Do you need a degree to get a job in VFX or Games?

Do you need a degree to get a creative job in the VFX or games industry?

[NathanielScheurer]

One huge benefit of getting a degree is that it gives you the oportunity to focus full-time on improving in your chosen artform. For most people it would simply not be possible to put in the amount of hours of learning necessary to get a job without going through some sort of education.

[bobdole]

Good luck in Europe. Degrees are mandatory in most fields and even if you get hired, the pay will be abysmal

[davemauriello]

The portfolio is more important than a degree, but how do you get the portfolio?

[ive]

I think a degree can showcase your ability to see something through long term but yes a weak portfolio wont help if you have a degree. 2 people with similar portfolios and one with a degree might slightly edge out one without but ultimately an interview can hold as much value so there are a bunch of factors involved!

[gevzart]

if you are only looking for work locally, yes, a degree is irrelevant. unfortunately, paperworks is more important than portfolio if you need a visa. so to increase your chances, better get a degree if you can. also, your batchmates will end up becoming your future network. even though i perform well at work, my portfolio is shit. but i always get referred to by friends. i'm now on my 3rd country here in Europe mainly because i have good paperworks and connections.

[keithyakouboff]

I disagree. I have 15+ years VFX experience, and there isn't a games studio on earth that will hire me. A woman at DICE told me once that at least as far as their studio was concerned, they didn't have the time / budget to train a VFX person in the gaming workflows.

[levitabusman]

You need coding, I won’t be able to get back in without Python as a TD, plus the market is saturated there’s no jobs