Explore careers in video games

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How to Turn Your Love of Video Games Into a Career

Video games have been a popular form of entertainment for decades, with the industry continually growing and reaching new heights. For many gamers, it's always been a dream to turn their love of games into a career. If you're one of those gamers, this article from Mr. Robertson's Corner will outline some steps you can take to make that dream a reality.

Network at Industry Events

One of the most significant steps you can take to kickstart a career in the video game industry is to attend industry events. Gaming conferences like the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) or the Game Developers Conference (GDC) are excellent opportunities to network, learn about upcoming trends, and get face time with prominent game developers or publishers.

To take full advantage of these events, make sure to research the topics and speakers beforehand and prepare some thoughtful questions to ask during networking opportunities. Attendees who make an impression can often make valuable connections that lead to job opportunities.

Look for Industry Job Postings

Many video game companies post job openings online, making it easy for prospective candidates to apply for positions that match their interests and skill sets. Some popular job boards to consider include Linkedin, Glassdoor, or Indeed. Also, it's essential to research each company thoroughly, including the games they currently have on the market, their company culture, and any recent news updates. This research will help you craft personalized applications that stand out to potential employers.

Become a Game Tester

As a game tester, you'll be responsible for playing video games and giving feedback on specific aspects like user interface, gameplay mechanics, and level design. Game testers are often entry-level positions and can help individuals break into the video game industry. Many video game companies have in-house testers, while some outsource this work to vendors.

Some of the skills required to become a game tester include communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure. Many people who start as game testers move on to more advanced positions like game designers or developers.

Submit Personal Projects to Competitions

Creating personal projects like mobile apps or console games and submitting them to competitions can also help boost your chances of getting hired. By building and showcasing your professional portfolio, you can show potential employers your skills and creativity.

There are many online game development contests that you can enter, including game jams, hackathons, and indie developer competitions. The more contests you enter and the more recognition you receive, the higher your chances of securing a full-time position in the industry.

Use 3D Modeling Tools to Design Game Assets

3D modeling is a critical component of game development, and many job openings require experience in 3D modeling software like Maya or Blender. By using 3D design software, you'll be able to create game assets like characters, environments, and props.

Online tutorials and courses can teach you how to utilize this 3D model maker, and some even offer certifications. Building a 3D modeling portfolio can help demonstrate your skills and creativity to potential employers.

Look for Freelance Gigs Related to Game Development

Freelancing can be an excellent way to break into the video game industry. Many video game companies hire freelancers to work on various project-based assignments, including concept art, character design, sound design, or animation.

Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr provide numerous opportunities to find freelance work related to game development. Make sure to market your services and showcase your best work to stand out to potential clients.

Start Your Own Gaming Company

Starting your own video game company can be an exciting venture, especially in today's digital age. In order to scale faster and compete effectively in this dynamic industry, it's wise to leverage automation and artificial intelligence (AI). These technologies can bring about massive time efficiencies and cost savings in various areas of game development. For instance, AI can be used for procedural content generation, creating complex game environments in a fraction of the time it would take a human designer. Automation, on the other hand, can streamline repetitive tasks such as testing, freeing up your team to focus on creative aspects of game design.

Research Potential Industry Scholarships

Finally, it's essential to research any potential scholarships related to video game design. Many video game development programs offer scholarships or financial aid for students interested in pursuing video game design as a career.

Scholarships, grants, and work-study programs can help reduce the financial burden of a video game design education and provide valuable connections to individuals in the industry. Make sure to research all available opportunities and apply to as many as possible.

Breaking into the video game industry can be a challenging task, but it's not impossible. By networking, attending industry events, submitting personal projects, and learning 3D modeling skills, you can increase your chances of landing that dream job in game development. Or you can use automation to grow your own gaming company. Remember that success requires hard work, dedication, and a passion for video games.

For meaningful conversations, advice, ideas, and resources for high school and college students, visit Mr. Robertson’s Corner today!

Why buy long-term care insurance

What young people need to know about long-term care insurance, and reasons why young people should purchase long-term care insurance.

Introduction

Long-term care insurance is a type of insurance designed to cover the costs associated with long-term care, such as custodial care, home health services, and nursing home expenses. It’s an important coverage for seniors, but it’s also something that young people need to consider. Here are some reasons why young people should think about purchasing long-term care insurance.

