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November Meeting - Your Game Career, from the Beginning Onwards

By: Amy Goldenburg

November's IGDA meeting was a moderated panel discussion about managing your career in gaming. We had an outstanding turn out with a head count of at least 121 people!


Moderator: Rich Vogel (BioWare)
Panel: Holly Bierbaum (Midway), Sherry Davenport (Sony), Tammy Johnson

(BioWare), Jean Orrison (NCsoft), Nathan Guajardo (NCsoft).

Our event sponsor, Dell had an amazing technological showing of Guitar Hero III on

Dell XPS M1730. Sponsor Outback Designs displayed a table of shirts, mugs and other custom designed merchandise. Once again, we had food by Macho Taco and our regular bartender, Amanda.

The night concluded with a Halo 3 tournament. "The competition was intense!"

Congratulations to the winners:

  • Chris Rios
  • Chris Beasley
  • John Diaz

Here is a summary of some of the key questions and answers:

How do you get your resume out of the trash can?


  • Networking! and LinkedIn.com
  • Submit resume and samples via instructions and recruiting process.
  • Do not apply to every position. Be specific and focus search on positions desired, qualified for and can excel in.
  • Go digital - Need URL - especially for artist.

How do you make it to the interview?

  • Build a cover letter and have a two minute speech that highlights your strengths, speciality, personality and passion.
  • Be prepared. Research the company and play their games. Have focused time for the interview.
  • Be persistent. Don't give up, but don't stalk.
  • Share your passion and personality. Discuss relevant projects done in and outside of the workplace.
  • Referrals are given special attention (particularly when several hundred resumes are received for one posting).

What recommendations do you have for the interview?

  • Be on time! Be respectful! Be prepared! Be professional and nice to EVERYONE.
  • Complete paperwork in advance (application, NDA). Have portfolio ready.
  • Don't talk poorly about previous employers. This is a small incestuous business and you WILL work with (or for) the same people again.
  • Each studio has its own personality. Know the environment. Ask the recruiter/HR about dress code and culture.
  • It's ok to say you don't know something.
  • You are interviewing the company as well to see if they are a good match for you.
  • Ask questions!
  • Don't show confidential information. Always ask employer to be sure... get permission in writing.

Now that you're in, how do you grow?


  • Take personal responsibility of career. Be proactive and take initiative. Ask for help and training.
  • Make good use of performance review process. Voice to manager about your interests and goals. Get next steps and goals.
  • Don't be afraid to take a job at the bottom of the totem pole.
  • May even be opportunities at own company. Don't be afraid to talk to other departments about other positions/disciplines if you are committed to making a change.
  • Look to career from strategy standpoint. If you are on a team just before shipping, make sure to stay and get name on box.
  • Think about your reputation within the studio. Easy to work with, supported by other people? dependable?

How can I be successful within organization?

  • Excel at what you're good at.
  • Understand business needs for the decisions made and why they were made.
  • Be part of the solution not part of the problem.
  • Be team player. People putting heart and soul into game. Pull your weight!
  • Lay low at new company and learn the social network (and cliques).

How do you leave gracefully?
  • Be professional! The way you exit could come up to haunt you. Reference checks!!!
  • Give proper notice, in writing. Make sure work is documented. Be cooperative in transition. Exit interview is not just a venting session. Give constructive advice to improve for the next person.
  • If working on project that is a few weeks from a key point, keep in mind. Work with hiring company about transition time.
  • Don't be emotional. Be constructive. Don't create conspiracy with friends.
  • Don't have short-timers disease.

    Lay offs - 90% chance if in business for at least 5 years.
  • Don't take the layoff personally. Layoffs are not done for no reason... they are done because there is no money for the project.
  • Remain positive. If you are bitter, take time before interview. Seasoned interviewer will pick up on that. Leave baggage behind.
  • There are always people the company is trying to keep. Try to be one of those people.
  • HR is often just messenger for layoff. Don't alienate the reference and/or resource for next job.
  • Don't wait until laid off to work on your network or your resume. Nurture your network. Make note of changes at the company so you aren't surprised.

    Audience Q&A

    Thoughts on negotiating compensation?


    • Don't expect specific up front. Have range for right ball park. Red flag to have no range. Assume negotiable.
    • Recognize salary may be different from other industry. Must decide to pursue your passion.
    • Research salary ranges for positions. Ask around.

    If going down checklist of job desc. What is considered qualified? Say you have multiple disciplines...

    • Don't rule yourself out automatically.
    • If there are multiple positions, apply for the one you're most interested in. Seasoned recruiter will make the match.
    • Refer to the job description. Usually beginning is most important. Pay attention to "must have", "preferred", and "is a plus". Be sure your resume matches with job description.

    If you don't hear back and don't hear back... what's next?

    • Don't underestimate the process time (crunch mode, vacations, etc). Hundreds of resumes every week. Get lots of calls.
    • Response time depends on scope of position, process and decision makers.
    • If you interviewed, you will get a response.
    • You should get some kind of response. Follow up if you do not!

    Posted by AlexMarquez on November 9, 2007 01:47 AM