Book Description

Here is the definitive, insider's guide to landing that first critical job or upgrading your current job in the 3D/Effects industry. This Maya Press title, a joint publishing effort between Sybex and Alias, offers priceless, candid career strategies from the industry leaders. It starts off by introducing the myriad job possibilities and resume building techniques. Interviews with noted industry and academic insiders, job recruiters, and employers convey the tools, skills, and knowledge they look for when deciding who gets a shot. This practical guide advises you on how to produce an outstanding demo reel. You also learn where to meet the right people and how to ace the job interview. The CD includes samples of reels that landed jobs along with expert analysis of what made the difference. ... Read more

Book Description

Back Copy: Here is the complete guide to today's graphic design careers -- a clear and concise survey of the many types of opportunities available in the field. Filled with interviews and advice from leading designers, it covers graphic design media, work types and settings, educational training, portfolio preparation, getting a job, and much more. Flap Copy: The world of graphic design now boasts more opportunities in more industries using a broader range of media than ever before. Becoming a Graphic Designer gives you the information you need to start taking advantage of them -- with a clear and comprehensive survey of today's graphic design careers filled with thoughts and advice from top working designers. Drawing on years of experience in the business, veteran designers Steven Heller and Teresa Fernandes cover everything from education and training, design specialties, and work settings to preparing an effective portfolio and finding a job. They profile the major industries employing graphic designers and explore advertising, corporate, editorial, and other key design disciplines. Both traditional and electronic media are examined in detail -- including print, film titles, TV graphics, Web design, motion graphics, and more. Dozens of up-front interviews with leading graphic designers let you see how companies such as Wired magazine, Martha Stewart Living magazine, and MTV hire and work with employees. These inside perspectives offer invaluable real-world insights on what different industries and positions are really like. And a resource guide to design publications and organizations points the way to further information and guidance. Complete with easy-to-use, compact sections, useful sidebars, and sample design pieces, this outstanding guide is invaluable for anyone interested in launching or developing a career in graphic design. STEVEN HELLER is Art Director of the New York Times Book Review, Editor of the AIGA Journal of Graphic Design, and Chairman of the School of Visual Arts MFA/design program. Teresa Fernandes is a publications designer and art director. Cover Design: Teresa Fernandes ... Read more

Reviews (9)

good book for students
This book is a good overview of what it means to be a graphic designer. It goes through the different areas of design, and different job positions.
Everything you need to know about the design world is in this book.

Somewhat vexing, but a nice casual browse nonetheless
There is a lot of good to be said for this book. But the thing that jumps out and slaps me in the face, right off, maybe because I have dealt with new design students and new professionals for the past several years, is a few dumb comments such as "If you are going to be a good designer, fine. If you aren't don't bother. The field is full of mediocre talents as it is."

And how, pray tell, does one know whether one is going to "be good" during the first year of ones study? --Or even during the first few years of ones professional practice, when sweeping out the place may be included in your job description, and hands-on real world work may come your way slowly and in small discreet bits? And doesn't every creative person at one point or another question the worth and validity of what he or she is doing, EVEN after recognition has started rolling in and they understand that their work is generally perceived by their peers as good? Further, I would ask whether everyone HAS to be a Saul Bass or a Neville Brody. Isn't design a broad enough field to encompass the work of those with less Olympian ambition? Comments such as the one above are relatively few and far between, to be certain. But where on earth was the editor when pompous uninsightful stuff like this flew in under the radar? Although the sheer snideness of the comment may make many jaded pros cheer, I have to wonder what useable information this kind of comment contains for the neophyte at whom the book is supposedly aimed? --To show that a lot of jaded pros have a really bad attitude?

I do not favor the Pollyanna view whether we are talking art or careers. But I believe it is impossible to know how you will fare at something before you have been doing it a while. Thinking otherwise --for example, that a teacher in a design 101 class can tell you whether you are "any good" (and I have seen or heard about many students asking this very question)-- just intimidates and discourages people from being brave enough to give the life that they would see for themselves a try. To me, that is way too limiting.

