science, mathematics, or information systems may be adequate for employment. It does indeed help to have taken some computer programming courses, however (bls.gov, 2009).

Each business that is looking to hire computer programmers will most likely have its own unique set of skill requirements for its employees. When considering a career in programming, it will be beneficial to know more than one programming language. C++ is a very commonly used language, but when a business requires its programmers to incorporate an application with a database, they will most likely require knowledge in C# or Visual Basic. Also, a lot of web applications will use Java (bls.gov, 2009).

Computer programming careers outlook

Computer programmers are often called upon to not only write a program, but also to update, repair, modify, and expand existing programs (bls.gov, 2009). A lot of times, programmers will use CASE tools, or computer-assisted software engineering tools, in order to make some of the coding process automated. This will allow concentration on the parts of the code that are unique to the application (bls.gov, 2009).

Programmers tend to work in a very clean environment and are rarely susceptible to injuries other than eye strain from long hours in front of a computer screen and hand and wrist problems including carpal tunnel syndrome. The majority of programmers often work 40 hours a week, but a small percentage can work as much as over 50 hours a week (bls.gov, 2009). Computer programmers can make a very decent salary. One can make anywhere between $40,000 to over $111,000 a year as a programmer (bls.gov, 2009).

Game Design

Getting into game design is not quite as simple as getting a career in computer programming, but it is very rewarding. There are many different positions on a game design team, programming being one of them. So if one decides to go into computer programming then decides later to go into game design, the transition will be easy, but there will be a different set of skills to add onto what is already known. This section will discuss the requirements of getting into game design and even introduce other ways that game design can be utilized for more things than video games.

Getting into the game (design)

If one has already gone into computer programming and decides to continue into game design, it will make the process somewhat simpler. Game design, however, has quite a bit more detail in it than computer programming. Getting a bachelor’s degree is bare minimum; gaining experience in the industry is a must (Sloper, 2006). Getting a specialized degree in game design will certainly help, but one could also have a degree in something like computers or math and still get in (Sloper, 2006).

There are different “levels” of game development companies ranging from independent to huge companies with many subdivisions. Someone who is fresh out of college probably couldn’t expect to jump right into one of the biggest game companies out there. It would be more beneficial for one and one’s résumé to go into a smaller company and build up experience before delving into the more well-known names in the industry.

More than just a game

Game design doesn’t always have to be about developing video games. In fact, it can be used to make simulations such as training, education, virtual stores, and designing software (The Play's the Thing, 2011). Training simulations come in various forms from military and medical training (The Play's the Thing, 2011) and training in manufacturing concepts (Turbett, 2009).

In 2002, the United States army released a simulation game called “America’s Army” used as a recruitment tool. One can learn valuable skills from this game such as saving somebody’s life (The Play's the Thing, 2011). In fact, one man saved the lives of two people in an accident on a highway simply by using skills taught in the game. He never had any medical training outside of what he learned in America’s Army (Wilson, 2008).

Another use of game design in businesses is a simulation developed by one company to train its employees in lean manufacturing concepts (Turbett, 2009). The object of this simulation is to achieve the optimum factory layout in the least amount of time. During this time, employees would produce a particular layout by moving various factory areas from one location to another. After which, it simulates whether or not the layout will be efficient enough to fill a customer’s order (Turbett, 2009).

Conclusion

It is apparent that although computer programming and game design are both somewhat specialized, they also can branch out into other forms of use. Both of these are great careers and can net someone a generous income and are also quite rewarding outside of pay as well.

Computer programming is an excellent career choice; especially considering just about every business uses programmers. Game design requires a little more to get into than computer programming and not as many businesses utilize game design specifically. However, the knowledge alone from game design will certainly be able to open many doors as well.

Bottom line

Computer programming and game design both are excellent career choices. Selecting one from another is merely one’s preference. One may have no interest in programming but wants to delve into developing games or simulations, whereas one may have no interest in developing games or simulations and just wants to deal with computer applications. Either way, a bit of creativity is a requirement. No matter which one is the ultimately chosen path, getting into the game is just the first step to a long and successful journey.

References

The Play's the Thing. (2011, December 10). Economist, 401(8763), pp. 10-11.

bls.gov. (2009, December 17). Computer Software Engineers and Computer Programmers. Retrieved February 10, 2012, from Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos303.htm

Kim, M. (2011, October-December). The Relationship Between Thinking Style Differences and Career Choices for High-Achieving Students. Roeper Review, 33(4), pp. 252-262.

Moran, M. (2005). The IT Career Builder's Toolkit. Indianapolis: Cisco Press.

Sloper, T. (2006, August 30). Game Design Career Preparation. Retrieved February 10, 2012, from Game Career Guide: http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/260/game_design_career_preparation.php

Turbett, J. (2009, June). Digital Games: Evaluating Their Potential for Training in Business Processes. Training & Development in Australia, pp. 24-26.

Wilson, M. (2008, January 17). America's Army Player Saves Real Life. Retrieved February 22, 2012, from Kotaku: http://kotaku.com/346176/americas-army-player-saves-real-life

Wulf's Howl

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Get in the Game

Introduction