I need serious advice...

[Vis Major]

.. its important, so any input would be greatly appreciated.

After recovering from a serious spinal cord injury, I've finally got the opertunity to go back to school in September. I was in school.. taking Journalism when I actually messed up my spine (long story short) ... and since I was incapacitated I of course found myself in front of my PC 24/7 (something I already concidered myself much more well versed and talented in then anyone else I knew - course thats not saying much) ... and since running around a war zone dodging bullets (war journalism was my goal) isn't exactly possible for me these days.. I guess I'm falling back on the computer industry for a career now.

Only problem is... I don't have a CLUE what to take specifically. Heh.

So, I WOULD TAKE straight comp sci... except... my math skills are fracking terrible. This is why I was in journalism.. english is my skill and speaking, and writing, and you don't need math for it.


So anyways.. my next love.. video games.. well the FIRST acredited school in Canada to have a "Game Design" course.. 3 years.. just opened up here in the city in which I live.


So... I'd like to take it... but, I haven't heard "GREAT" things about the course.. but who am I and they to judge really (although.. I'd have a few more classes, and do without some of the others that are in there for sure) ...


... anyone know what the money is like in the game industry right now?


I mean... will I starve?


How about multimedia artists? Thats being offered too. And I do have an interest in that too.


Yeah I could go talk to the school about THEIR stats and figures as to whos getting paid and made, and how many of their students have found good work as well... but I NEVER trust those numbers anyways.


Would you like to see the classes that are being offered in the game design course?

http://extraweb.algonquincollege.com...?id=3013X1FWO&


I think I'd be dumb not to take this, but I'm really curious about just how many jobs are actually out there for game designers if all of these colleges start offering similar courses and EVERY SINGLE KID with a PS2 takes it... I'm 30...


.. I dunno I'm thinking multimedia might be better, but its so flooded these days.


What do you guys think? Not to mention the fact that .. I'm almost thinking about going back to journalism anyways.. or television even.


VMX


Thanks in advance for your input.

[SeanC]

If writing is something you're really good at do you any desire to do creative writing? Like novels, short stories, etc... Or technical writing/product documentation?

Technical writing is a hard field to get into unless you're already in a company that has an opening but it's a good career and you learn a ton of stuff, usually proprietary to the company but it's still good IMO.

You can branch into multimedia and website design from that as well.

That's my 2 cents.

Sean

[Vis Major]

... you know that is so strange that you brought that up.

Thats one of the few credits I managed to bump off while I was super sick but trying to accomplish stuff.

Hmm... interesting. Does it pay well?

Guess I'd have to find out huh.


What about building computers to do specific things? Does that have a specific field?

Like what if I could build a better mouse? Or a better PC for restraunts.

You guys know what I'd be looking at?

<sigh>

I should really drop by the school talk to them.


Thanks Sean. You got me a vote for perhaps WRITING about COMPUTERS... perhaps.

[J1mmy]

Well, since the topic of writing and computer has been brough up i thought i can mention something that might just invovle a bit of journalism (i dont really know much about the subject, but you might be able to benefit from this anyway).
As you already have an interest in writing stuff, and you are also in the field of computers, you may want to consider where you can like investigate the upcoming technology of today, improving current systems and stuff like that. Computers and technology is moving very fast, theres always news everyday.

I think computer building is a very good idea too, it doesnt require too much 'know-how' and theres good money invovled aswell. If you start of simple, even in your own home, you can move onto bigger companies once you have had the experience needed from the larger computer vendors.

I think, you should do a bit of research and have a look at all the different types of jobs available in the field of computers and then see if any relate to your expertise in journalism...

[FatalException]

I don't want to rain on the Algonquin College parade, but I would be leary of any university that isn't accredited by a major national or international organization of merit. The fact that they didn't even take the time to apply for and get an academic domain makes me think that this is more of a "McUniversity" than anything else; you'd likely be better off taking classes in things that interest you at a local community college than by throwing your money away here.

That being said, don't think that simply because your mathematical skills aren't great you won't be able to succeed in computer science. I know many people who haven't gone past trigonometry and are successful compsci students at accredited, 4-year public universities here in the USA. For instance, Northern Illinois University offers a variety of curriculum options in computer science; one of them requires no calculus and only elementary trigonometry classes.

As for your questions regarding the building of computers, that is a "niche industry." I mean, you could always try to setup your own business and develop these computers or devices on your own, but chances are you won't have the skills necessary to both run the business and develop innovative creations without both business training and some engineering training. Additionally, most companies that do work on such things as those you describe; embedded systems from IBM, NCR, Sharp... mice from Logitech, Memorex, Microsoft... won't even consider you without a degree in engineering or computer science from an accredited university. Even students with degrees from great universities have trouble getting jobs in the current tech market.

I guess what I'm trying to say is be very careful which post you hitch your horse to for the next three or four years. Don't worry so much about the math; it's one class, and as long as you pass it, who cares what type of grade you get? You'll make it up through the other classes you'll take (and do well in). Best of luck with your future work, and I'm sorry to hear about your accident.