From Intern to Employee: Level Up Your Career in Game Development!

[{"content":{"text":" Editor's Note: Carmen's Corner gives current and aspiring game devs deep insights into working in the games industry. Stay in touch with Carmen DeMint, CDR, TA Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, CDR \/ Recruiting Partnerships Coordinator on LinkedIn so you never miss an update. Do you have a suggestion for Carmen's Corner? Drop her a quick message on LinkedIn and you may be featured in a future blog! "},"id":"a6568135-f8a3-401c-a6f4-3f957d5dbd56","isHidden":false,"type":"textBlock"},{"content":{"link":"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/carmendemint\/","text":"Suggest A Topic","class":"","id":""},"id":"a404bfac-34bb-4b61-ba72-7703f0d871e9","isHidden":false,"type":"buttonBlock"},{"content":{"text":" So, you\u2019ve conquered the first level\u2014an internship in game development. But now, you\u2019re ready to unlock the next quest: securing a full-time role! Moving from intern to employee can feel like facing a final boss, but with the right strategy, you can leave a lasting impression on your team and prepare yourself for success. Let\u2019s dive into some \u201cpower-ups\u201d and strategies to help you ask for that full-time position! \ud83d\ude80 "},"id":"e5a9a303-d322-47e9-bc63-7e77de8800cf","isHidden":false,"type":"textBlock"},{"content":{"level":"h2","text":" 1. Build XP Throughout Your Internship \ud83c\udfc6 ","customid":""},"id":"49b3a7f9-1b72-4c36-bc92-7939ff055f46","isHidden":false,"type":"headingBlock"},{"content":{"text":" In the game of career-building, experience points (XP) matter! Each project, task, and team interaction is an opportunity to build credibility. When you finish a project, take the time to document it: list out the challenges you overcame, the skills you honed, and how your contributions impacted the team. Treat each accomplishment as part of your quest log, and make sure to keep your supervisor in the loop. The more aware they are of your efforts, the more they\u2019ll value you as a team member. "},"id":"3d758acc-6a46-4ebd-8f25-2ff859ffe82c","isHidden":false,"type":"textBlock"},{"content":{"level":"h3","text":" Carmen\u2019s Pro-Tip: Don\u2019t Wait for the Save Point ","customid":""},"id":"a53f7ddc-79c0-4dfd-adac-8dd262562e8e","isHidden":false,"type":"headingBlock"},{"content":{"text":" Feedback is like a save point for your progress. Don\u2019t wait until the end of your internship to ask for it! Check in regularly, keep \u201csaving,\u201d and make sure you\u2019re leveling up in the right areas. It\u2019s an extra life for your skill set. \ud83d\udca1 "},"id":"15fe462a-7109-49c6-8963-7d377d1046e9","isHidden":false,"type":"textBlock"},{"content":{"location":"web","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=frmwfMTRg-Q","video":[],"poster":[],"caption":"","autoplay":"false","muted":"true","loop":"false","controls":"true","preload":"auto"},"id":"c8688576-1316-4c42-8ce2-31f4d18d1267","isHidden":false,"type":"videoBlock"},{"content":{"level":"h2","text":" 2. Strengthen Your Allies (a.k.a. Network) \ud83e\udd1d ","customid":""},"id":"bcb4b795-2494-44fc-a6a7-25134e04d2bd","isHidden":false,"type":"headingBlock"},{"content":{"text":" You know how any good RPG team relies on a strong party to succeed? The same is true in the workplace. Build relationships with team members beyond your immediate circle; connect with mentors, fellow interns, and senior colleagues. When you express interest in learning from others, it positions you as someone engaged and invested in the company\u2019s success. \ud83c\udfc5 "},"id":"cf4f7c0d-a5be-41ed-a79e-d4be2b1f81f8","isHidden":false,"type":"textBlock"},{"content":{"level":"h3","text":" Carmen\u2019s Pro-Tip: Pick Up Side Quests ","customid":""},"id":"6dfd643b-c00c-4f5b-86db-273f9e051784","isHidden":false,"type":"headingBlock"},{"content":{"text":" Networking with colleagues outside your team is like taking on side quests. Each interaction adds new \u201cpower-ups\u201d to your skills, expands your experience, and demonstrates your interest in the company. Plus, you never know which ally might help you \u201cunlock\u201d a future full-time role! \ud83c\udfae "},"id":"88a52351-9eef-4ecc-8b45-008df7aec163","isHidden":false,"type":"textBlock"},{"content":{"level":"h2","text":" 3. Equip Yourself with Knowledge of the Company\u2019s Roadmap \ud83d\uddfa\ufe0f ","customid":""},"id":"7957d460-a1a0-4460-a638-edf5b1808fe1","isHidden":false,"type":"headingBlock"},{"content":{"text":" Every game studio has a vision for the future\u2014its own \u201croadmap.