Basically I'm sitting here, waiting for Ratbag to call me back. The interview went as well as I could have imagined - but still, what if I don't get the position? With the recent loss of a possible contract and no job at Ratbag, I'd be stuck here without work in Adelaide. No other job oppurtunities as far as I can see.
So I'd need to move interstate to get work. Has anybody experienced relocation for their first job? Does it even happen?
If you've had to move interstate for work please share your experiences [:)] Is it common for the employer to help with funding the relocation?
I'd prefer to move to Melbourne, as far as I know it's the busier city for the games industry, and I've got a few mates there who could help me out too. I'd be moving in six months or so, as I'm enrolled for evening drawing classes at [URL]www.acsa.sa.edu.au[/URL] and am guessing I'd need to spend that time building my portfolio as well.
Wow the US! Good luck inglis :)
Generally for a role interstate or overseas, would you say that the "normal" procedure of email/post applications is sufficient, or would you need some other means of communication with the employer (eg a friend who works there, etc)?
Yep, proving to the employer that I am worth it is definitely on my agenda. I'm sure that with some careful planning I could put together an interstate-worthy folio [:)]
I have 2 friend that moved to Melbourne a few years ago to work in the games industry. They both had professional graphics/illustration experience but neither had any experience with games developement, 3D stuff etc. So it does happen :)
Expect to go over for interviews though. I'm not sure if interstate developers hire people 'sight unseen' if they can help it.
Ok, a few myths being thrown around here, hope this helps
My first industry job had me relocating interstate; moved around a bit for my education to begin with so it wasn't a huge shock really.
The only "common" time relocation costs are offset by your future employer are under very uncommon circumstances - eg, you're shit hot, they're desperate, you've got a lot of bargaining power, and they've got the cash to throw away.
You'll find more often than not you'll be able to sort something out though either way. I know a few companies that I'm familiar with that don't care about seeing people before they hire - they have the skills, they get along fine over the phone and through other correspondance, and they fit the company mold from everything they can see then that's all they need. Common thing is for a 3 month "trial" period, so if they stuff up in that time, then they're under no obligation to keep them around -- out the door they go.
And don't forget, it's the same thing with importing people too.
Daemin: yes, I know that from experience as well. While I can be relatively patient, and I am remaining confident, I guess you still have to weigh up the possibilites, anything could happen, right? Yep, even from an industry "outsider" viewpoint it seems that creating a startup is a difficult endevour, even for industry veterans.
JohnN: There is a slim chance I could get some multimedia work in the meantime, but having spent around 12 months working almost purely on game art, it's a daunting idea to have to go back and recreate a folio for a different field... My point is that I virtually cannot go back and work on my folio to enter another field, even it helps as leverage to getting a job in this industry. I know you weren't recommending this, but I'm just throwing around ideas.
Joel: very insightful, thanks. Being shit hot would be quite nice... and a 3 month trial period would be quite nice as well.
[:)]
Thanks, this is helping to map out possibilities, as well as giving me another reason to keep working on that folio, while I wait.... damned telephone [;)]
I have a rather longish history with Ratbag, originally I had an interview years ago, but I was crap then (I admit that), since then I have had another two interviews, the last one being last year, which got me into an "informal chat" which was a second round interview. I also had a bit of a chat with them at the Big Party night at the AGDC, and I was told that if I was not at Uni (still got 1/2 a year to go) that I would have gotten the job.
Currently with regards to my own company, myself and a couple of friends are tinkering with a prototype of a game and are throwing ideas around. Right now I'm trying to arrange tickets to the GDC in hopes of maybe showing the game off a bit, or geting contacts.
John, yeah if I can't get work in Adelaide in games then I'll definitely try for some multimedia work instead. For that I will have to do some portfolio changes though... Not sure about job availability too, I have a few graphic designer friends who find the industry here to be very quiet (and their work is of high standard imo). The most successful guys I know have either started their own company's or are doing freelance work.
It's good to see some ambitious guys here in Adelaide. I would love the scene here to be able to compete with the likes of Melbourne and Brisbane! Go boys [:D]
And Gibbz, I first applied at Ratbag about 10 weeks from finishing the diploma, and didn't hear back from them. Use your time wisely and I'm sure they'll need you at some point.
I've found Adelaide a bit sleepy as far as design work is concerned too. I've also found that quality of work is often not the deciding factor of sucessful businessses and freelancers! being able to run the business and find the work are maybe more important skill.
ratbagratbagratbag.. are there actually any other games developers in Adelaide?
Yeah there are a few other developers in SA I think, one is [URL]http://www.r3interactive.com/[/URL] and I also know of a startup who aren't ready to announce anything yet. I think there might be some more smaller developers as well, but I don't know who they are or where to find them...
If we had the same government grant opputunities that the Melbournites have and some more game art focused education we would be a lot better off.
Yeah it does happen.
Just have to prove to the company you are worth it.
Im currently in the process of getting a US working Visa- the company has got a lawyer to work on it. Im sitting here waiting like you- waiting for immigration to let me in the gate in my case.
So if they want you they will do what they can to get you there.