That’s when I post three hot new job openings from our job database at the JobMonkey Job Center . I’m getting a late jump on things this week due to some major Internet problems. My apologies!

There are tons of great new job leads over at the Job Center right now, including many opportunities for working abroad. If you want to learn more about working internationally, check out JobMonkey’s Guide to Working Abroad.

1. Webmaster, VEGlobal, Chile
VEGlobal is seeking a high school graduate to serve as a web designer, responsible for internal Internet needs and public relations. The ideal candidate will have advanced computer and web design experience.

2. Senior Tools Programmer, Rockstar Games, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Rockstar Games (isn’t that the name of a company you’d want to work at?!) is looking to hire a talented programmer to work in its tools department. The programmer will be responsible for upkeep of Rockstar’s current toolchain and export pipeline, improving and extending them, and providing tools support to the other departments in the studio. The ideal candidate will have games industry experience, in addition to strong C/C++ programming skills, excellent communication skills, knowledge of at least one 3d modeling package, and ability to work in a team and deliver on a deadline.

3. Procurement Assistant Jobs, Intership Limited, London, United Kingdom
Intership Limited is seeking a procurement assistant to source and purchase ship stores required by the vessels owned by the company, to monitor the vessels from the office, and to oversee everyday operational requirements, including repatriation of crew from these vessels. The ideal candidate will have experience working in the marine/shipping industry, have strong written and oral communication skills, be well organized, and be able to learn quickly and thrive in a fast-paced, international environment. He or she should also be computer literate with experience of Microsoft Office, Email and Internet. The company prefers candidates with a Bachelor’s level degree or higher.

Several months ago, I covered the educational options for aspiring game developers and mentioned that there are a growing number of universities that offers courses and even college majors in game programming and design. Roper was clear in his interview that this educational background gives up-and-coming programmers a major leg-up in the hiring process.

[Those with a game degree] definitely have, I think, a higher level of understanding, a better vocabulary; they’re able to hit the ground running a lot better… There’s the possibility that they’re going to have just the higher degree of baseline knowledge. They have that step up to step in and do something at a starting level in the company.

If you are thinking about pursuing a career in game design and development, definitely check out the interview with Roper and visit the JobMonkey’s section on video game jobs.

That’s why the ESA is offering a sweet, $3,000 scholarship to women and minority students who are pursuing their degree in Computer & Video Game Arts (or a related field).

The Foundation has thirty total scholarships available, 15 for high school seniors and another 15 for college students.

To be eligible, you must be enrolled (or plan to enroll) as a full-time student at an accredited four-year colleges or university. The application deadline is May 15, 2009, so there’s not much time left.

To learn more about the scholarship, visit the Entertainment Software Association website. If you want to learn more about pursuing a career in video game industry, the JobMonkey is your #1 resource. You might also want to check out these articles on Video Game Design Schools and Computer Game Education.

At some jobs, this can take the form of on-the-job training; but for other professions, you will need to show up with a resume that includes course work, a major or even an advanced degree in a specialized field.

What all of this means is that no matter where you are at in your career path — from the high school student trying to figure out college plans to the mid-level professional looking to make a career change — you need to think long and hard about what role education can play in reaching your professional goals.

This week, we are going to look at the profession of video game programmers.  Believe it or not, there is a whole field of people dedicated to creating video games (ha, and my mom always told me no one was going to pay me to play Nintendo!). It’s one of those dream job scenarios, I’m guessing, for a lot of the people employed in this growing industry.

But you can’t just walk into Wii and get a job based on your own gaming mastery.  Companies are going to be looking for solid work experience AND an educational background that lends itself to the field.  What does that mean exactly?  Here are some ideas:

>> B.A. or higher in computer science, possibly with an emphasis in video game design
There are hundreds of schools in America with computer science degrees, ranging from local community schools to top-rated programs like Cal Tech and MIT. 

The key is your coursework; some schools, like UC-Santa Cruz, have concentrations or even a major in video game design.  But even if yours doesn’t, you should chose classes that emphasize gaming systems, graphics and animation.

>> Online degrees in Video Game Design
There are a growing number of online programs in video game design, which make particular sense for those of you looking to switch tracks mid-career or to attend school while working full-time. You can read more about game design degree programs on Online Degree Zone.

>> Graduate degree programs in Computer Engineering
Senior level game programmer jobs often require or prefer graduate degrees.  If this is your aim, then you should know that the most common degree is an M.S. in Computer Engineering.  To learn more, check out the U.S. News and World Report’s list of the top ten graduate schools for Computer Engineering.

Is there are a career path you are interested in pursuing, but you don’t know where to start in terms of schooling and training?  Leave me a comment and I will be sure to offer some educational resources and suggestions next Monday.

To find more job opportunities, visit our free boards. In the meantime, here are three great positions you may be interested in:

#1. Assistant Garage Mechanic @ Glacier National Park
Remember the definition of Green Careers that we talked about on Monday? Blue collar work in a green setting? Well, here’s a job that fits that bill: Montana’s Glacier National Park is looking for an assistance mechanic. This person will assist the garage manager in maintaining and repairing the park’s vehicles and snow removal equipment. Qualified applicants must have a high school diploma, possess knowledge and experience in vehicle maintenance and be able to lift at least 50 pounds. If this sounds like a great opportunity to you, send your resume and cover letter to the Human Resources Department of Glacier Park Inc.

#2. Performers/Dancers/Singers @ Busch Gardens
Working at Busch Gardens may not be like a Disney World job, but this fun Florida theme park is actively looking for talented dancers and signers to perform at the park. Auditions are being held in Tampa, making this a great opportunity for local talent. For more information, please visit www.buschgardenstalent.com.

#3. Audio Designer @ Rockstar Games
Rockstar Games is a Vancouver, British Columbia company leading the field of video game development. Rockstar is looking for a Senior Audio Designer, who will create and refine audio assets for PS3/360 development. The person will be responsible for content creation, as well as the optimization and technical integration of assets. A background in programming is required, along with at least one year of professional experience as a sound designer or audio engineer in gaming. Rockstar also wants a self-starter, who doesn’t require a lot of supervision. Do you fit that bill? If so, be sure to apply directly through Rockstar Games.

Good luck with your job search this week!

There’s more good news: the video game industry is booming.  With more than $11 billion in profits, the video gaming industry rivals the movie industry. Of course, the boom in the industry means the jobs are higher profile — and harder to land. To learn more about video game design and whether you have what it takes to make it in the industry, visit JobMonkey’s section on Video Game Design Jobs.