Ashley Kelly
Creative Designer | Immersive Tech | UX | xMeta + xMural | Open to New Opportunities 🚀
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It's been two weeks since I've joined the #OpenForWork squad and here's what I've learned:• Respawning in a Full Lobby: Realizing the abundance of highly skilled individuals on the job hunt in gaming feels like respawning in a lobby packed with Champion ranked players, ready to fight for Unreal. It's a reminder of the vibrant community driving the industry forward, but also a testament to the level of competition within it.• Premium Victory Royale: Activating Premium is like gaining the ability to spot opponents with the thermal scope, turning that "Connect" invite into a creepy surprise ambush for those trying to hide in the bushes. Kudos to those who accepted, you've earned your spot on the Battle Bus! • Loot Llama Letdown: Seeing the salaries and comp packages in some of these job postings feels like cracking open a chest, only to discover it's packed with no health, an earth-bender and one mini shield. Thanks for the offer, but I'm aiming for at least a med kit, shotgun upgrade... and maybe a big pot.• Imposter Syndrome Is Real: It's like collecting Zeus medallion, only to get wiped out by a level 12 opponent, who then proceeds to hit the griddy on you. No matter how many achievements you've unlocked, that nagging voice still questions if you have what it takes for the next round.• Squad Fill Struggles: Networking on LinkedIn feels like diving into a squad fill match, hoping someone has a mic. You wait to see who talks first, and when you finally gather the courage to speak up, they exit to the lobby mid-match.Even after countless trips to the reboot van in last few weeks, I'm still gearing up for another week ahead on the job hunt. To everyone navigating their #OpenToWork era, know you're not alone. And in the words of last season's festival queen, Lady Gaga herself, 'You're on the right track, baby!'#Gaming #Design #Fortnite #Community #Creativity #CreativeCommunity
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Eric Bintner
Former Lead Creative Technologist @ BBDO | AR, AI, Emerging Tech
5mo
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Amazing analysis. Absolutely the worst market of my career. The only other time I had this much trouble finding work was 2008-2009 when I was fresh out of school with a not particularly commercial After Effects portfolio. I’m at 10+ months unemployed now and very bad things will happen at 13 months. It’s terrifying, but on the plus side my former employers’s stock still remains attractive to investors, right?*I’m usually an optimist
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Peter Kelly
Business Sales Expert, Marketing Development Specialist
5mo
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KeepOnPushin.
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Jacqueline Meyers
VP Product & UX at LayersVR- helping students learn STEM subjects once and remember forever.
4mo
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Sometimes the best path forward is not the obvious one. The Mixed Reality job market is sketchy at best because it's still very young. But if this is where your passion layes, then I'd advise getting any job (outside of mixed reality) and on nights and weekends building your XR portfolio. Send me a connection request and we can talk more.
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Kari Mitchell
Creating, executing, and managing strategies for development, growth and improvement
4mo
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As a gamer and a recent job seeker, I can totally relate to this post and the analogies and vibe are spot on! Keep hot dropping though, you WILL have a dub!
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Brett A McCall
Team Building & Culture Consultant | XR Project Lead Facilitator | Innovation Specialist | TEDx Organizer
5mo
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you ARE on the right track, Ashley!keep posting. keep up the steady work.as #asheville author/thoughtleader Brad Stulberg says: "Consistency over Intensity!"
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AL Jones
Founder & CEO spongelii | President- MFA Inc. | SpatialWeb - Metaverse Creator | Educator | Immersive Branding Advisor | Board of Governors Member
5mo
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Right On Ashley Kelly
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Sarah Springsteen Trumble
Advocate for Job Seekers | CEO & Founder at The Job Applicant Perspective | Transforming the Hiring Experience
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The people using the job market to play games deserve recognition. That way the people who are actually suffering from talent shortages, and the job seekers who actually are desperate for work, can find each other. Stop by our website if you are interested in making it easier for other job seekers out there. Say no to professional catfishing. Say yes to small businesses, entrepreneurs and job seekers desperate to find each other.If we prioritize job market stakeholders experiences - we don't get talent shortages.