Fantastic Overview for a career in graphic design
I am a recent college graduate looking to get into a graphic design career and I found this guide to be excellent. At first I was a bit skeptical because it is heavy on interviews from practitioners but the later sections really delve into the business climate, how design companies grow and develop, and what career trajectories are like. Really, I do recommend this one.

Wide range. Good read. Heavy on interviews
The good part was its breadth covering more than just 2D design (which is what I thought graphic design was before reading the book!). There are interviews with designers from each field that they talk about. A bit too many interviews in my opinion which is the weak point about the book. Nevertheless, looking at the other books available, it's worth getting to some degree.

SWEET
This book rocks! Once you read it you'll know WAAAAAZZZZZUP! ... Read more

Book Description

Have you dreamed of obtaining a game industry job? Get in the Game will help you achieve this! This friendly guide shows you step-by-step how to prepare yourself for a game industry career.With insights from over a dozen industry experts, it's the only guide you will need for training yourself then finding a game industry job.Discover how to research, meet the right industry people, access the unadvertised job market, sell yourself, create the perfect demo, beat the competition, handle interviews, and negotiate a salary package. This book will show you how to tailor your job search, answer tough interview questions, transition into the game industry from other careers, hone essential resume writing skills and networking skills.

It's a crash course on everything you need to know about the game industry! You will learn about the following careers;

• Game Designer
• Game Programming
• Game Artist
• Game Production
... Read more

Reviews (16)

Perfect gift for nieces and nephews
I've been in the industry for ten years and I still learned things from this book. It has simple, surface truths and also deeper, specific suggestions that you might never come up with on your own.

I'm constantly asked by folks, "How do I get a job in the games industry" and this is a great answer to that. It won't get them the job, but it answers the question far better than I can in an email or over a beer. And it has some great references in the back to help someone find even more sources of information.

I've also enjoyed giving this book to the sons and daughters of friends -- high school aged kids who don't know what they want to do in life but like video games. It doesn't hurt to get them started thinking about their career.

Hope this helps.

The Best Book Written on Geting a Job in Video Games
This is the best book written on getting a job in the video game industry! It has been very useful and within 4 months of purchasing the book, I landed a job at a major video game company. This book is a must have for anyone getting into the industry or even trying to further their careers.

Thanks Marc!!

Giuseppe Grammatico

PLEASE, BUY THIS BOOK!
Ok, first off. If you want to get in to the games industry then buy this book. If you dont then you are just cheating yourself. I have learnt more from this book than all the other design books conbined. While most books seem reasonably happy to bombard you with complicated and confusing infomation, this book presents every topic very clear and concise. It takes you through all the areas of game development with great detail yet acknowledges that you are new to a lot of things and does its very best to give you a good understanding. Before reading this book I was very unclear on a lot of industry related infomation. But not now thanks to Marc Mencher acting as my personal tutor page after page. Finally I have a structured plan on how I am going to break in to the industry. Before reading Get In The Game I really had no idea of how I was going to get in to my dream job. Now however I have a great understanding of what I have to learn and everything I need to do. I now have a great degree of confidence and with Marc Mencher's advice I have began networking. I really can not think of anything negative to say about this book. Ok, so the resume section could of been a little better executed but it was there to teach you how to put together a good resume and thats what its done. On top of all that it has a very useful resource catalogue. Please for your own benefit buy this book. It will really help you. I cannot thank Marc enough for putting together this fantastic book.

No Help To Me!
Is there supposed to be something insightful in this book? I did not see it. Gave the book to my cousin who is mentally challenged.

