Getting a Job overseas without a Degree, Can it be done?
polycounter lvl 11
I was just curious if any of our fellow polycounters have done the tedious task of getting a job overseas without a degree as its the main grip I have been dealing with lately. I would really like to know what everyone's thoughts are on the matter and how it would be achieveable.
Replies
Generally it's done for more senior positions, where the experience they bring to the table balance out the lack of degree.
Relocation is expensive for a company, so generally it is only done for people with that highly desired skillset.
However, contracting/freelancing for companies is a lot easier overseas.
I have also been trying outsourcing companies and haven't had much luck getting through the door. If you guys know anything else I can definitely try to bump up my professional expierence would be appreciated.
Vray isn't that essential in our field. Unless you are planning on going the CGI route. There are so many options for rendering HP and LP at the moment, how you render is not much of a bonus. As long as the art turns out good. For game art: Learn engines like UE4, Unity, or Cryengine(?). Even Marmoset is great for smaller pieces.
Remember: if you throw your line in the lake (Australia), but no fish(Studios) are biting, it will be very doubtful a fish(Studio) in the ocean(Internationally) will bite. Time to rethink your bait (Your art). Eventually you will land something and you will have the experience to take on the work when you do. It sucks waiting, but this is a skill acquired overtime with practice, no running around it.
I kind of jumped all over the place and answered some stuff you didn't ask, but this is what it boils down too IMO.
I am not picky I am happy to work for anyone that wants to give me work as long as its with 3D architecial companies, film, games, advertising, what ever type of work needed to be done using 3D.
I just think its really frustrating as I feel like I'm making a lot of progress skillwise but yet nothing has come of it.
I am not sure how old you are but if you are still under 30 (depending on country) you should be eligible for working holiday visa's. These do not require a degree and they can help get your foot in the door to possibly changing visa.
For example I am also an Australian without a degree, and I moved to Tokyo on a working holiday visa and after about 18 months I was able to change to a Working Visa with my companies help. I am not sure how Canada handles that sort of thing but I know for a fact Japan is very picky.
Hope it helps.
Japan can go on emotions more then rules sometimes, so a lot depends on the company, they will write a letter explaining why they need you, which seems to be able to bend the rules sometimes, I think rules are set more in stone in most countries.
I get where you guys are coming from and will definitely have a look into it, I know that Montreal for sure has a working holiday visa and I will also have a look into the states. I know the states can be a real pain and @Benvox2 age is not issue at the moment as I'm only 18 going on 19 in a week!
I will be flying out to LA and Montreal on a holiday a little later this year to network and get to know the community over there, I will also be attending the zbrush summit. I have a fairly decent paying job so I can afford to travel at the moment and still have enough saved for anything else I need to plan for.
I will make some notes when I am out there and plan accordingly, but I really appreciate you're input as its given me an idea on how I should approach getting overseas.