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Willem Delventhal
The Gandalf of Games, inspiring game devs to step out their door into grand adventures ✨ Leading the #indierevolution 👾 Eternal advocate for the indie & junior dev 🗣️ Learn to make games with me! 🚀
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I see so many of those "here's who you should follow" posts... so I figured I'd make one! Here are who I believe to be 7 of the most important games career sages for you to follow ✨ Amir SatvatThe obligatory pick, Amir spend countless hours of his free time building resources to help those affected by layoffs or who are still trying to break in. Aïda FiguerolaI believe that optimism is a precious resource, and that Aïda has it in spades. Aïda represents a resilient positive attitude as well as women in gaming and more.Caitlin CookeCaitlin is one of those people that bears wondering how she handles it all. Follow Caitlin for near countless games jobs and hiring best practices. Christina-Marie DrakeHaving had the recent pleasure of meeting Christina in real life recently, I can confidently say that she is a "firecracker", and a massive knowledge source on games recruiting.Keisha HowardWOW! Keisha is the kinda person you speak to once and your entire outlook on life shifts. Follow Keisha for honest and open discourse about how the game industry can do better.Tim Wood 🔜Develop BrightonIf you're worried about ring wraiths stealing your precious ring, follow Tim to have the Rangers of Ithilien at your back (and also recruiting and hiring advice).Tyvic StallworthWhile he's taken a bit of a step back lately, Tyvic is consistently a source of both Game Design knowledge as well as no-holds-barred portfolio advice.It's dangerous to go alone, take these *7 magical guides!*Who else should we be following? Drop them in the chat below! ⬇ 💜 And repost to spread the love! 💜#gamedev #gamedevelopment #indiegames #indiegaming #indiedev #gamedevelopers #gameindustry #gamecareers #gamesjobs #mentors #guides
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Michael Forbes
Supporting Others with Nerdy Enthusiasm | Networking with Kindness & Humor | Leukemia Survivor Working on Canceling Cancer for Others | Your Friendly Neighborhood Hype Guy
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I know you may be thinking, "Who is this random guy from Kansas talking about all this 'be kind, spread opportunity' stuff?" Well, first off, it’s not junk. Secondly, yes, here I am, some dude in the middle of Kansas spreading a message many of you are as well! That's why I've been connecting, messaging, calling, setting up meetings, and hustling like an '80s stockbroker to reach all of you and more.I've been hearing and seeing a lot of negativity lately: the market sucks, recruiters suck, companies suck, LinkedIn sucks, applying sucks, interviews suck—and the list goes on. However, amidst all this negativity, there are some glitter bombs of awesomeness happening. People are landing jobs, rockstars are sharing advice and tips for free, and this is what I'm passionate about spreading.I don't care what industry you're in or what your background is; talent can shine anywhere if given the opportunity. The gaming community has taught me this—they are united and tough. Years of MMORPGs, Fortnite, dungeon questing, and content creation have shown me how gamers support each other. They did it before, and they'll do it after.Let's learn some lessons from them. Let's unite, network, create opportunities, and get everyone working where they want to be. Let's cheer on each other's successes and opportunities!Stay awesome, keep hustling, and let's spread kindness and opportunity together! #BeKind #SpreadOpportunity #Network #Community #SupportEachOther #KansasHustle
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Sebastian J. Sam
Sr. Strategic Partnerships Manager at Rula
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Layoffs are still happening. For those searching for a new role, I highly recommend you tap in with a professional community.'Community' isn't just a concept; it's a living, breathing force that helps propel us forward to the next stage of our careers. Communities are about coming together to share, support, and succeed. This is a game changer in the professional realm, especially for those who may not have the strongest network.In my previous role at Nextplay LIVE, we grew our community to 40,000+ strong and witnessed the positive impact first hand. Here’s my current approach within the #creatoreconomy for sports:Community-first, always.
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Logan Williams
I secure attention for attention-worthy video games.
