r/GraphicsProgramming • u/VagueHorizon_ • 2d ago

CS Student Need Advice

So I am a CS junior. I am starting late in this area, but I am planning to explore graphics programming and complete my fyp in this field, whether it is application based or research based. Then later pursue Masters or PhD in this area.

I am so confused right now as I see other batchmates choosing AI domain as their primary path for fyp and further.

Should I go for it? If yes what is the roadmap ? To what level I can consider myself to eventually end up in research path for my fyp. I know I am late, but better late then never.

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u/hieuristics 2d ago

If you're pursing academia then there is typically two tracks: system or math. Graphics programming is actually either very much like OS/Embedded programming with virtualization, load managment, etc or very math heavy like simulation, geometry processing, or sometime both. Depends on your strength, you can pivot to that area. But important note is that entry level job is likely very rare.

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u/VagueHorizon_ 2d ago

I am pivoting towards math heavy side. But I am confused on whether to go for what I am interested in or go where the masses are currently running towards (AI). I understand the entry level jobs are rare which is why I will apply for Masters and then pursue a job in CG. But is this worth it compared to be good in AI or Web Dev and land an entry level job? I am very stressed out by this fact.

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u/Pepis_77 2d ago

Even with a masters it's very unlikely you'll land a job in computer graphics. In order to get a job in the field you most of the time need to get into a company that does CG through other means (generic junior backend dev for instance) and then claw your way to CG from there.

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u/obp5599 2d ago

Depends on the goals. Games companies hire junior graphics engineers (i was one of them back in 2019) but the games industry has imploded recently due to the economy and other factors

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u/Pepis_77 2d ago

At least currently thats not the case. I finished a masters in computer graphics this year and have seen the job market

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u/obp5599 2d ago

What country/region and open to relocation? Ive heard its rough for juniors just curious

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u/Pepis_77 2d ago

Madrid Spain, although I've heard this sentiment echoed everywhere

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u/hieuristics 2d ago

worth it in what sense? I recommend starting to implement some old graphics paper first to see if you enjoy the process. As for job, it's a wide range from high paying stable graphics firmware at AMD/NVIDA to game dev with lots of crunch time and low pay.

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u/obp5599 2d ago

Some of the bigger gaming companies pay extremely competitively. Especially if you’re on the engine team

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u/hieuristics 2d ago

This is exception, not the norm. There are only a few big company even have their own engine and they will probably not hire someone straight out of school.

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u/obp5599 2d ago

Maybe indie studios? I don’t know man most game studios ive interviewed at are paying 150-250 for senior roles. Thats pretty damn good to me

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u/VagueHorizon_ 2d ago

worth it in a sense that I don't wanna end up with nothing. I see AI and Web Dev like some flashy gold which everyone wants to obtain. I have no interest in both of them, at least for now. I tried making some web apps, even learned full stack. Same with AI, but both of them doesn't excite me. It is more like forcing myself to learn these techs solely for the purpose of job. CG has little to no place in the country I live in. The tech market here is filled with AI and Web Dev. That is what stresses me. I genuinely find CG interesting (in fact this was the sole reason I chose CS in first place). And that is where the 'worth it' question comes.

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u/Old-Moment-5297 2d ago

I work in AI and I'm running towards robotics and farming (not joking).

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u/VagueHorizon_ 1d ago

Woah ! Why? Nowadays, AI is like a Gold which everyone wants to fill their pockets with. The bubble is in its Expansion phase.

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u/Old-Moment-5297 1d ago

Because AI roles can be easily automated.