Jul 17 2024 24 mins
Breaking into Gaming and Entertainment: Career Secrets
Guest: Marie Ablaza, Recruitment Expert at Netflix Games
In this episode of the "Spill the Sauce" series, Jessica Fiesta George interviews Marie Ablaza from Netflix Games about breaking into the gaming and entertainment industries. Marie shares insights on networking, staying updated with industry trends, and preparing for interviews. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities in the gaming sector, including the impact of recent layoffs and the demand for game engineers.
Key Quotes:
"Networking is probably your best way in. As much as people don’t like hearing that you need to know someone, it’s very much what it is." - Marie Ablaza
"The industry waits for no one. You’re either in it and know what it is, or you’re left behind, even if the technology is only a year old." - Marie Ablaza
"Set a Google alert for the company or the people interviewing you. It’s a quick way to stay up-to-date and show that you’re following." - Jessica Fiesta George
"There’s a weird juxtaposition where gaming is growing, but the workforce is shrinking with 30,000 layoffs. Studios are even closing." - Marie Ablaza
"Have fun. Job searching and recruiting can be a grind, but there’s a positive side. It can be fun exploring new industries and making connections." - Marie Ablaza
Discussion Points:
- The role of networking in entering the gaming and entertainment industries.
- The fast-evolving nature of these sectors and the importance of staying current with trends.
- Red flags recruiters look for in candidates include lack of preparation.
- The impact of recent layoffs in the gaming industry and what it means for job seekers.
- The most in-demand roles within the gaming industry, particularly for game engineers.
- The importance of maintaining a positive outlook during the job search process.
Where to Find Marie Ablaza:
LinkedIn: Marie
Personal Website: fairyjobmother.com