1. Affordable premiums: Long-term care insurance policies are more affordable when they are purchased at a younger age. That’s because younger people are less likely to make claims and therefore pose less risk to the insurer. As a result, premiums can often be significantly lower than those of someone who waits until later in life to purchase a policy.

2. Peace of mind: By purchasing long-term care insurance early on, you can rest assured knowing that if you ever do need long-term care services in the future, you will be covered. This peace of mind can be invaluable for young people who may not have the financial resources to pay for long-term care out of pocket.

3. Tax benefits: Depending on where you live, purchasing long-term care insurance may qualify you for tax deductions or credits which can save you money down the line. This can be especially helpful for young people who may already have limited disposable income and need all the help they can get when it comes to managing their finances responsibly.

Conclusion

Long-term care insurance is often seen as something that only older people need to worry about, but this isn't necessarily true. Purchasing a policy at a younger age has many benefits including lower premiums and potential tax savings down the line. Young people should consider speaking with an experienced investment advisor or financial planner before making any decisions regarding long-term care insurance in order to ensure they make the right choice for their individual situation.

Coin collecting for young people

Coin collecting: The fun, fascinating hobby for young people

Introduction

Coin collecting is a rewarding hobby that has been around since the 1500s. It is a fun activity that can be enjoyed by both individuals and families of all ages. For middle school students and high school students in particular, coin collecting provides an opportunity to learn about history, economics, geography, and fascinating stories about peoples and places. Here, we will discuss why young people should consider taking up this fascinating hobby. At the very end of this blog post is a partial list of some of the types of coins and collections that can be built through coin collecting.

The benefits of coin collecting for young people

Coin collecting is more than just about the coins themselves - it involves learning about world history, economics, geography, and stories. By studying coins from different countries throughout the world and different eras of history, young people can learn about the values and cultures of those parts of the world in a way that is both educational and enjoyable. In addition to gaining knowledge through coin collecting, younger hobbyists also gain a better understanding of money management as they save up to buy their coins and track their collection's value over time.

Coin collecting also exposes young people to a community of like-minded individuals who share their interest in coins. There are many coin clubs and organizations where young collectors can meet other enthusiasts who can introduce them to new information or help them find unique pieces for their collections. These groups provide an opportunity for members to share their knowledge with each other in an environment that encourages learning while having fun!

Finally, coin collecting has its own rewards beyond knowledge acquisition or forming friendships with fellow collectors - it offers financial gains, too! Coins are valuable investments which may increase in value over time if they are properly cared for and maintained. As such, coin collecting serves as an excellent introduction into the field of investing for younger hobbyists who want to explore how currencies change over time or how certain rare coins can be worth more than others due to rarity or condition.

Conclusion

Coin collecting provides endless opportunities for learning about different cultures throughout history while forming relationships with fellow collectors - all while having fun! Whether you're looking for something educational or just want to collect rare coins as an investment opportunity, there's something here for everyone! So don't wait any longer - start your coin collection today!

Some of the types of coins and collections that can be built through coin collecting

US coins

There are a wide variety of US coins that can be collected, including Indian Head and Lincoln pennies, Jefferson nickels, Mercury and Roosevelt dimes, Washington quarters, [Benjamin] Franklin and Kennedy half-dollars, and Eisenhower dollars. US coins can be collected by date, mint mark, or type.

Foreign coins

Foreign coins can also be collected, and there are many different ways to collect them. One way is to collect coins from a specific country. Another way is to collect coins from a specific time period. For example, you could collect ancient Roman coins or medieval European coins. You could also collect coins from a specific region, such as Asia or Africa.

Gold coins

Gold coins are another type of coin that can be collected. Gold coins can be from any country and any time period. One of the most popular gold coins to collect is the American Gold Eagle, which was first minted in 1986. Other popular gold coins include the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf and the South African Gold Krugerrand.

Silver coins

Silver coins are another type of coin that can be collected. Silver coins can also be from any country and any time period. One of the most popular silver coins to collect is the American Silver Eagle, which was first minted in 1986. Other popular silver coins include the Canadian Silver Maple Leaf and the Mexican Silver Libertad. Also, here in the United States, dimes, quarters, and half-dollars minted through 1964 contain 90% silver. These coins are often known as "junk silver" in the industry/hobby because they were common coins meant for everyday commerce and usage.

Copper coins

Copper coins are another type of coin that can be collected. Copper coins can also be from any country and any time period. One of the most popular copper coins to collect is the Lincoln cent, which was first minted in 1909.