\u201d Knowing your studio\u2019s future goals and understanding where you could fit in is essential to making your case. When it\u2019s time to discuss your role, speak directly to the ways you can contribute to these goals. This shows that you\u2019re not just focused on your next \u201clevel-up,\u201d but on supporting the bigger picture. \ud83d\udd11 "},"id":"5037993f-5712-4afd-a054-9cc2d9781050","isHidden":false,"type":"textBlock"},{"content":{"level":"h3","text":" Carmen\u2019s Pro-Tip: Map Out the Mission ","customid":""},"id":"3f9add3d-bf3f-4dda-89f5-01f331e619ab","isHidden":false,"type":"headingBlock"},{"content":{"text":" Think of your studio\u2019s roadmap as your mission map. Study it, know the goals, and be ready to \u201cspawn\u201d ideas on how you can be part of that vision. The more you align with the mission, the more you\u2019ll stand out as the perfect player for their team. \ud83c\udfaf "},"id":"308bb176-5490-4c99-9441-eb2ff463332c","isHidden":false,"type":"textBlock"},{"content":{"location":"web","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=dE1DuBesGYM","video":[],"poster":[],"caption":"","autoplay":"false","muted":"true","loop":"false","controls":"true","preload":"auto"},"id":"9995a58e-61e7-45f5-af2c-a48403937e3c","isHidden":false,"type":"videoBlock"},{"content":{"level":"h2","text":" 4. Know When to Make Your Move \ud83d\udd79\ufe0f ","customid":""},"id":"77dfeb6e-7871-4e9a-80ea-89c2cdf78695","isHidden":false,"type":"headingBlock"},{"content":{"text":" Timing matters! Ideally, you should have a conversation with your manager about potential full-time opportunities at least a few weeks before your internship ends. Initiate the conversation by expressing your interest in contributing long-term, and share your gratitude for what you\u2019ve learned. Make it clear that you want to \u201cpress start\u201d on the next chapter with them. \ud83d\udcac "},"id":"1cb4d570-c7dd-4f7c-8ee0-6b17718649a0","isHidden":false,"type":"textBlock"},{"content":{"level":"h3","text":" Carmen\u2019s Pro-Tip: Activate Your Power-Up ","customid":""},"id":"9d4fb9f5-ad80-4371-8fa5-867b911cd27d","isHidden":false,"type":"headingBlock"},{"content":{"text":" When you\u2019re ready to make your move, bring your achievements along as your power-ups. Summon specific examples from your internship \u201cinventory\u201d to showcase your impact. It\u2019s like showing off your best moves in the game\u2014they\u2019ll see you\u2019re a valuable player they won\u2019t want to lose! \ud83c\udf89 "},"id":"e9c32b4b-2eff-4893-92ff-f3f385236842","isHidden":false,"type":"textBlock"},{"content":{"level":"h2","text":" 5. Prepare for All Outcomes\u2014and Follow Up \ud83d\udd04 ","customid":""},"id":"34874db9-3a9c-45c2-887d-b4edb4411871","isHidden":false,"type":"headingBlock"},{"content":{"text":" In gaming, not every attempt leads to immediate success. You may face delays or even \u201cside quests\u201d (temporary roles or projects) on your path to full-time status. If your request for a permanent role isn\u2019t possible right now, express appreciation and ask for feedback. That way, you\u2019re in a position to apply again in the future or to transition smoothly if other opportunities arise. \ud83d\udd04 "},"id":"a3b6780b-ab18-4881-a736-6b928b22bcf4","isHidden":false,"type":"textBlock"},{"content":{"level":"h3","text":" Carmen\u2019s Pro-Tip: Hit the Respawn Button ","customid":""},"id":"08bb0dbb-85b2-47f7-bacf-c99e54fdfef1","isHidden":false,"type":"headingBlock"},{"content":{"text":" A \u201cnot right now\u201d doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s the end of the game. Stay connected with the team, keep an eye on future openings, and be prepared to reapply when the timing is better. Persistence and resilience act like extra lives in the game\u2014they\u2019ll keep you engaged and in the action! \ud83d\udcaa "},"id":"e820de52-71d7-48c0-b7d6-963556bc1538","isHidden":false,"type":"textBlock"},{"content":{"level":"h2","text":" Final Thoughts: Play Your Own Game \ud83c\udfae ","customid":""},"id":"8e7d9ded-2a7e-41a6-b93d-fa2e843d6574","isHidden":false,"type":"headingBlock"},{"content":{"text":" Game development is a dynamic and constantly evolving field, and each internship experience can vary significantly. By focusing on effective strategies and remaining confident in your skills, you will improve your chances of securing a full-time position. Remember, every individual's journey is unique\u2014stay adaptable, stay connected, and keep your focus on your ultimate goal. Good luck, and may the \u201chire power\u201d be with you! \u2728 "},"id":"d8dd1c3a-f468-4893-be33-c8190cf4f371","isHidden":false,"type":"textBlock"}]