Very Bad Advice
This is one of the worst attempts at writing a book I have ever seen, let alone writing one on getting a job in the game industry. Several people I know have used the advise from this book: one got fired outright; another ended up getting sued by his boss; a third is now an alcoholic. ... Read more

Book Description

Today there is a tremendous demand for professional programmers. This is the single most lucrative and rewarding career path available to the self-taught and self-motivated, and this book tells you everything you need to know to get started. Take this road map and completely understand the work environment, alternative career paths, and the skills needed to be a professional computer programmer. Find out about the really important stuff, too: salary ranges, paths of self and assisted training, interview preparation, obtaining job experience, and how to network for job advancement. The Complete Idiot's Guide to a Career in Computer Programming puts you in control. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Maybe just a little too much information...
I know that too much information might be a dumb thing to say, especially when that is the main reason why anyone picks up a book, they want to learn as much as they can and they want to do it as fast as they can. Anyway, I say this because Jesse goes into programming topics such as classes, objects, and functions, this is supposed to be a quick and easy way to get the inside knowledge on a programming career, not programming concepts 101. The reader wants to know HOW to go about entering a career into programming. Well enough of the negatives.

I really enjoyed Jesse's encouragement on learning computer programming. He will motivate you and give you a list of programming languages that are in demand and set out a plan of attack for you. He provides learning options and suggests books to read (although, why he recommends Sams Teach Yourself Visual Basic 6 in 21 days, i'll never know). And Jesse even goes over the actual time it would take you to become employable, this is the kind of information I was looking for and did get with this book. But all in all it could have covered the desired information in just 20 to 35-40 pages. But I know that a book that small couldn't get published and sold for $17.00. I really would have gave it 4 stars if he didn't get into information that beginning programming books get into, and I definitely would have given it 4 stars had he not recommended Greg Perry's Teach yourself VB6 in 21 days. If you've got 17 bucks to spend and want some encouraging support and useful information then buy Jesse's book, else, go to Wrox.com and check out their book tree views.

Essential for Anyone Considering a Career in Programming
This book should be titled "The Essential Guide to Beginning a Career in Computer Programming". Written in a simple fashion (in the Idiot's tradition) it is easy to understand, without wasting your time. However, it's true value rests in it's realistic guidance to entering the field. The information about the different areas whereyou can begin programming is excellent. It includes an introduction to some programming concepts (about 80 pages worth) that is useful if you are still trying to decide if you want to become a programmer. It is not, however, an introductory programming book and should not be used as such. If you know anything about basic programming concepts already, then this book is not for you, unless you are just looking for more information about starting out as a programmer.

I am presently changing careers to computer programming and this book was instrumental in helping me make this decision. There has long been a serious need for this kind of book. While there are several computer career guidance books out there, this is the one to get. The others talk about the computer/technical career field, but this one talks about actually becoming a programmer.

I have returned to college to take programming courses and the drop rate for these classes is about 50%. These people should have read this book first. Then they would have known that programming was not for them. Save yourself some money. Buy this book!

Book implies college CS students are idiots.
Unfortunately Liberty comes across with a chip on his shoulder against formal college education in this book. Statements like some of the best programmers he knows are "taxi drivers and psychologists" and former university training mainly teaches students to operate "mainframes". In the Introduction it says "According to a study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, by the year 2005 there will be over two million new jobs for software professionals!" which fails to mention most of the jobs will be overseas easily outsourced as making tennis shoes. Otherwise, Liberty still shows his expertise and there are good sections on advice for interviewing and resume writing. But in the end as an idiot, I wished I had majored in engineering instead of computer science especially when 90% of my undergraduate computer science student body were graduate students from the eastern side of the world.

A really great book!
I think this book is the best choice for peaple who are wanting to learn how to program but don't know where to start. It doesn't teach you how to program in a specific language, but it shows you the basic thing of lots of languages. It has lots of book and magazine suggestions also. This book is very easy to understand. Although you might not agree with what Jesse Liberty is suggesting for your career, it's a great book.

Decent introduction but don't take his advice to heart
A more appropriate title for this book would have been "An Introduction to the Field of Computer Programming." It's an excellent read for someone interesting in understanding what computer programming is about. It is not, as the author claims, a guide to building a career as a programmer.