Understanding text-dependent analysis

A beginner's guide to text-dependent analysis for middle school students and high school students

What is Text-Dependent Analysis (TDA)? What are some effective strategies and practice ideas to help middle school students and high school students adequately prepare for TDA as part of a major assignment, test, or exam?

Introduction

As students progress through their academic journey, they encounter a variety of assignments, tests, and exams that challenge their critical thinking and analytical skills. Among these types of assessments is a writing task known as Text-Dependent Analysis (TDA). TDA is an activity that requires students to read a complex text and analyze it by citing textual evidence to support their responses. The purpose of this blog post is to provide a beginner's guide to TDA targeted at middle and high school students. We will discuss what TDA is, why it is important, and offer several effective strategies and practice ideas to help students excel in this task.

Preparing for TDA

1. Understand the structure of TDA: Before students can begin to practice Text-Dependent Analysis, it is essential to understand the structure of the task. This activity typically consists of three parts – introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction, as the word suggests, introduces the topic or prompt and sets the context for the TDA. The body of the TDA includes evidence and reasoning, which supports the student's understanding of the text. Finally, the conclusion sums up the student's response to the prompt.

2. Annotate the text: An essential strategy for TDA is to thoroughly annotate the text. Annotating the text involves highlighting key phrases and noting any questions, comments, or observations. By doing this, students can develop a deeper understanding of the text and support their analysis with specific textual evidence.

3. Use graphic organizers: One effective way to prepare for TDA is to use graphic organizers. Graphic organizers are visual tools that students can use to organize their thoughts and ideas. They provide a structured framework that can help students identify key points in the text, analyze and interpret those points, and connect them to the prompt.

4. Practice responding to prompts: The best way to get better at TDA is to practice responding to prompts. It is important to keep in mind that the prompt's focus is not only on content, but also on structure, grammar, and mechanics. Therefore, when practicing responding to prompts, pay attention to the structure, organization, and use of evidence, and ensure that the writing is clear and concise.

5. Seek feedback: Another crucial aspect of preparing for TDA is seeking feedback from teachers or tutors. It is vital to ask them to review your writing and provide constructive feedback on areas that need improvement. Take their suggestions and apply them to the next TDA writing task to improve your performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Text-Dependent Analysis is an essential writing task that helps students develop their analytical and critical thinking skills. By understanding the structure of TDA, thoroughly annotating the text, using graphic organizers, practicing responding to prompts, and seeking feedback from teachers, students can master this task. Overall, the key to excelling in TDA is to have a deep understanding of the text, organize thoughts and ideas effectively, and use textual evidence to support your response. We hope that the strategies and practice ideas discussed in this blog post will help students improve their performance in Text-Dependent Analysis.

How generative AI improves online search

How generative AI is changing the way we search online

How are search engines like Bing and Google using generative AI to improve search results?

Introduction

Have you ever thought about how search engines like Bing and Google are able to find the exact thing you’re looking for? It’s all thanks to a type of artificial intelligence (AI) called generative AI. In this blog post, we will explore how generative AI is changing the way search engines work and what it means for our online experience.

What is generative AI?

Generative AI is a powerful form of artificial intelligence that uses algorithms to generate new content from existing information. A common example of generative AI in action is image recognition technology, which can identify objects in an image by analyzing their shapes and sizes. Generative AI has many applications, but one of its most important roles is in search engine optimization (SEO).

How are search engines using generative AI?

Search engines like Bing and Google use generative AI in order to improve the accuracy and relevance of their search results. For example, when you type a query into Google’s search box, its algorithms analyze your words and compare them with the content of websites that have been indexed by Google. The algorithm then ranks the websites based on how closely they match your query. This process helps ensure that you get accurate results for your queries.

Generative AI also helps search engines better understand language patterns and context so that they can provide more relevant answers to complex questions or queries that require deeper understanding of natural language processing (NLP). For instance, if you ask “What is the capital city of Brazil?” Google understands not only what you are asking but also provides an answer without having to manually look up each word separately (in this case, “Brasilia”).

Conclusion

Generative AI is an incredibly powerful tool that has revolutionized the way we access information online. By using algorithms to generate new content from existing information, both Bing and Google are able to deliver more accurate, relevant results quicker than ever before. For users around the world, this means an easier time finding exactly what they need - no matter where it may be hiding on the Web! And as technology continues to evolve at an incredible pace, so too will generative AI continue to improve our online experience even further.

