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Time intensive passions while in college?
Right now, I'm split between learning what I want and learning what I know I can do. Game development and writing are my passions, and I love math, and they often DO coincide with each other, but to focus on both intensely has always felt pretty futile. Is there a way to think about this as I get geared up to (likely) major in math and now also configure my lens to hone in on career prep?
I could be thinking about this maybe a little wrongly too. Now that I ask, there's always a possibility of MORE time opening up instead of less. Wonder what that's like.
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Jerry’s Answer
Bao,
We're living in rapidly changing times. Our weather, technology and our ability to work globally are in flux and evolving. E.g., who knows where artificial intelligence is headed and how will it affect your future work opportunities? One thing will remain consistent and valuable. Your ability to communicate effectively. And what can assist you in communicating more easily and therefore become even more employable? Language. Make an effort to learn to speak, write and read a second language. Or two. Your worth will increase dramatically. Get a college degree or higher in courses to which your interests gravitate. Determine how well you perform activities about which you are passionate. Because if you are not good to great at something, why should someone hire you to perform that function?
Conduct this Google search: what professions will be in demand in ten years
Then substitute another/related job title or profession to see if that provides a different or expanded list. The results, because of our changing world, may or may not be entirely on target but you'll get an idea. AND you may find out that a certain country may be where that opportunity is most likely to be...hence, my advice about learning multiple languages.
Be sure to go to LinkedIn and search by job title for individuals who now or previously held the job title in which you’re interested. Their profiles should contain valuable information about their duties, work history, career progression, associations/organizations of value to research and more.
We're living in rapidly changing times. Our weather, technology and our ability to work globally are in flux and evolving. E.g., who knows where artificial intelligence is headed and how will it affect your future work opportunities? One thing will remain consistent and valuable. Your ability to communicate effectively. And what can assist you in communicating more easily and therefore become even more employable? Language. Make an effort to learn to speak, write and read a second language. Or two. Your worth will increase dramatically. Get a college degree or higher in courses to which your interests gravitate. Determine how well you perform activities about which you are passionate. Because if you are not good to great at something, why should someone hire you to perform that function?
Conduct this Google search: what professions will be in demand in ten years
Then substitute another/related job title or profession to see if that provides a different or expanded list. The results, because of our changing world, may or may not be entirely on target but you'll get an idea. AND you may find out that a certain country may be where that opportunity is most likely to be...hence, my advice about learning multiple languages.
Be sure to go to LinkedIn and search by job title for individuals who now or previously held the job title in which you’re interested. Their profiles should contain valuable information about their duties, work history, career progression, associations/organizations of value to research and more.
Juney Dijkstra
Business Development / Production / Project Management
48
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Juney’s Answer
+1 to everything Arnold's suggested!
Something I'd like to add: Have a look at the position of 'game economist'. In a world shifting to 'game as a hobby' franchises, titles sometimes live for 10 years, 20, sometimes longer. More positions are becoming available that merge the skillsets required for game development & math, and being able to eloquently partner with design, engineering and business will require ample writing skill as well.
There are a couple books available on the topic, which may pique your interest, such as "Virtual Economies: Design and Analysis" by Vili Lehdonvirta and Edward Castronova, and plenty of articles & blog posts across various game industry websites!
Something I'd like to add: Have a look at the position of 'game economist'. In a world shifting to 'game as a hobby' franchises, titles sometimes live for 10 years, 20, sometimes longer. More positions are becoming available that merge the skillsets required for game development & math, and being able to eloquently partner with design, engineering and business will require ample writing skill as well.
There are a couple books available on the topic, which may pique your interest, such as "Virtual Economies: Design and Analysis" by Vili Lehdonvirta and Edward Castronova, and plenty of articles & blog posts across various game industry websites!
Updated
Arnold’s Answer
Hi Bao, I love how self-aware and thoughtful you are about your passions — that’s a great foundation. Here’s a short framework and some few guiding thoughts:
1. Align Passion + Prep:
You’re into game dev, writing, and math. What if you intentionally crafted projects that overlap all three?
Example: Build a math-based puzzle game and write a story around it. Now you’re growing all skills and building a portfolio.
2. Think in Seasons (Explore, Then Focus):
Use your first year or two to explore deeply — take classes, join clubs, or build small projects in game dev, writing, and math. This is your time to test what you enjoy doing consistently, not just what you’re curious about. Then, once you’ve got a better sense of fit, you can settle into a major (like math or computer science) and a complementary minor (like writing or game design). This approach lets you explore without pressure and gradually focus without regret.
3. Career Prep = Show Your Work:
Whatever you do, document and share it. GitHub for dev, Medium or Substack or a blog for writing, or even a personal site. Employers love seeing proof of skills — and that includes passion projects.
Seek Out Mentorship Early: Find upperclassmen, professors, or professionals in game dev, writing, and math. Ask how they combined interests or pivoted. Mentors can help you avoid common pitfalls and give clarity.
Join Campus Clubs & Communities: Get involved in game dev clubs, writing groups, or math societies. These low-stakes spaces help you test your passions, meet like-minded peers, and sometimes spark project or portfolio ideas.
Start a Personal Project: Build something small that blends your interests — like a math-based interactive story or a blog where you write about game mechanics. It doesn’t have to be polished — just something you can grow and showcase.
Apply for Internships & Exploratory Programs
1. Align Passion + Prep:
You’re into game dev, writing, and math. What if you intentionally crafted projects that overlap all three?
Example: Build a math-based puzzle game and write a story around it. Now you’re growing all skills and building a portfolio.
2. Think in Seasons (Explore, Then Focus):
Use your first year or two to explore deeply — take classes, join clubs, or build small projects in game dev, writing, and math. This is your time to test what you enjoy doing consistently, not just what you’re curious about. Then, once you’ve got a better sense of fit, you can settle into a major (like math or computer science) and a complementary minor (like writing or game design). This approach lets you explore without pressure and gradually focus without regret.
3. Career Prep = Show Your Work:
Whatever you do, document and share it. GitHub for dev, Medium or Substack or a blog for writing, or even a personal site. Employers love seeing proof of skills — and that includes passion projects.
Arnold recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Ce’s Answer
Hey Bao, I know hobbies and interests in college can seem like they take up a lot of time, but don't worry about it! These "time-consuming" activities might actually become special highlights on your resume someday, or a little escape to help you relax when work gets tough.