#Careers
10 messages in this thread
I've been discussing the future with my 16-year-old son. He does well in
school, getting A's in all his subjects except P.E. (B). Since we got the
Amiga, he's really got into graphics. He would like to chose a career in
which he could work with computer graphics and video. The problem is
neither the school nor myself know how to advise him. I guess I'm looking
for some input from any pro's out there. What kind of training and/or
schooling should he try to get? What kind of careers are there? Thanks in
advance………………WW
Is he thinking of programming computer graphics? If so, a school with a
solid computer science curriculum and a good math department is something
he should be looking for. Check with the mechanical engineering
departments too. Some offer courses in computer graphics at undergrad and
graduate levels.
Steve
He's not terribly interested in programming. I think he may change as he
gets older. He is fairly creative, so he wants to do more of the actual
rendering of graphics.
One of my friends is just completing a Ph.D. in Electrical ENgineering with
emphasis in computer imaging at S.M.U. in Dallas.
Betty
I'd say you're giving him the best education he can get… an Amiga! The
hands-on experience he's getting is worth a lot. Earlier in the last
decade, I learned much more from hands-on computer experience, than
anything I learned in my classes. I had many friends who didn't take many
programming classes, yet went on to become graphics wizards and good
programmers. Computers are great tools in any field. Your son could be
into graphics and computers yet get a degree in any field, and practice his
computer skills under the aegis of another field…
Thanks John. I would like him to get a degree especially since he is a
good student. My experience has been that, while I agree that experience
is more important, it seems that most of the people doing the hiring are
more impressed with the paperwork…….WW
Walt;
I am the general manager of a fairly large video post house (6 edit
rooms, 4 studios, 2 Telecine bays, 3 Graphics suites), and let me tell you
first, THE COMPITITION IS STIFF! The graphics people tend to come from
either an art school or film animation background. Getting a foot in the
door is most difficult, he should learn as much as possible about video
(the technical side), computers and artistic design. Most positions in
video post require working directly with clients, often with very large
egos and not much experience, diplomacy is a prerequisite. If he is more
of a loaner, 3-D graphics is more solitary and there are positions
available in corporations doing CAD-CAM and simulations.
On the up side, the post business is a lot of fun, never boaring.
Keith
Thanks, Keith. I appreciate the advice…………..WW
Walt,
A degree in Computer Science with a minor in Art (or the other way
around) would go a LONG way in preparing for the future. Future
opportunities in computer programming are expected to remain high in the
next 10 years, however "main line" companies will seldomly talk to someone
who doesn't have that piece of paper (a shame because that piece of paper
does not indicate skill, only that the bearer of that paper has at least a
decent rote memory).
-sja
During the college years, however, it's a good idea to get a part time job
in the field, too… In fact, that may even be more important than the
little piece of paper, since the little piece of paper is often not nearly
enough anymore…
Me, I got *very* lucky in getting a good job early on (unfortunately, I
found myself unable to complete college at the time and had to choose
between the job or the education. I took the job.) and while I *don't*
have the paper I could probably get one anywhere but in the really big
companies just on the force of my experience and contacts developed over
the years.
(Not that I would *want* a job in a big company. I'd eventually end up
in management that way, and that's one thing I really refuse to get into.
I wanna program, not tell others to do my programming for me.)
–>Steve Bennett