6 Things to DO to get a job in Gaming (Student Edition) - Part TWO
Jamie Collyer
🍒Social Media & Community Builder 👽 Neurodivergent 👗Super Connector 🪴 Sustainability💰Bitcoin Advocate
Welcome (back!) to 6 things to do TODAY to get your #DreamJob in Gaming. This material is aimed at students but also applies to anyone switching careers or wanting to get back into the gaming industry after having made a change.
In part one we covered portfolio basics (here) and now we move on to steps 3 & 4:
3 - Build your Network. Like starting yesterday!
This seems like a no-brainer but I talk to people all day every day who have 32ish connections on their Linkedin (and I would guess those are mostly randoms & family). What's that old saying? It's not WHAT you know, its WHO you know?
THIS IS 157% TRUE IN THE GAMING INDUSTRY!!!
Many, many, MANY people got their start in the industry through a friend, connection, former co-worker or even a swing dance partner! (That is a true story of a candidate I worked with on how he got into Bungie, but I will tell another time!).
Start with the ABC's
ALWAYS. BE. CONNECTING.
Having trouble knowing where to start with this step?
My Advice: Start by adding your circle now and then add their connections and then some and then some.... Connect with recruiters, hiring managers, talent agents and managers at your favorite gaming studios {trust me, you are going to want them on your side when you graduate}. Use LinkedIn AND branch out to Artstation, Behance, Github and other social platforms you enjoy using. Follow industry experts in your desired field (art, design, development, production etc.) and then follow them back to Linkedin for a more personal connection. Always be looking for ways to grow your personal network. Having direct access to people working in the Industry will send you LIGHT YEARS ahead of other recent graduates. Do it NOW!
4 - Get a Mentor!
Find someone who is where you want to be 10-15 years into your career and ask (nicely!) for them to guide you along the path. 9.9 times out of 10 people love helping someone find their path and tweak their performance along the way to become their personal best. Especially in an industry you both LOVE! {isn't that great!}
This doesn't require very much time and it's FREE! Ask your mentor to critique your portfolio, give advice on improving your craft, for suggested reading/learning materials that you will research on your own, help you practice interviewing and MORE!
But Jamie... I can't just walk up to someone and ask them to be my mentor!!!!
Can I?
The answer is YES! And an even easier way to request this is to offer something in return at first to build their trust and prove that you are serious about being mentored.
Offer to walk their dog or mow their lawn (or other local tasks). If they are not local, ask how you be helpful to them in your related field. Build reliability first and go from there.
My Advice: Think of someone you already know first! Send them a polite email explaining WHY you are looking for a mentor and asking if they would be willing to talk with you more about this. They may say no, and that's ok too! Some people simply don't have the bandwidth to take on one more thing at the moment. Don't let that sway you! Politely thank them for considering it and ask if they know anyone who might be able to mentor you right now. People also LOVE giving referrals. They might even introduce you to someone in your DREAM JOB at your DREAM COMPANY. How cool would that be?!?!? Who knows who you will connect with an learn from along the way... but you have to put yourself out there first ;)
Learn. Grow. Build. Connect. Repeat!
WHAT TO DO TODAY:
- Add 25 people to your Linkedin network - fellow students, your professors, coworkers, peers and even friends. Repeat tomorrow...
- Write out a list of 5 people that you would like to Mentor you. Starting with your top choice, reach out to each of them until you get a solid YES! then set up a time to meet (best in person) and discuss your objectives.
- Work on your PORTFOLIO! Yep, it's THAT important. Never EVER stop working on it. Ask your mentor to review it and critique it. No matter what condition it's in currently, it can always improve as will you.
Feel free to reach out and connect with ME if you have any questions or simply need the motivation to get started.
30 Minute 1 x 1 Coaching with ME: Click here!
3D Character Artist
5yThis is advice I “know” but it helps to hear someone say it out loud. Your link for calendly doesn’t work for me, but I would love to talk to you. You sound like inspiration I really need in my life :)
Producer at Bend Studio
6yThis is great advice! Now I'll be looking for a mentor.
3D Artist
6yVery useful insight. Thank you for taking the time to write it! On a related side note, do you know of any recruiters in Canada that I could connect with?. Cheers!
Professional artist with 13 years of 3d modeling, retail sales, and technical troubleshooting experience seeking to put my artistic talents, and technical skills to work.
6yThank you for insight on this, my biggest hurdle is always being afraid to reach out to people I don't know. This was a very insightful read.