Power of Positive Networks in Gaming

While the game industry is having turbulent times, recently I got happy after seeing one person from my network, who’s been searching for a job for a long time, getting hired! 💪👍

The specific reason I’m happy for this person is that I had given some career tips for career development, portfolio and such, which apparently did pay out well (at least a bit) in terms of getting hired. Feels really good during these turbulent times, and I’m really proud of this person finally making it! 🎓👌

In terms of jobs market in games, when looking further, what is amazing is how some people in this industry can effect positively so much to people’s careers and the opportunities they get. 🤝

When I look towards some persons’ profiles, who I’ve had the pleasure to work with (including also hiring them in most occasions), I’m pretty sure our joint experience has paid out well for them in terms opportunities our collaboration has created for the future. With some of these people I’m still having a pleasure to work with – specifically in terms of being able to work with them in not just one, but in multiple companies. One of my colleagues once said to me that: “You don’t need a career coach, you just need Antti with whom you need to keep up with – and that’s enough for career development and great opportunities.” Okay, might be a bit overshooting – but that’s what the person said. I’m also really happy that many are asking me to reference them – including some reference check calls resulting in someone securing an amazing job! 🙏

Obviously, the turn side of this is that if there are opportunities to effect positively – there are also opportunities to effect negatively to people’s careers, as well as act like “a jerk” in hiring people. I’ve experienced some of this type of phenomena – and, yes, most probably many will unfortunately face same. Obviously, this is what I’d like to see changing over time, as it’s not ideal – especially in the current state of the industry. ❗

In terms of making it out and securing next career gig, I do really hope, beyond the negative sides, people would seek to build networks – in which they can trust, and throughout which they can together uplift everyone. These networks are golden, especially if you have champions there for you and others – that uplift everyone together, including create career opportunities for everyone. Great networks will take everyone far in this industry! 🤜🤛