On April 4th, 2024, X-Reality Lab hosted a pivotal online event the Metanous Webinar designed to shed light on the evolving world of Virtual Reality (VR) and equip new graduates with the tools they need to thrive in the industry. The session featured various esteemed speakers who provided valuable insights into the technical and professional aspects of entering the VR field. This blog summarizes the key takeaways from the event, offering guidance for students and graduates looking to make their mark.

Gaining Practical Experience: The Key to Success

Mr. Akinwale Abiodun emphasized the importance of gaining practical experience alongside academic studies. He advised students to seek part-time work, internships, apprenticeships, or learnerships that allow them to develop essential skills such as teamwork and problem-solving. “Experience is crucial,” Mr. Abiodun noted, “because it helps you understand the dynamics of working with others and prepares you for the challenges of the professional world.”

He also encouraged students to engage in leadership development activities on campus, even if they are still studying full-time. By becoming a tutor, mentor, or class representative, students can hone their leadership skills, which are invaluable in any career path.

Balancing Academic Performance with Skill Development

Mr. Tseliso Mohlomi highlighted the need for students to maintain a balance between academic excellence and skill development. He stressed that good grades are important, but they should not come at the expense of gaining practical experience. “You need to balance your skills and your results,” Mr. Mohlomi advised. He encouraged students to volunteer their time and talents, either on campus or in the broader community, as a way to build leadership skills and gain practical experience.

Volunteering, according to Mr. Mohlomi, is an excellent way to develop leadership qualities. He urged students not to wait for job opportunities to come to them, but to proactively seek out ways to contribute and grow, even if it means working as a volunteer in a company or taking part in campus activities.

The Language of Development: Unity

One of the most frequently asked questions during the webinar was about the programming languages students should learn to succeed in VR development. Tiyiselani Hlongwane, one of the VR developers, responded that while learning any programming language can be beneficial, mastering Unity is particularly important. Unity is a leading development platform for creating immersive VR experiences, making it a critical tool for anyone looking to enter the field.

A Glimpse into VR: VMM and Oculus Showcase

The webinar also featured an exciting presentation by Thabo Sikhosana and Tiyiselani Hlongwane, who demonstrated Virtual Motor Mechanics (VMM) and how to use the system with Oculus, a popular VR headset. This hands-on showcase gave participants a glimpse into the practical applications of VR technology, highlighting the potential for innovation and creativity in the field.

Taking the First Steps Toward a VR Career

The Metanous Webinar was a comprehensive guide for new graduates eager to break into the VR industry. The speakers provided a roadmap for success, emphasizing the importance of practical experience, leadership development, and the right technical skills. For students and graduates, the message was clear: take advantage of every opportunity to learn, grow, and build a strong foundation for your future career.

By participating in internships, volunteering, and mastering essential tools like Unity, today’s students can position themselves as tomorrow’s leaders in the exciting world of Virtual Reality.

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