Video Game Tester – Coolest Job Ever – Yeah!
Imagine being paid to play video games all day! Yes it's true, Game Tester is a real job. And, since you've probably done your share of gaming you might make an excellent candidate. So why doesn't everyone choose this as a career?
Perhaps you think you already know the answer and that is that game testers don't generally get paid very much and to some extent that is true, but a little bit of research throws up some other reasons. First, game testers are not trying to get a high-score - they are trying to find problems and bugs in the game, so testers have to play the same level over and over and over again, trying everything imaginable to try and break the game. Then, when they find a 'bug' they enter information about the problem on a database so that the developers can fix it. Then they go back and test the same problem again to make sure it is fixed.
Still interested? Although it doesn't sound quite so glamorous once you know what's involved, this is an industry that is really hot, so let's not throw the idea out the window completely. On-line games are moving from being just games into virtual reality, where real people all over the planet interact with the 'game' and with each other. What makes this so interesting is that the players also develop the game as they go. For instance, in games like Second Life you can buy a plot of undeveloped virtual land, make improvements and sell it in a virtual auction to other players who put money into your virtual bank account. But here's the interesting part - you can sell real services in Second Life for real money too! Some large organisations in the US have held conferences in Second Life, organised by virtual conference organisers who charge real money for doing it!
Of course relatively few people make a living out of playing games like Second Life but there are apparently a few US$ millionaires out there. So a career in video games is not that far-fetched.
It’s called Facebook for a reason
Here's a link for anyone putting themselves out there in the job market - it lists five things you can do on Facebook to seriously dent your career.
You probably have stories of your own about things that have happened on Facebook or Twitter where someone has told the world about something they didn't expect a certain someone to see, so you know it's a mistake anyone can make.
Employers do look at social networks to find out the things that are not on your CV - so it pays to be careful what you share! And while the photos of the schoolie party may be an absolute hoot when you post them, they may show a completely different 'FACE' to the one you want out there in cyberspace.
http://applicant.com/5-social-media-donts-for-the-career-minded/
Wanna Know Something?
Do you have a question about career advice? The internet is an amazing place full of information but sometimes you just want someone to give you the answer!
Post your questions and the Whr24U team will research answers and post them here. If you think you can answer a question here please feel free to leave your comments, or links to other sites that cover the same topic.
Popcorn Stopping Moments
What is it about reality TV that fascinates us so? What is it that causes us to stop, amazed with popcorn half-way to our open mouths as we gaze on the passing parade of human achievement and endeavour? My own personal top ten of popcorn stopping moments used to include such gems as ‘extreme ironing’ and the Jerry Springer show, but these days I can’t keep up – it seems we scale new heights and plumb new depths constantly. The Jackass movies alone chronicle dozens, if not hundreds of priceless examples of what can be accomplished with a warped sense of humour and a hand-held video camera.
If you were approached to star in a reality show, which would it be? Are you the next Apprentice? What about a Masterchef? How about a Pop Idol? Or will Gok slice up your underwear perhaps? What will you do to make the top-ten of Popcorn stopping moments?
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What Suits You?
Most of us know what we like in life. We know what makes the blood rush through our veins and gets us excited. In an ideal world, going to work would give you that adrenalin rush. The career path you choose is always going to be something that influences your life in a huge way, no matter how long you stay in that particular profession.
People used to ask me, “What do you want to do when you leave school?” and I would reply, “I don’t know, but it has to involve talking and eating”. These are two of my biggest passions. Talking is a very broad interest and eating, well that is the same really.
I sat down one day and had a good think about what I wanted to do with myself and realized that communicating to others in some form is something I would really enjoy. I heard about the Bachelor of Communication Studies at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and I looked on the internet to find out more about it.
Next thing I knew I was writing an application letter to the course leader! Being from Wellington, I had no idea where I would live in Auckland, but I knew this course was something that tickled my fancy.
The thing that made it easier for me was that I knew what I was passionate about. If I had not realized my passion I might still be a waitress in the café where I worked part time to support my social life during school.
Identifying your passions, skills and motivators is a huge part of your future career direction. If you are good at painting, then explore that as a career path because when you wake up in the morning you should feel inspired and excited to start the day.
You might think you already know what you want to do and just need the confidence to pursue it with passion, or you may have no idea what is next for you. Either way, there are places to go and people who can help with what is probably the most important decision of your life.
There are hundreds of career paths to take. The important thing is finding the one that’s right for you.
Recent Comments
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