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The video game industry has witnessed numerous layoffs lately.It's more important now than ever to take care of yourself.In May of last year, I peaked at nearly 250 pounds, impacting my mental health and work in the video game industry.My passion waned, initially attributed to burnout. Now, I can clearly see that it was more so due to my poor diet and lazy lifestyle.On May 4th, my girlfriend's and my anniversary, I committed to change, adopting healthier eating habits and incorporating daily walks. These evolved into walk/jogs and then longer runs.As my well-being rebounded, so did my focus, passion, and creative abilities, reigniting my enthusiasm for the video game industry.I'm now down over 60 pounds, and I'm confident in saying that I'm in the best mental and physical shape of my life. My passion for the video game industry and the desire to help those in this industry is stronger than ever.Amid layoffs, remember, things will improve. If you sense you might be dealing with a decline in mental health, consider going for a walk or jog—it makes a difference.P.S. I'm considering organizing a run of some sort during GDC. Would this be something you'd be interested in doing?#GameIndustry#VideoGameIndustry#GameDev#IndieGameDev
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Kassh Kaufmann
Veteran | Senior Community Manager | Social Content
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Reflecting on my journey into gaming brings me back to a pivotal moment - a week before my youngest son's birthday, seven years ago. I was filled with uncertainty, questioning whether I could truly navigate this new realm. What would drive me forward? What defined success in this space?Throughout my career, I've always sought growth, endeavoring to uncover the path leading to the next phase of my journey. The "Why."My lifelong immersion in gaming, coupled with my experiences of being underserved within it, ignited a passion to advocate for others in the gaming community. I aspire to be a voice, to champion inclusivity, and to foster a safe environment where not only my sons but all can flourish, both within and outside the gaming sphere.The "How."I've committed to becoming an informed parent, understanding the intricacies of the gaming landscape for the sake of my sons and others. Educating fellow parents and educators about the merits of gaming, building a supportive community for those in need, and collaborating with voices aligned with principles of inclusion, advocacy, community, and opportunity have been my guiding lights.Amidst recent layoffs, I've stumbled, grappling with self-doubt and questioning my path. Yet, I've been fortunate to have remarkable individuals like Kevin Harvey Jr and Ramses Garza remind me of my value and contributions. People such as Stephanie Gonzales, PMP® Robinson, who believed in me, taught me new skills, and pushed me beyond my perceived limits. And individuals like Terrell Lacey, who continuously remind me of my story and purpose. And so many others.I share this not to showcase my skills in pursuit of my next opportunity but to underscore my "why" - the driving force behind my journey. Because I wholeheartedly believe it is my purpose.Remember your purpose.#Believe
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Kory Pellerin
Community Manager | Let’s Build Something Great!
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“Why should we pick you over another candidate?”I was asked this recently, it’s a fair question. My answer is as simple as can be. I need to prove myself better than those more qualified, I need to show that despite my current lack of college experience that I’m still valid. So why would you pick me? Because I have something to prove, I will work harder because I truly appreciate being the person you took the risk to hire. Everyone deserves a chance to have a better career and a better life, so take the risk on some of your candidates, I promise you that you have the chance to change someone’s life and they will work so much harder for it.#OpenToWork #CommunityManager #CommunityManagement #Gaming #Games #GameIndustry #Social #SocialMedia
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SAI ANURAG .A
"Passionate Undergraduate | Merging Entrepreneurship and Esports to Shape the Future"
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Forget the resume grind! Gamers, show off your skills (think epic clips & achievements) and connect with dream jobs, mentors & fellow grinders. What do you think?If you're a gamer looking to break into the industry, tell us your struggles!-What's the biggest hurdle you face in finding a gaming career?-What features would help you stand out and get noticed?-How can a platform make your journey smoother?buildspace,Farza Majeed-FeedbackGG your current job hunt? Help us design the perfect champ select for your dream gaming career#Esports #Gaming#GE fighting #nightsandweekends#Gaudmire
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Amir Satvat
Amir Satvat is an Influencer
Games Top Voice. Follow Me: Let's Get Gamers Hired
