This would include skills in 3DSMax, Unity, Photoshop, Creative Cloud, UX, and some other game design/animation software. This is a non-transferable AS degree.
Degree itself might not be transferable, but many of the classes should be. I work in an art department in a small liberal arts college and we get a lot of transfers into our program from CCs. Often they do have to enter as sophomores to get in track with their major, but generally a lot of their credits are accepted or fulfill electives in our department.
A few multimedia classes are transferable, but my son doesn’t want an art degree. He looked at CS and at animation/game design, but he’s struggling, and just wants to focus on the actual software skills. Just wondered if skill alone can get anyone anywhere, or if a BA/BS/BFA is needed to work.
I’d have him research what actual specific fields he’d like to get into - look at the websites of favorite companies and what they list as requirements for any currently open employment there. Unfortunately I think many of the animation/game design fields have grown so much that one would need a four year degree to get into the door UNLESS you’ve created something already and/or have a portfolio of work to show. For example in gaming, there are some pretty cool success stories of folks creating things via STEAM and other open-source platforms and going into the field that way (same as with visual arts and a portfolio getting your foot in the door).
For example here’s a company that’s currently hiring for their “Destiny” game & list employment opportunities - some do list AAs (but say “BFA preferred”) so it’s worth a shot to research what’s out there https://activision.referrals.selectminds.com/vicariousvisions/
Or is there somewhere local he can internship at and get a feel for the job market and what’s needed to move forward?
Good luck!
This is helpful, thank you. Last year, he actually had three interviews with a local game company to be a QA game tester, but he ultimately didn’t get the job. He could always try it again after he’s gotten more unpaid experience under his belt, I suppose.
@sbjdorlo, my S has several friends who did not finish their 4 yr degrees and got into the gaming industry. Most were really huge gamers but also created games and had connections by joining industry organizations to network. So it is definitely possible because these companies want to see your talent directly. Tell him not to give up.
Thanks so much for the advice, @goingnutsmom. That’s very encouraging. My son’s biggest barrier is himself and his self-deprecation. He’s very multi-talented, but he needs to get mentally healthy first before pursing education or career.
We can be our own worst demon. If he’s open to therapy and there is a sliding cost behavioral health clinic available to him, he should get into counseling. I’m a clinical social worker and strongly believe in community mental health. Good luck to your family.