What do you do if employers don't recognize the value of your game design continuing education?

Articulate the value of your game design continuing education by showcasing how it enhances your skills, knowledge, and creativity in the field. Highlight specific projects or achievements where your continuing education directly contributed to successful outcomes or innovative solutions. Emphasize how ongoing learning keeps you up-to-date with industry trends, technologies, and best practices, making you a more valuable asset to the company. Provide concrete examples of how your new skills or insights have positively impacted your work or the team's performance. Demonstrate a proactive attitude towards self-improvement and a commitment to staying competitive in the fast-paced game design industry.

Develop a "portfolio of value" to showcase how your new skills can be applied in real-world scenarios. Highlight how advanced level design can enhance gameplay and player engagement by creating prototypes or modifying existing games. Link your skills to business outcomes such as improving player progression, reducing churn rates, and increasing monetization opportunities. Show how your skills align with industry trends and emphasize the benefits in terms of ROI and player retention. Lastly, mention any endorsements from industry leaders to boost credibility and demonstrate the concrete advantages of your education for your employer's success.

Update your portfolio regularly to showcase your latest work, skills, and achievements in game design. Add new projects, including personal projects, freelance work, or any significant contributions made in your current role. Highlight key accomplishments, such as successful game launches, positive player feedback, or industry recognition. Incorporate any new skills, technologies, or tools you've mastered since your last update, demonstrating your growth and versatility as a game designer. Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and mobile-friendly for optimal viewing. Solicit feedback from peers, mentors, or industry professionals to refine and improve your portfolio's presentation and content.

Network smartly to maximize your connections and opportunities in the game design industry while working remotely. Focus on building quality relationships with professionals who share similar interests or goals. Engage actively in online communities, forums, and social media groups where you can contribute valuable insights and learn from others. Attend virtual conferences, webinars, and networking events to connect with industry leaders and potential collaborators. Be genuine and authentic in your interactions, showing interest in others' work and offering help or support when appropriate. Follow up with connections regularly to nurture relationships and stay top-of-mind for potential opportunities.

One effective approach is to identify key influencers in the field, such as established designers, community leaders, or indie developers, and engage with them in a way that showcases your expertise. Share insights from your continuing education that resonate with their work, demonstrating your understanding of the broader context of the industry. This could involve asking thoughtful questions during panel discussions, contributing valuable perspectives in online forums, or even creating content like blog posts or videos that highlight your knowledge.

When faced with employers who may not fully appreciate the value of your game design continuing education, leveraging testimonials from respected third parties can be instrumental. Seek endorsements from instructors or mentors who can attest to your performance and growth throughout the course or program. These testimonials serve as compelling evidence of the quality and relevance of your education, providing employers with external validation of your skills and dedication to advancing your expertise in game design. Incorporating such testimonials into discussions with employers can effectively highlight the significance of your continuing education efforts and strengthen your position as a qualified candidate in the industry.

To make the most of these testimonials, incorporate them into your portfolio, resume, or LinkedIn profile. This allows potential employers to quickly gauge how industry professionals perceive your capabilities. If possible, gather testimonials from various sources such as course instructors, project leaders, or peers to present a well-rounded view of your skills. This diverse validation showcases that you are not only technically skilled but also adaptable and effective in different settings. Furthermore, consider using testimonials during interviews or networking occasions. Share specific instances where your education directly contributed to a project's success, supported by the words of those who witnessed your progress firsthand.

Think of your demonstration as a mini-showcase. It should be visually captivating, interactive, and tailored to your audience. Use it to highlight not only what you've learned, but also how you can apply it to solve real-world problems. This could be as simple as a level design with well-thought-out flow and mechanics, or as complex as an AI-driven system that enhances gameplay dynamics.

Start by identifying a gap or need within your organization where your new skills could have a significant impact. When proposing a trial project or a new role, focus on metrics and outcomes. Suggest a limited-duration project where you can apply your new skills and outline the expected results, such as increased player retention, improved game performance, or accelerated development timelines. This data-driven approach provides a tangible measure of success and reduces the perceived risk for your employer. Set clear milestones and review points to track progress, demonstrating your commitment to delivering results. It's also important to align your proposal with your employer's broader business goals.

At the end of the day, every employer has a budget to work with. It is less that they don't recognize the value and more that they may not have the funds to pay for you to further your education or can spare time to allow you to go to a class. What is important is to still do it, get a book on game design, play more video games, watch videos online, and follow the blogs of designers you like. If you can afford it, go to conventions out of your pocket if the company won't pay and attend workshops, take night courses, or pay for online courses. Talk to your accountant or CPA to see what is a tax write-off or tax deductible. Also, you can join a lot of online groups for designers for free, and even attend some meetups or events in your area.