Getting an Internship and Overcoming Internal Hurdles

If you are interested in exploring gaming as a career, think about landing an internship. The gaming industry is highly competitive, so persistence and dedication are key. Keep improving your skills, learning from feedback, and staying updated with industry trends. Not everyone in your family will immediately understand your passion for video games as a career path so getting a gaming internship can be an exciting opportunity to gain valuable experience.

How to increase your chances of securing a gaming internship:

1. Identify your interests and goals: Determine the specific area of gaming you are interested in, such as game development, game design, programming, quality assurance, or marketing.
2. Build relevant skills: are you interested in game development or game design? Build a portfolio of personal projects that demonstrate your skills and passion for gaming.
3. Research gaming companies: which companies or studios align with your interests and values? Research their internship programs, entry-level positions, explore their websites and follow their social media accounts.
4. Network in the gaming industry: Attend gaming conventions, conferences, or local meetups to meet professionals in the industry. Connect and engage with them on LinkedIn.
5. Apply for internships: Visit gaming company websites, job boards, and internship platforms to search for available internships.
6. Prepare your application materials: Create a compelling resume and cover letter tailored to the gaming industry. Highlight relevant skills, projects, and experiences.
7. Prepare for interviews: If you’re selected, research the company and familiarize yourself with their games or products. Practice answering common interview questions. Be enthusiastic!
8. Consider alternative pathways: If you’re unable to secure a gaming internship, volunteer at events or conventions, or contribute to open-source gaming projects.

Internal Hurdles

To prove to your family that gaming can be a real job, it’s important to provide them with information and examples that showcase the professional and lucrative aspects of the gaming industry. Tyoically, their initial resistance is proportionate to their care and concern for your future happiness.

Here are some points you can use to support your case:

1. Professional esports: The rise of esports has turned gaming into a legitimate sport with professional players, teams, and tournaments.
2. Streaming and content creation: educate them on Platforms like Twitch and YouTube where successful streamers and content creators earn income through advertising, brand partnerships, subscriptions, and donations. Some even become internet celebrities with with millions of followers.
3. Game development: The gaming industry employs a significant number of people in various roles, including game designers, programmers, artists, writers, and audio engineers. These jobs can be financially rewarding and offer long-term career prospects.
4. Professional game testing: Game testing is a critical part of the development process, ensuring the quality and functionality of games before their release. Professional game testers are hired by studios to identify bugs, provide feedback, and help optimize gameplay.
5. Esports management and production: Esports organizations and events require skilled professionals to manage teams, coordinate tournaments, provide commentary, and handle event production. These roles are similar to traditional sports management and production jobs and are vital to the success of esports events.
6. Scholarships and educational opportunities: Many universities now offer esports programs and scholarships, recognizing the competitive and academic potential of gaming. Scholarships can cover tuition fees and provide opportunities for students to develop their gaming skills while pursuing a degree.
7. Industry growth and revenue: The industry has experienced exponential growth in recent years, surpassing the revenue generated by the film and music industries combined. This growth is driven by increasing demand, technological advancements, and the global reach of gaming. The financial success of the industry demonstrates the viability of gaming as a legitimate career choice.

When discussing these points with your family, it’s important to be respectful and open to their concerns. Show them examples of successful professional gamers, streamers, and game developers. Explain the potential career paths within the gaming industry and how you can leverage your skills and passion to succeed. Most importantly, emphasize the importance of hard work, dedication, and continuous learning in pursuing a career in gaming.