Creating a professional development plan

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Crafting a Professional Development Plan: Your Roadmap to Career Success

A Professional Development Plan (PDP) is your strategic ally in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of career growth. It's your personal guide that illuminates your career path, helping you identify your competencies, harness your potential, and chart a course towards achieving your career aspirations. It's not simply about climbing the corporate ladder; it's about acquiring skills, embracing challenges, and driving continuous learning to flourish in your chosen field. If you need help putting this plan together, let this guide shared below by Mr. Robertson's Corner serve as a great resource to help you get started.

Assess Your Skills and Identify Gaps

The first step in creating a professional development plan is to evaluate your current skills objectively. What are your strengths? Where do you excel? Equally important is identifying your weaknesses or areas where you lack certain skills. This self-assessment serves as the foundation upon which you build your professional development plan. Remember, the goal is not to be hard on yourself but rather to develop a clear understanding of where you currently stand professionally.

Define Your Professional Goals

Once you have a clear understanding of your skills and gaps, it's time to define your career objectives. These objectives should reflect both your short-term and long-term goals. Having well-defined goals provides a sense of direction and helps you maintain focus on your professional journey. Your goals could range from improving certain skills to stepping into leadership roles or even transitioning to a completely new field of work. Remember, these goals should be realistic and align with your personal growth and professional aspirations. Constantly revisiting and reassessing these objectives will ensure that you stay on track and make meaningful progress in your career.

Create a Plan for Professional Development

When the time comes to apply for a new role, it's imperative to have a well-written cover letter and resume. These two documents are your first opportunity to make a great impression on potential employers. This breaks down what a cover letter is: it’s an introduction of yourself and a tool to pique an employer's interest in your skills and experiences. It's not just about listing your qualifications, but also about weaving a narrative that shows you're the right fit for the job. Similarly, a well-structured resume gives a concise overview of your career trajectory, highlighting key achievements and skills. To increase your chances of landing an interview, consider utilizing online tools. These platforms can guide you in mastering the art of writing a compelling cover letter and crafting a resume that stands out. Remember, your goal is to capture the employer's attention and show them why you're the best candidate for the role.

Establish a Timeline

Creating a timeline for your professional goals is crucial. This roadmap will outline the steps and milestones needed to reach your career objectives. It's not just about setting deadlines, but also identifying the resources and actions required. This keeps you on track and allows you to measure progress. Be realistic, considering your current commitments to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

For those aiming for entrepreneurship, careful preparation is key. Start by devising a solid business plan that outlines your vision, target audience, and unique selling propositions. Securing funding, developing a marketing strategy, and understanding the legal process of registering your business are all essential steps to success.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating a professional development plan requires self-assessment, goal setting, resource exploration, mastering job application skills, timeline creation, and considering entrepreneurship if it aligns with your career objectives. By following these steps, you're setting yourself up for success in your professional journey, ensuring you're always moving forward towards achieving your career goals.

Preparing for a career as an attorney

Preparing for a career as an attorney

Exploring classes, extracurricular activities, learning opportunities, and experiences that middle school students and high school students should take if they are interested in pursuing a career as an attorney.

Introduction

Becoming an attorney requires dedication and a lot of hard work. A strong foundation in the basics of written and oral language, research, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills is essential. But what else do you need? To get a jump start on your legal career, it is important to explore the classes, extracurricular activities, learning opportunities, and experiences that can help prepare you.

Please note that this post is only meant to provide you with some general ideas and information about becoming an attorney, and it's geared more toward middle school students and high school students who may already be wondering about this career path. We're painting some very broad strokes here, just planting some seeds, and that's by design.

Because this post is primarily written for middle school students and high school students thinking about pursuing a career as an attorney, the kinds of coursework and student clubs/activities recommended here as a means to plant those early seeds also correspond to this age group. Ultimately, in the end, to become an attorney, you'll generally need a high school diploma, a bachelor's degree, a juris doctorate (law degree), and a passing score on your state's bar exam.

Peppered throughout the post, you'll find several solid video interviews, presentations, and chats given by attorneys that are pulled from YouTube. They'll help in painting more of a robust picture of what you can expect in the day-to-day work of an attorney.

Finally, at the end of this post is a brief list and general overview of some of the more popular and major areas of law.



Classes

You will be required to take certain core classes throughout middle school and high school, as well as so many elective courses that you have more say in taking.