The author would have you believe that all you need to become a Software Engineer is to study a couple of books on VB or C++ that he's written (indeed, much of this book seems like an advertisement to persuade the reader to buy his other books). That's like saying you can become a doctor by reading physiology books in your spare time. ...

If you're considering a career in programming, this book can help give you an idea of what it's like so you can decide whether it's for you or not. Then, if you do plan to pursue this field, take some computer science classes at your local college or university. ... ... Read more

Book Description

Career Directions is more than a text on job searches and career planning. It covers lifetime career management, beginning with self-assessment and career planning, moving on to job search techniques, and finally focusing on career management and life on the job. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great place to start
Peterson's "Job Opportunities in Engineering and Computer Science" is a great book to find engineering company overviews. It list opportunities in architecture, biotechnology, computer programming, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering and technology. Be sure you have loads of time to wade through the all the information. It lists a fairly detailed description, the company website, human resources manager, telephone and fax number, company size, location, type, top competitors, and more.

If you are about to graduate to looking for a new job, this is a great place to start your search.

Peterson's Engineer and Computer Science Careers
This book gives people interested in Computer Science and Engineering a relatively comprehensive look at the various career options available to them. It discusses the educational requirements necessary for various positions, the starting salary of the positions and a short description of the work that would be performed. The only thing I found lacking in this book was the amount of information given regarding the specific job. I would have preferred more detail when describing the actual tasks of each position. Otherwise, I found the book quite helpful and I feel it painted a realistic portrait of most entry level positions available for engineers and computer science majors. ... Read more

Book Description

CAREERS FOR YOU IS THE ONLY CAREER SERIES DESIGNED EXPRESSLY TO TURN PASSIONS INTO PAYCHECKS!

The inspiring Careers for You series encourages career explorers to examine the job market through the unique lens of their own interests.

Includes:

• The latest information on training and education
• Tips on transforming hobbies into job skills
• Stories of success from each field
• Expert advice on finding and getting the job
• Advice on competing in hot job markets

Reviews (1)

A guide for career selection in CAD/CAM area.
Nowadays many people is involved Cad/Cam business. There are designers, engineers, managers, directors etc. People who wants to make career should read this book first. It tells you what your aim should be and how it could be reached. ... Read more

Book Description

Gardner's Guide to Internships at Multimedia and Animation Studios profiles hundreds of computer graphics, animation, multimedia companies in the USA and Canada where internships are often available. A valuable directory for students seeking to enter the computer graphics and animation field. Researched categories includes: areas of specialization; number of employees; description of company achievements, mailing address, phone and fax numbers, web address, preparing resumes, portfolios and demo reels. Indexed by geographic location of studio; and alperbetical by the name of the studio. This book is your direct link to hundreds studios that often seek interns in the summer, fall, winter, spring and year-round. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The Internship Bible for Animation, #1
I found this book to be the Bible for finding an internship in animation. Lots of animation companies, great descriptions of the companies, and advice on writing my resume. I was able to find an internship in the field. I highly recommend this book for high school seniors and college students in CG. I also recommend "Careers in Computer Graphics and Animation" these are two well needed resources.

very useful
This books was very helpful in identifying the companies where I can apply for an internship. I live in Los Angeles but did not know how to locate and contact the companies in my area. This is a very useful book!!!

Misleading Title, Mixed Content
In purchasing this book, I had little information to guide me beforehand; I made the decision based on commentary on other works by this author, the title, and my need for information on internships in this field.

