GDC Tips For Students & The GDC Survival Guide

原文1：http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/833/features/833/gdc_tips_for_.php

原文2：http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/492/features/492/the_gdc_survival_.php

In 2008 I attended GDC as a student looking for a job; in 2009 I attended as an industry professional looking to network and learn. As a professional I was approached by a lot of students asking questions (partly because I was speaking at the Game Career Seminar) about networking and just being prepared for the conference. So I decided to compile a list of things that students should know when attending GDC. This list works for both those seeking jobs and those just attending to network.

1. Business Cards and Resumes

No matter if you are attending to just network or attending hoping to find a job these are the two must crucial things you must have ready. Business cards are crucial because they are one of your main tools for networking, so be sure to have plenty of cards to hand out and make sure they fit your personality.

Make sure your resume is up to date and proof read, and make sure you have plenty of printed copies to hand out. But remember to not go around handing out your resume to anyone and everyone, only hand out your resume if someone asks for it or you are in the career pavilion; otherwise just give them a business card with your website on it (you have a website, right?)

2. Wear comfortable but nice clothing

One thing that I made a mistake with my first year is the way I dressed; I wore nice, but not comfortable, clothing. Jeans and T-shirt, as long as the jeans are not trashy and the shirt is not offensive or dirty, are fine if you are attending sessions or just walking around, but if you are walking around the career pavilion handing out resumes I would wear a polo and nicer jeans or khakis. But most importantly make sure you clothes are clean and you are not just wearing the same shirt every day.

Shoes are extremely important because you will be on your feet for most of the day. Once again wear something comfortable, tennis shoes are fine, but not trashy (dirty ratty tennis shoes). Also look into buying insoles for your shoes to help support your back.

3. Mind your health

In the week leading up to GDC make sure that you get plenty of sleep to prepare yourself for the week. At the conference keep yourself healthy it can be a long week, make sure you are getting enough sleep, drinking lots of water (not soda or energy drinks) and eating at least two meals a day. You do not want to be burned out by Saturday morning. I also recommend carrying granola bars for a quick pick me up between meals.

4. Prepare an introduction

This is something that can help you when meeting people or when handing out your resumes in the all important career pavilion. Know what you are going to say. Here is one I used when handing out my resume my first year.

"Hi, I'm Grant Shonkwiler. I'm an Audio Programmer with an interest in engine and gameplay programming. I will be graduating from Full Sail University in June and am currently working on a game called Smashout."

Now this is a very formal version, and not all necessarily true (I fancied myself an Audio programmer till I met one), I would usually tailor it to fit the company and the vibe I was getting from them, if you are getting a good vibe add some humor; it will make you stand out.

5. Network/Meet people

Networking is one of the main reasons people attend this great event we call GDC. The good thing is that means industry professionals and students alike are trying to meet new people, so almost everyone is willing to talk.

There are lots of opportunities to meet people at the conference and at night so take advantage of them. Some of the best times I found are: before and after sessions, waiting in lines, meals, at booths, parties, and even on flights to and from the conference. And remember always ask for a business card and follow up after the conference.

Are you going to GDC? You should be.

No, really, if you are reading this, you should be -- every last one of you.

If you're in the industry, it's a great opportunity; but if you're not yet and ever plan to make working in the video game industry something more than a pipe dream, you've got to be at GDC.

Why? Because if you're there you can get those 30 seconds of face time you need to hand someone a resume and make sure they don't forget you. Because at GDC you can actually talk to people who make hiring decisions. Because it's a damn sight more likely that someone will remember your name if you shake her hand than if you shoot off an email to [email protected].

Convinced? Good, now go check your ticket because the rest of this article is about how to prepare for GDC.

Essentials Before You Go
Resume. Have one. Scratch that. Have a ton. Bring at least 20 resumes with you each day. You probably won't hand out that many, but you really don't want to be reaching into an empty bag when the vice president of HR for the company you are dying to get into asks you for your qualifications.

Take some time on your resume. Look at resumes on the internet. Ask your friend in business school how yours should look. Ask somebody. My first resume was a disaster until I had friends and relatives help mill it into shape.

Don't just focus on the words in your resume; look at how it's laid out. For designers, this is especially important, but it's pretty essential for everyone. Keep it to one page (if you haven't had a job in the industry yet, you really don't need more than one page, trust me). Keep it neat and uncluttered. Remember that most of the people you hand your resume to will have hundreds by the time they leave GDC, they're not going to spend a lot of time untangling yours.

Business cards. Make them. You want to see my first one?

Yes, honest to god, that was my first business card, and you know what? It served me well.

When people hand you their cards, and they will, it makes the exchange a lot less awkward if you have something -- anything -- on hand to give in return. And you should be exchanging business cards a lot!

Packing. Bring clothes that make you look good. That's all.

Plenty of people look like idiots in a suit. Dress well, but not in something that's clearly reaching. This isn't a high school dance. This is a gathering of game developers. Just be comfortable in what you're wearing.

Don't wear your Gamestop t-shirt or fanboy regalia.

Sleep. Rest before you get there, because you'll probably get very little sleep during GDC week.

Do your research. Research companies you're interested in. On the GDC web site, there is a list of companies who will be at the show.

As an industry hopeful, you have an advantage when going to GDC. You can come armed with a ton of information about the people you will meet while they aren't going to know anything at all about you. The same is true for anyone whose name is currently on Mobygames and who wants to interview at the conference.

The more you know, the easier it will be to start conversations, and the easier it will be to avoid the pitfalls that come with them.

I once saw a student trying to convince a Sony rep why he should hire him. He was telling the man about how bad the most recent EverQuest expansion was (a poor plan in the first place) and how he, the student, could have made it much better.

The Sony rep happened to be the lead designer for that expansion.