You should look for classes that emphasize communication skills such as English composition and public speaking.

Additionally, any higher-level math (beyond the required core credits), as well as philosophy classes make for great options because they sharpen your abilities to think logically and critically.

Courses in history and government help build knowledge about our nation's legal system, which will be useful once you enter law school.

Other social science coursework like psychology and sociology classes can increase your leverage in better understanding broader societal issues and concerns, competing interests and conflicts, and insight into a possible opponent's mind.

Last, but certainly not least, anything offered by your school's business department is highly-desirable - classes that get into subjects like the basics of business law, entrepreneurship, creating a business plan, branding and creating a marketing plan, personal finance, etc., will be of great help in case you're ever interested in becoming a business/transactional attorney (think contracts, real estate, forming companies, mergers and acquisitions, etc.) and/or starting your very own law firm some day.



Extracurricular activities

Participating in extracurricular activities shows potential employers and college admissions officers that you have the time management skills necessary to commit yourself to a project from start to finish. Clubs and activities also complement and enhance the learning taking place in the formal classroom setting. Joining student organizations like debate team or student government are great choices for building your verbal communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. If there are any mock trial teams available at your school, then take advantage of that opportunity! It will give you an edge when applying for internships or jobs down the line.



Learning opportunities

Explore internships specifically related to law so that you can gain first-hand experience in the field while gaining credit towards college requirements and/or even earning money at the same time! Volunteering with organizations like Legal Aid Society is another great way to make connections with attorneys who can provide guidance along your journey towards becoming an attorney yourself one day.

When looking into internships, it is also important to think outside of the box - consider unique opportunities like working with media outlets offering legal advice segments, or even shadowing a lawyer on their cases, if possible!

Don’t forget about attending events related to law, such as lectures given by attorneys, or local court hearings whenever possible. These experiences can spark interest and provide valuable insight into what being an attorney entails!

Lastly, subscribing to newsletters from law firms is essential, as they typically offer updates on new cases and other relevant information that can provide an interesting glimpse into the life of an attorney before actually committing yourself fully!



Conclusion

If you are considering pursuing a career as an attorney, then there are numerous classes, extracurricular activities, learning opportunities, and experiences that can prepare you for this goal.

Taking challenging and engaging core and elective classes, including those related to government and/or history, sociology and/or psychology, philosophy, higher-level math, and business education will all collectively help form a strong foundation in understanding our nation’s legal system while simultaneously strengthening critical thinking skills and preparing you for a better understanding of the broader societal issues, concerns, competing interests, and opportunities that are out there.

Joining student organizations like student council or debate team helps build collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills, all of which are key skills needed by attorneys. Additionally, exploring internships and volunteer opportunities specifically related to law provides valuable insight into daily operations within law firms. Attending lectures by attorneys offers unique perspectives on how they conduct business.

Ultimately, taking advantage of all these sources of knowledge allows students interested in becoming attorneys to gain more information about this profession, which can help ensure success down the road!

A brief list and general overview of some of the more popular and major areas of law, in no particular order:

Criminal Law

Criminal law is the body of law that deals with crimes and their punishment. Attorneys who practice criminal law represent individuals who have been accused of committing a crime, such as murder, robbery, assault, driving under the influence, white-collar crime, etc.

Civil Law

Civil law is the body of law that deals with disputes between individuals and/or organizations. Attorneys who practice civil law represent individuals or organizations who are seeking damages from another party. These damages may, but not always, be in the form of money and/or property.

Family Law

Family law is the body of law that deals with family-related issues, such as marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Attorneys who practice family law help individuals and families navigate these often emotionally-charged legal matters.

Employment Law

Employment law is the body of law that deals with employment-related issues, such as discrimination, harassment, and wage disputes. Attorneys who practice employment law help employees and employers resolve these types of issues.

Immigration Law

Immigration law is the body of law that deals with immigration-related issues, such as citizenship, visas, and green cards. Attorneys who practice immigration law help individuals and families navigate the often complex process of obtaining legal status in the United States.

Intellectual Property Law

Intellectual property law is the body of law that deals with intellectual property-related issues, such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Attorneys who practice intellectual property law help individuals and businesses protect their ideas and creations from being used without permission or compensation.

Banking Law

Banking law is the body of law that deals with banking-related issues, such as loans, mortgages, and foreclosures. Attorneys who practice banking law help banks and other financial institutions comply with regulations and resolve disputes with customers.