I found myself greviously disappointed. While the information capsules about the employers are indeed helpful, no specifics were given for internships these employers might or might not offer. Instead, the contents of the book (aside from some prefatory material providing poor advice about resumes and cover letters) act as a directory to employers. While I am not discounting the helpfulness of such a directory, the misleading title and the quality of the prefatory material leave this reader with a very low opinion the party responsible for misleadingly marketing this volume. ... Read more

Book Description

Careers For. . . * VARIETY OF CAREERS SHOWN. From the obvious to the obscure, readers will be able to explore careers that match their interests. * CAREER PROFILES. Includes complete job descriptions and salary ranges. * PROFESSIONAL INTERVIEWS. Allow student to see what jobs are really like and what it took to get them. * PROVEN GUIDELINES. Help students understand what it takes to get the job of their dreams and the steps to get there. ... Read more

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Canadian Manager, published by Canadian Institute of Management on December 22, 2000. The length of the article is 1556 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Are You dot.com Material?(careers in information technology)(Brief Article)
Author: Denis St-Amour
Publication: Canadian Manager (Magazine/Journal)
Date: December 22, 2000
Publisher: Canadian Institute of Management
Volume: 25Issue: 4Page: 11

Article Type: Brief Article

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Computer User, published by MSP Communications on January 1, 2002. The length of the article is 2185 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Hot careers in a cool market: Ask not what business can do for you; ask what you can do for business. (IT Careers).
Author: Jim Thompson
Publication: Computer User (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 1, 2002
Publisher: MSP Communications
Volume: 20Issue: 1Page: 25(3)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description

This digital document is an article from MIS Quarterly, published by University of Minnesota, MIS Research Center on September 1, 1999. The length of the article is 15461 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: "SEEDING THE LINE": UNDERSTANDING THE TRANSITION FROM IT TO NON-IT CAREERS [1].
Author: Blaize Horner Reich
Publication: MIS Quarterly (Refereed)
Date: September 1, 1999
Publisher: University of Minnesota, MIS Research Center
Volume: 23Issue: 3Page: 337

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description

Do you want to know what a job in this industry is really like-and do you want to know it quickly? WetFeet has the best research (and writing) team in the business. WetFeet guides are the industry standard--based on thousands of insider interviews and written with humor and skill, our materials are recognized by candidates and companies alike as the insider guide of choice.From 1988 to 1997, employment in the software industry more than tripled. As we become an increasingly wired world, opportunities should continue to explode. Even better, jobs in this industry come with great perks, fun and casual work cultures, and talented people. This industry includes everything from the games we play to the systems that automate our workplace environment. Software makes the Internet work, it enables you to hear the latest single on MP3, and it lets you collect e-mail from your cell phone. The range of software, too, gives eager programmers and marketing types the chance to redefine the tools we play with and work with. If you want to be on the cutting edge of creating the tools of the future, this industry's for you. ... Read more

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Careers & Colleges, published by EM Guild, Inc. on September 1, 1999. The length of the article is 375 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: COLLEGES BYTE BACK ATY2K BUG.
Author: Nancy Fitzgerald
Publication: Careers & Colleges (Refereed)
Date: September 1, 1999
Publisher: EM Guild, Inc.
Volume: 20Issue: 1Page: 4

Distributed by Thompson Gale ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Ideal for the Internet resources novice
Now in a newly updated, revised and expanded 2001 edition, Anne Wolfinger's Quick Internet Guide To Career And Education Information showcases more than 360 of the very best websites for careers, college, training, and job searches. Ideal for the Internet resources novice, Quick Internet Guide To Career And Education Information also enables the Internet savvy to go directly to the most helpful sites available to them in their pursuing their own employment, training, and educational goals. This new edition is very highly recommended for students of all ages, job seekers, those wanting to change their careers, teachers, parents, job counselors, as well as school and community Internet resource reference book collections.

The Quick Internet guide to Career and Education Information
This is an excellent reference book for any recent graduate or anyone looking to find a new job or career in this technological age. The information shared is valuable and easy to locate. I'd recommned this along with Richard Bolles work on the same subject, although I found this to be more helpful and easier to use as a reference source. ... Read more

Book Description

Expert guidance on exploring and choosing a career in computers

Ideal if you are a college-bound student or are thinking about making a career change, Careers in Computers offers necessary information needed to explore the profession and then narrow it down to a job that suits you. It details the responsibilities, education and training required, and employment outlooks for dozens of satisfying careers in the computer field.