Postgraduate in design after graduating in programming

[black_light]

Hi,
I have a Bachelor's degree in game programming and recently got a job. I am interested in game design and I am considering getting a Post-graduate degree in that sometime next year from US or Canada.

Is this a good way to become a game designer ? Any advice I get will be useful.

[tsloper]

Originally Posted by black_light

I have ... a job. I am ... considering getting a Post-graduate degree in [game design]... Is this a good way to become a game designer ?

There are numerous good ways, and this one sounds like it is among the numerous good ways. This job that you have now -- is it in games?
http://www.igda.org/games-game-june-2011

[black_light]

Yeah, the company I am working in makes games but it only develops web and mobile games. I would like to work on PC and console games.

[tsloper]

Okay, then read this too:
http://www.igda.org/games-game-august-2003
When you say "only... web and mobile games," you put down some very important platforms. But if you don't want to be pigeonholed, then yes, you could quit your current job and go get that Masters.

[black_light]

Thanks for your reply

With "only... web and mobile games," I meant that since they make only web and mobile games (which are mostly clones of other more popular games) there isn't much game design work here. I would like to work on "bigger" video games.

I have researched colleges that offer Game Design courses and right now I think Sheridan College suits my needs. Does anyone here have experience with the Game Level Design course they offer ? I would also like to know more about job opportunities for international students after course completion (Canada offers post-study work permits which is valid for the same length as the course, which in my case will be 1 year).

[tsloper]

Originally Posted by black_light

I would also like to know more about job opportunities for international students after course completion (Canada offers post-study work permits which is valid for the same length as the course, which in my case will be 1 year).

You need to do intense study on the immigration laws in Canada. I assume that Canadian companies would be as reluctant as US companies to go through the paperwork necessary to hire a foreigner.
http://www.igda.org/games-game-july-2011
http://sloperama.com/advice/m72.htm

[black_light]

I went through the links. besides that any advice on improving employability?

[tsloper]

Originally Posted by black_light

I went through the links. besides that any advice on improving employability?

FAQ 27 and FAQ 24:
http://sloperama.com/advice/lesson27.htm
http://sloperama.com/advice/lesson24.htm