I want a job...

[SaNkOn-TeSsOu]

So, I want to get a career in the gaming industry. Doing programming, maybe level design... at the very least testing!

Where do I start? I assume getting C++ certified?

[Nivea]

You're gonna need alot more than just certification unless you know someone in the industry.

I can say that because I currently go to UMBC where 40% of the population is in an programming related major/field, and I can tell you it's alot harder than it would seem to go where you want. Unless you have a knack for programming, it's not worth the trouble. You'll need to know most languages in and out, and have a foundation in game theory, advanced algorithms, etc. I dropped the major early on due to the tedium of it all. Those who finish it rarely go on to program games at first. It's like everything else, you have to work your way up.

I'm not saying don't go for it, but know what you are getting yourself into.

Level design on the other hand is great if you have an artistic drive. Having a foundation in 3D modeling, graphic design, and animation will surely help you out. Knowing how to design and draw up some good levels requires patience and a knack for imagination.

Testing would be your best bet, as it is for any gamer wanting to get into the industry, but be forewarned of what testing really means. It ain't no joy or piece of cake. Best thing I ever read was from a guy who had to testplay a kids game for weeks on end and got sick and tired of it halfway through. Finding every glitch and balance issues that a child might run into is not as fun as it may seem.

With that all said, it's all just up to you and how you want to achieve your goals. Both of my current roommates want to go into this industry as well (as programamers and level designers respectively), and they both strive everyday to reach it. Best bet would be to find a school that offers more than just certification. Any technological sound school is a good start, as is that one school out in Arizona. The one Blank went to. I can't remember the name. Google up gaming schools in AZ.

[eswat]

Landing the job you want is 50% what you know, and 50% who you know.

Making the correct choice for what to study is fine. But make sure to do some networking and get to know people who will get you places.

[GH33DA]

There's an entire website dedicated to this question:

http://www.gamecareerguide.com/

Also see here:

http://www.igda.org/articles/