KIDS hooked on Xbox? It could help them launch a gaming career.
Esports — competitive video gaming — is booming and pro players can earn upwards of £1,000 a month. And like sports in the real world, its stars can earn MILLIONS.
The industry offers a host of support roles, including broadcast and match production, coaching and management, refereeing and admin.
PRs and journalists work to promote events, too. The UK is the world’s fifth-biggest gaming market but is relatively untapped for esports compared to the US, China and Korea. That means hundreds of new jobs should be created each year.
Breaking into the industry isn’t easy, as gaming is so popular. But you don’t need specific qualifications or experience.
Hopefuls should try to find relevant work experience, apply for an apprenticeship or join local leagues to start helping in a role they would like to work in. A spokesman for the British Esports
Association says: “We are not pushing esports as a rival to traditional sport but as a credible activity in its own right.
“It can have positive cognitive and other benefits when done in moderation. Esports promote teamwork and communication, develop communities and provide jobs. As esports have developed, they have created thousands of new jobs across the world.”
See britishesports.org/careers.
Success stories
CHRIS HAYDON is the chief operating officer of gaming events firm HYPD.
It runs GameFX at Thorpe Park, the country’s first gaming arena to offer a live-streaming area, retro gaming lounge and the latest virtual reality tech.
Chris, 29, from Canterbury in Kent, says: “Video gaming is the fastest-growing digital medium in the world.
“It provides plentiful opportunities for you to be creative and innovative. In the next ten years, I can foresee a seismic growth in esports job roles.
“In China, competitive gaming is officially considered a profession and they are already provided fully funded scholarships for young prospects to train in the same manner as professional football academies.
“Lots of young people want to pursue a career in the industry, such as becoming a Twitch streamer or a YouTube content creator.
“It isn’t the easiest thing to do and takes a lot of commitment before revenue potential arises.
“But there are umpteen success stories that prove it is possible.”
Policies fit for purpose
SMALL firms may not have in-house HR or the resources of big businesses but they face the same issues. So how can you be inclusive in areas such as transgender policy? KAREN HOLDEN, award-winning lawyer and founder of A City Law Firm has issued these guidelines . . .
Have a clear diversity policy. This needs to be readily available and accessible to staff rather than a policy just to comply with the rules.
Named contact. For people to disclose issues, report others breaching the policy and for staff to discuss the process of transitioning.
Uphold policies. Anyone violating harassment and discrimination policies must be seen to be dealt with.
Ensure management team understand the topic. Set an example by being proactive in using the correct pronouns and ensure data systems don’t make mistakes with old titles or names.
Be sensitive. Understand some procedures might require time off or remote working, and this should be catered for. Allow them to discuss the procedure with you so you can manage the process with them. Ensure it is clear to your staff that you are open to discuss any questions or queries that they have, and that the policies in place are flexible and may be improved.
Jobspot
BYRON BURGERS is recruiting for more than 50 jobs nationwide, including chefs, front of house staff and management roles.
See byronhamburgers.com/careers
Be a Scotch miss
RAISE your glass to a rare opportunity. In a bid to get more women to work in the whisky industry, Highlands-based Ncn’ean Distillery is offering two, week-long, all-expenses-paid internships.
You must be female, aged over 18 and available to travel to Scotland from July 14-20 this year.
Founder Annabel Thomas, says: “I wanted to challenge outdated views. The number of times people ask me ‘do you actually like whisky?’, just because I am a woman, and the lack of gender balance in the industry suggests we have more work to do.
“The internship will be a chance for two women to experience all aspects of the small operation and invite them to understand what working in a distillery really involves. We hope women from all walks of life who want to try their hand at something new will apply.”
Apply by May 13 at ncnean.com/internship/.
Jobspot
CAN you see yourself at SPECSAVERS?
The optician chain has 101 apprentice roles to fill around the UK.
Visit jobs.specsavers.co.uk/apprenticeship
Got it med
FANCY having some fun in the sun while you earn some cash? Club Med has opened applications for 2019 summer-season jobs.
There are 700 positions on offer, including bar work, reception roles, kitchen staff plus childcare and sports club positions. Applicants must be able to speak French.
The holiday giant says 70 per cent of seasonal staff come back to work with the firm each summer and staff rack up an average of eight seasons each.
You can find out more or apply now at clubmedjobs.com.
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