Grading

Part 1: Based on your existing strengths and desired career path, find 3 entry level jobs that you would like to be qualified for when you graduate. Find another 3 jobs that would be a Plan B – for example jobs using that same skill set, but not in the game industry. Create a spreadsheet with a list of the required skills for each jobs and a second list with the “nice to have skills”. Due: Week #2 [100 pts.]
Part 2: Using the GDD course planner or some other tool, plan the classes that you will enroll in for the next 3 semesters to acquire needed skills. Given the high value placed on real-world experience, determine which internships/collaborations/study abroad will be the most useful to you. Share this plan with your advisor at your next appointment. Due: Week #3 (50 pts)

Create a LinkedIn profile for yourself. Ensure that you have filled in as many of the available sections as you can with past experience. Use LinkedIn to find (min) 3-5 people who are doing the kind of work you seek. Message them and ask them about their job, what they recommend you do to prepare, and if they would be willing to review your portfolio. Start building a network. Stay active on Linked-In, liking others posts and connecting to GDD grads. Seek to connect with at least 3 people every week. Link to your profile from Blackboard and note progress over the course of the semester. (75 pts.)
Create a Handshake profile for yourself. Populate it with your current skills and indicate that you are interested in internships. Create a weekly notification alert and record how you have researched opportunities for yourself and followed up on the suggestions that are sent to you. Link to your profile from Blackboard and note progress over the course of the semester (75 pts.)

Professional Portfolio of your work that you will continue to develop (ELO #3 -- 250 pts.)

Part 1: design a wireframe portfolio in Miro or Figma. The organization of the portfolio should relate directly to the required skills on your job description spreadsheet. Testers should easily be able to find evidence of required and “nice to have” skills for the target jobs you have identified. Due: Week 5 (75 pts.)
Prototype portfolio using basic HTML/CSS/Javascript and tested. Due: Week 13 (75 pts.)
Published final portfolio.. Final Exam day (100 pts.)

Game Analysis I - Analysis and critique of a game mechanic and suggestions for improvement Due: Week 7 (150 pts.)
• Game Analysis 2 - Analysis and critique of game content : could be narrative, level design, game economy, etc. Due: Week 12 (150 pts.)
• Additional materials (100 pts.) It is also important that your portfolio contain documentation of your skills and process. This will be different for each student based on the job requirements. Your additional materials could include: game design documents, project management documentation, art development processes, usability/playtesting documentation, etc Due: Week 13