Hi everyone, I read a lot about the choice whether to do a Bachelor or doing it by yourself here. But I didnt find a suitable topic about how important a Master-Degree really is. In a few months I'll get my Bachelor-Degree in Computer Science and although I'm actually sure that I want in the industry, there still is a good opportunity of getting a Master-Degree in less than three years. First I have to say: I am from Germany. Right after school at the age of 19 I started studying Computer Science and in the age of 23 I will complete it. In this time I learned a lot (but of course not enough) about c++-Programming and I visited several GameDevelopment-Courses. Playing games is my passion since I was about five years old and after my experiences in studying I am now certain that game development is the thing I want to do. What I DID NOT learn was how to differ which parts of my studies are really important. For now, I want to go in the industry in order to yield some important practical experiences for at least a six month internship. Staying at my university and continue studying for the Master-Degree would be easy and comfortable. But I have serious doubts about how profitable that would be, because I visited every game development course there is available and I think three years of work experience would be more profitable. Besides, I dont want that easy and comfortable way because nothing worth having comes easy. Another idea would be a GameDevelopment-specific university, but I definitly cannot afford that - neither in the U.S. nor in Germany. How common is it to do your master while (or in between) you are working? Is there any financial aid possible? I read a few lessons on sloperama and right now I want to not add a Master-Degree and work as a Junior Programmer for the next years. A few years later I could add a Master-Degree whether besides working or in between or after... because I actually like studying. But is it really necessary anyway? Thanks for your attention! I hope this isnt a repeating topic. Greetings, Dominik

Quote:
1. It isn't common.
2. I don't know. Probably, since "anything is possible."

Quote: You are better off getting a Master's now before you taste the sweet sweet fruits of paid labour.

That was indeed very helpful, thanks for the responses! Then I'll go with an internship first. But sorry, I have another question concerning this:
I think it is better doing my internship directly after getting Bachelor. Thus, I can easily do six months without taking a vacation semester. Otherwise I could do an internship during my semester break - but at the most of three months.
Well, I would 'lose' half a year, but I think it is a better idea doing this 6-month internship now than finishing my Masters half a year earlier. What do you think?

Quote: 3. What, you mean getting a Masters? No, it isn't "necessary."

I asked because there are rumors here that in a few years you probably wont get any job without having a master.

Quote: I asked because there are rumors here that in a few years you probably wont get any job without having a master.

Where did you hear that? I'm "in the industry" and have never heard anyone saying anything like that. Usually you only need a degree to get your CV past the HR "gatekeepers", the person actually doing the hiring will be much more interested in examples of your work and how you come across in an interview than in paper qualifications.

Most of my colleagues do not have a masters degree (as far as I know) :)

edit: Maybe by "here" you are talking about general employment situation in Germany? I originally thought you were talking about "here"="games community / gamedev", I don't know anything about what's happening in Germany :)

Quote:
edit: Maybe by "here" you are talking about general employment situation in Germany? I originally thought you were talking about "here"="games community / gamedev", I don't know anything about what's happening in Germany :)

Nono :) I was talking about students at my university and Computer Science in general. There are a few branches where you do need a master, but in GameDev I wasnt sure. Well, now I am - thanks everyone for the useful responses!