Free Career and Job Search Advice

[ChadTheFrog]

Hi everyone. Are there any programmers out there?

I started teaching QBASIC to myself a few years ago when I had nothing better to do, and found that I really enjoyed it. I've always dreamed of being able to design games - even if they're not the big budget things that are released today. I really believe I can create something that people will enjoy, and I really enjoy creating things.

The problem is that I don't really know where to start. The job I have right now keeps me extremely busy. I downloaded DEV-C++, took a basic C++ course on the internet, and even bought a couple of books, but I can't seem to really find any guides/classes on creating games.

I would rather not spend money on going to a school right now, both because of my massive work schedule and financial situation. Are there any cheap introduction to programming books on games that someone could suggest? I have even emailed a local game company sharing this story and to ask if I could visit to see how the professionals do it, but I didn't get a reply. It was directed to the developers of Duke Nukem Forever (go figure why I didn't get a reply).

Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated!

[Ciprian13]

You should apply to every vacancy job in the field you find.If this doens't works you should send resume and cover letters trough mail to some company you have a hint that they are searching for new employees.This way you can find a job that can permit you do continue your education too.

[julian]

Well, if you say you like designing computer games and if you say you like this...and especially if you say you have tutored yourself for a perios, then it's a good start. Here, have a look at this article on this very site:
http://www.cvtips.com/computer_game_designer.html
Then, I suggest you take some freelancing jobs in the field to test your skills. It may appear you're pretty good after you have learned about it yourself, but are you good enough to be hired by somebody? Try freelancing. It won't be a tragedy if you're not successfull.....Maybe you'll realize then what you have to do forward...quit this and think of something else, or get pepared in a special institution, who knows.
Good luck!

[ChadTheFrog]

Thanks for the advice!

Hopefully soon I will be able to dedicate time acheiving this goal.