DISCUSSION: First Job Prep

[slipsius]

Ok, so, this being my final year of school, im trying to get as much information as possible. Between talking to people here, getting my friends to hook me up with coworkers (modellers, animators) emails, and LinkedIn.com, im learning alot. Alot of my questions have revolved around what i can do to increase my chances of getting my demo reel noticed. Say that all works, i get my foot in the door with a starting position. Then what?

My question for you all has to do with junior/starting positions. What do you expect from newly graduated students with no shipped titles under their belt? Do you give them a list of stuff to do the first week, see how much they can get done of that list, then go from there? test their skill/speed sort of thing? Im asking because id like to know how fast i should be when applying.

If you know the answer for animation, or character modeller, or enviro artist, or anything really, just say what job you are referring to. Im sure im not the only one on here wondering some of this stuff.

Also, any other tips for people that are just getting their foot in the door. Maybe stuff you wish you would have known ahead of time. Spill the beans!

Stefan

[aesir]

Are you asking for a list of what speed you should perform every task in every field of game development?

If you get hired, just do your best.

[slipsius]

just wondering expectations.I know speed comes with experience, but would be nice to know what employers expect, ya know?

[skylebones]

I don't think your going to find an exact answer. There are so many things that factor into how fast you can get something done. Aesir gave you the best answer. If you do your best and don't meet their expectations then at least you know you did your best. and if you exceed their expectations it's because you did your best.

just take things one step at a time and focus on the task at hand. Make sure you have the UV's the way you want before you paint your textures, etc.

[Pseudo]

My first job was very open with timelines. They asked me how long it would take me to do X, and I gave them an estimate, and they schedule for that.

Tip for coming up with estimates that wont backfire, think of the shortest possible amount of time it would take you to do the task if EVERYTHING went perfect. Then double that. If it's something you've never done before (Sure I can do blend shapes! ...) double it again.

[flow3d]

as an intern I was put as the only animator on a small team whos task was to within..2months?
create a 2minute or so ingame gameplay demonstration of a game-idea for a topdollar publisher.

meh...

got the contract of course ;)


kinda think people who want to develop games should know how to present their work and what not, to get a job..
not ask questions like that when its time to do it..

but whatever, guess its all good


good luck to you :)

[AtlusZMH]

kinda think people who want to develop games should know how to present their work and what not, to get a job.. not ask questions like that when its time to do it..


Asking questions can be a good way to learn things :) Especially from people who have experience..

[danr]

My first job was very open with timelines. They asked me how long it would take me to do X, and I gave them an estimate, and they schedule for that.



yeah, this is usual. Only the most experienced are expected to hit the ground running at full speed on their first day

[Ged]

think of the shortest possible amount of time it would take you to do the task if EVERYTHING went perfect. Then double that. If it's something you've never done before (Sure I can do blend shapes! ...) double it again.

these are wise words!

[benclark]

In terms of how fast you should be, if its your first industry job then you will not be fast enough.

I was given a few weeks to get up to speed with the tools and workflow, but I was stunned at how quickly everyone worked. You can practice working quickly and more efficiently but it will probably still come as a shock

This is the sort of thing they should go over in the interview, ask them how quickly you will be expected to work

Tips for getting your foot in the door - post work everywhere and finish things. If you are good then people will notice you

[Yozora]

Interesting how you went from being in the last year of school and then to "increasing chances of people seeing reel" straight to "getting a job offer in a junior position" in 1 paragraph.

I guess if you were really talented then you'd get a job quite quickly, but then you should also have enough confidence to know that when you get the job, you'd be put on tasks to... do the job you was hired to do. I think you're worrying too much about irrelevant things and jumping ahead way too quickly.

If you want to increase the chances of "being seen" then focus more on your portfolio instead of a reel and post it on forums like this.

aesir's reply was perfect.