Advice for Landing Your Esports Dream Job

There are some questions I’ve heard repeatedly over the years. By far and away one of the most popular regards how to get a job in esports. As a matter of fact, the very first day I started my Facebook community page I got the following message:

“I was hoping you might take a minute to hear me out! I have been a dedicated e-sports fan for a long time, but now I am ready to go all in and work towards making it a career, but have never quite had the knowledge, connections, or time to make everything I want happen. Can you offer me some tips or pointers, or help me with some people to get in touch with? I’m willing to go in full steam ahead, even if it requires paying my dues with something like an internship.” — Chris H.

So many well-meaning individuals are eager to find their place in one of the world’s hottest businesses, and I don’t blame them. By now it’s readily apparently to everyone that esports is truly a digital sport for a new digital era. The good news is there are now more positions available than ever before and the industry will only continue to grow. But how can you plant your flag and find your place? It should go without saying that this topic is far too broad for a single article, but after thirteen years in the space I have some thoughts to share. Many of them are basic and apply to any industry, but might be self-apparent to younger readers just starting out. I’ve hired hundreds of employees and contractors over the years and I’ve been blessed to work with some of the best and brightest in the business. Hopefully some of the thoughts below will help you.

Attitude.

Let’s start with the basics. First and foremost, check your attitude. I can’t stress enough how important this is. You want to be someone who is known for having a positive, optimistic, problem solving attitude. In any business, “Yes Men” are worthless but “Negative Nancy’s” are cancerous. Business can be very stressful. A good percentage of esports companies are still in start-up mode and are run by entrepreneurs. It’s imperative those founders surround themselves with positive people. If you become known as “Debbie Downer” those entrepreneurs won’t want you around. To be clear, I’m not suggesting you shouldn’t be honest and offer straight talk feedback, but even bad news can be delivered in positive ways. Start with a winning attitude.

Hustle.

There are few things in life we can truly control, but our effort is one of them. If you’re not willing to invest your life into something, don’t be foolish enough to expect success. Learn the art of discipline and put in place schedules that maximize your efficiency and productivity. Set daily, weekly or monthly goals and minimums you must live up to. (For example, if you’re a writer, 3–5 articles a week. If you make CS:GO videos, commit to 6 per month, etc.) Even if you currently have a day job, there is a lot of time between 6 pm and 1 am. Use those hours to pursue your esports dream and someday you won’t need your day job. Be forewarned that esports never sleeps. Be prepared to work 24/7 if needed. Most of us weren’t born with a silver spoon sticking out our backside. You’re going to need to work very hard to find success. There is no shortcut.

Have a Roadmap.

Know where your passion lies and what skills you have. The intersection of passion and skill is the sweet spot. Far too often people tell me they want to get into esports but when I ask what they’d like to do I get “I don’t know. I just want to be involved.” Sorry, friends, that’s not good enough. I can’t hire you if you don’t know what you’d like to do and what talents you bring to the table. I can’t even give you a volunteer position. Do an honest self-evaluation and determine how your skills line up with real needs in the marketplace. Stick to what you know and what you’re good at.

Network.

Networking has ALWAYS been a crucial part of getting ahead in business but it’s been taken to a new level in today’s digital world. Social media has revolutionized how we communicate and how we network. The good news is you can now interact with many more influencers with the click of a mouse. You can make a name for yourself from the comfort of your computer chair. You have a voice that can be heard around the world. Use it wisely. Be active on Twitter and Facebook (without being that obnoxious stalker guy who makes everyone cringe). Contribute to conversations in a well written, thoughtful and positive way. You can establish meaningful connections via proper use of social media. Take advantage of it, and build your network. However, don’t forget to…

Leave the House.

Social media is great for networking, but nothing replaces face to face communication. Being in the same room breathing the same air is always the best form of relationship building. Even if your budget is tight, commit to making it to as many events as possible. Politely introduce yourself to influencers who are relevant to your career goals. Don’t be shy. Attend the parties. Gather business cards. Ask questions. Make friends.

Do Your Homework.

Always, always, always do your homework. Research the games and the scene carefully. Stay updated on the daily news. Follow the popular podcasts and Reddit threads. Also, study the people you might cross paths with. Never walk into a meeting without having done your homework. Google each person and know his or her story. Learn what they like and know their current projects and opinions. Take each relationship seriously. Always seek to be the most educated, updated person in a conversation (without being an arrogant arse). Avoid being at an information disadvantage whenever possible.

Don’t Marry a Game.

Many people fall in love with esports due to their affection for a particular game title. There’s nothing wrong with that. Counter-Strike got me hooked in 2003. However, if you want to make a career in the space, I’d highly advise you to be well versed in several gaming titles. Tying your wagon to one game is a quick way to find yourself unemployed. Games come and games go. Some last longer than others, but it’s doubtful any will last a lifetime.

Leave Your Pride at the Door.

Some people are fortunate enough to enter the space and make a salary on day one. Most, historically, have not. Perhaps your skill set puts you in a position to apply for those coveted salaries right away. Fantastic! Get after it. The reality for most of us, however, is we’ll need to start at the bottom and earn our chops. Don’t be afraid to volunteer. It’s a great way to network and show people what you’re made of. Keep a day job to pay your bills until you’ve progressed up the esports ladder. All I’m saying is don’t let a few bucks divert you from your long term goals. The vast majority of esports influencers I know started out making $0. Show people your passion and value and money will follow.

Make Some Noise.

When applying for different positions, it’s very helpful if you have a body of work that speaks for itself. If you’re younger (or just new to esports) you might not have it. How do you bridge that divide? You make some noise. Basically, with today’s modern internet tech you can always go it on your own until you catch someone’s eye. Aspiring journalist? Start a daily blog covering the scene. Worried nobody is watching? If you’re good, they eventually will. I guarantee it. Perhaps you’re an aspiring caster. Find VODs of recent matches, cast them yourself and upload them to Youtube. Again, if you’re unique, talented, funny or entertaining, people will find you. (And Reddit is your best friend.) This may be more difficult for coders and people who truly work behind the curtain, but there is always a way. Fake it until you make it. There is quite a bit of “noise” out there today. If you’re not making any, it’ll be hard for me to find you.

Be a Good Person.

This one should also be self-evident but judging by some of the characters we’ve seen in esports, it sadly isn’t. From the very beginning, commit to yourself that you’ll always do the right thing. Be honest. Work with integrity and character. Be sincere. Nobody is perfect and we all make mistakes, but set a goal to be the type of person you would want to hire if you were the boss. Successful entrepreneurs surround themselves with quality people. Be a good person and they will seek you out.

“Gain a modest reputation for being unreliable and you will never be asked to do a thing.” Paul Theroux

Never Give Up.

As esports continues to grow there will more opportunities but for each one that comes along a dozen people will want it. Don’t be foolish enough to think it’ll be easy. It won’t. Don’t give up. I know it’s obvious and shouldn’t need to be said, but I’m saying it anyway. If you want this, light a fire in your belly and go get it. Dig deep and commit yourself. Don’t let rejections or failure divert you from your long term goals. When you get knocked down, get back up. A career in esports is worth it, and we need you… we just don’t know you yet!

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