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I'm going to tell you a secret. My optimism for the world and the games industry doesn't stem from fairy dust, naivety, or any misconception that things will be easy and devoid of broken hearts along the way. My belief is in people.Over the past week, I've cleared about 1,400 messages across all platforms, with a few hundred more remaining. What's amazing about these notes? In nearly two-thirds of them, in addition to sharing their venting or concerns, for which I'm grateful because they felt they could confide in me, knowing I care (and I always do), they offered to help. Not just asking, but giving. And in a third of the notes, they solely asked to help. That's an impressive amount of assistance.Consider the 1.7 million people who visited our community in just the past 7 days, with nearly a 1.5% engagement rate, 1 in 67 people, all contributing something to help: likes, comments, reposts, encouragement, love.Look at how on Favikon, the average score for game creators on LinkedIn has increased by nearly 20 points since I began tracking it, on a 100-point scale. We now have 26 creators who score at least 35, nearly double since I started monitoring, indicating that gaming has a much bigger voice and engagement on this platform.Our community is now in the top 200 in the United States on this platform and in the top 70 for all creators in the video game industry. Our message of positivity and help, with no monetary incentive or ulterior motives, is spreading like wildfire, thanks to each of you.Our community has grown by 4,000 people in just 7 days, with individuals eager to embrace our call for mutual games support and friendship.This isn't about me at all, really it isn't. I just called out, saying, "Games friends, can't we do better in being there for each other and creating content that we all can be proud of for fellow gamers? Can't we do more to help each other rather than just ourselves? Can't we shape the future of our industry if we all work together?"Creating good is a highly lagging indicator. More than anything on earth, I wish I could completely stop these layoffs every single day. I've done everything I could. But I'm not a capital holder, an executive, a board member, or a politician.However, I believe that if what we've achieved as a community in just the past 1.5 years, with this community growing 15-fold, continues, not just for me but for all the other creators on this platform who have stepped up for fellow gamers, the landscape will look very different in 12, 24, or 36 months.Don't think that because we can't stop what's happening now, we have lost. We are changing the support and the conversation. And this is just the starting line.
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Willem Delventhal
The Gandalf of Games, inspiring game devs to step out their door into grand adventures ✨ Leading the #indierevolution 👾 Eternal advocate for the indie & junior dev 🗣️ Learn to make games with me! 🚀
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I have a dream for the game industry, where we not only fix what ails us, but use our example to inspire other industries besides. And I guarantee we can do it, together. 🫂We've now been faced with going on the worst three years the game industry has ever known. Companies hired like crazy during the 2020 boon, knowingly bringing on too many team members they probably wouldn't be able to support as the pandemic ended. And as a result we've seen more layoffs in a more condensed period than literally ever before. But! The thing about the game industry is... the people who work here are wonderful. Outcast dorks come together to celebrate something we love, together. We are kind and energetic. We love to share our weird hobbies and get fascinated by the art of our fellows. We are an industry that untold outsiders think about as a dream career. A place many of them don't even try breaking into, but some part of them wishes they would. And as such, if we can fix this, if we can make the game industry a beacon of how to be better, other industries will follow. ✨ But that means we need something, my wonderful, magical friends. We need to know what we need. What *hard rules* do we have to set to make this space better? What *exactly* can we change to fix it? We can complain all we like, but without a vision we'll never actually change.A few I know we need are:1. Unions: While unions can complicate and slow, they also prevent a lot of the worst of what we've seen this past few years. 2. Release of IP: It should be an industry standard that publishers release IP to the dev team when they cancel a project. Damn stock prices. Let the art go free.3. Grow Slow: This one is not a hard rule, but a mindset. I wish to see us break from capitalism, prioritizing *consistent* growth, rather than fast, volatile growth.But I need to know yours. We can't fix if we don't actually know what to change. What are your hard tules? What we do need?Share if you want to see games be a beacon to other industries 💜 #GameIndustry #Unionize #WorkersRights #FairTreatment #GameDev #GameDevelopment #GameIndustryReform #UnionStrong #IndustryInspiration #BetterWorkplace #SupportGameDev #GameDevUnion #WorkplaceEquity #EthicalWorkplace #ChangeTheIndustry #IndieDev #GamingIndustry
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