Tiny Subversions

Note: This belongs at the beginning of my networking articles, chronologically. I started writing this post about 10 months ago, and then put it on hold because I couldn't figure out how to finish it. Tonight I decided it was time to actually just freakin' post it, unfinished. You can comment, and I'll fix it up later. It's a draft!

The Early Bird Gets... Everything

Perhaps my number one piece of advice to students who want to be game developers: start networking early. There are myriad benefits to starting early. The most obvious benefit is that upon graduation from college (a college education is part of your plan, right?) you'll have connections with industry people right out the gate.

But there are other benefits as well. For example, the years you will be networking while a student are also years that you won't be looking for a job. As a full-time student, you just won't be able to do something like that. The time spent networking but not job hunting is wonderful. You get to hang out with people and you don't even need to ask them if they're hiring. Because you don't care! You can even ask them what they look for in a potential hire, no strings attached. That is valuable field work right there. People love to hear that you're not looking for a job, so be sure to let them know that ASAP.

I hate to draw this analogy, but it's almost like romancing someone. Feigning disinterest can get you a lot further than being obviously head-over-heels. (Like all game developers, I am an expert on romance. You can stop laughing, please.)

So yes, start as early as you can!

Labels: networking