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Guildhall at SMU Game School -- How is it?

Posted by Cliff on from the first-hand-experiences dept.

Needanewnick asks: "I heard and read about the Guildhall, and I was wondering if anyone could relate their experiences from it? I've heard that many so called Game Development Schools don't really do much for preparing the student for life in the industry. Does the Guildhall address this very well? What are post graduation job possibilities? Basically, is this worth the tuition?"

1 of 24 comments (clear)

  1. Guildhall Info by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I am currently a student at the Guildhall and only one person has left up to this point and that was for medical reasons. So don't believe this guy who says he left for Oracle (although it may be tongue in cheek)

    Now to answer your questions:

    The Guildhall has only been in extistence for 9 months now. So to ask is it worth the tuition? is a tough question to answer. I'll try and give the best info I can.

    I am in the software track and I can tell you that what I have learned here so far is invaluable. I have learned more and coded more in the last 9 months than in my entire 4 years of college in a CS program. The curriculum we are being taught is created by and affirmed by people IN the industry. In fact, they just had a meeting last week to improve it and finalize it for the next quarter. So I'll let you be the judge if that is worth anything to you. Personally I think it is.

    Second, our direct contact with the industry on a weekly basis is huge. We have a class once a week where an industry professional makes a presnetation on a topic related to the industry. They have all been very valuable for every discipline. There are also several internships in progress and several more in the works so those are great "footholds" in trying to get a job as well.

    In January, it will probably be easier to answer your question because hopefully most of us will have jobs but The Guildhall does not guarantee us a job. It is up to us to get the job, they are just doing their best to prepare us. Hope this helps answer some of your questions.

    P.S. sorry for the anonymous post but i didn't feel like taking the time to register right now.