This conversation piece was recommended to me by several readers (thanks for the suggestions!) which is understandable as this is an often asked question. My readers asked me several questions within the subject so I’ll break some down and put my two cents. Again it’s very much my opinion however many of the eSports insiders I’ve met who run small, medium, or large operations have a similar mentality.

You’ve probably read my articles floating on writing platforms such as medium, NowLoading, SplitPush or GAMURS. For those who don’t know me, I’ll introduce myself in a nutshell. I’m a passionate guy who loves eSports. I love operating businesses and I married those two loves by creating my own eSports consultancy.

We’re a small sized agency that focuses on making eSports a better place. For the fan, for the player, for the back-end staff members. I’ve been doing this on and off for around 5–6 years until recently where I’ve been fortunate enough to transition my experiences into a firm I could call my own.

Before that I took many odd jobs, working different industries, gaining experience by working with and for industry leaders. So now that you know a little about me I’ll start to talk about the questions sent to me.

Q) “I wanted to ask you some for some advice about getting my foot in the door.”

A) I’m starting with this question as it’s very open-ended and open for interpretation. The best and simplest answer I could give you is this; Start networking. Meet new people in the industry. The more you introduce yourself, the better your connections will be when you start applying for positions.

It’s never a bad idea to network outside of your circle even if you’re not necessarily looking for another job. It’s one of those ‘life things’ that personalities and professionals bring up when answering questions of similar context. For those confused when I say networking I really mean just meeting new people and creating ‘contacts’ for the future.

Q2) “How did you know eSports was the right industry for you?”

A) Growing up I would join small teams, running them internally. I was super competitive, a tad bit more committed and organized than my friends. I was an admin for GameBattles, helping them with ladders, disputes, and player support. For those who don’t know GameBattles (now MLG) was the equivalent CEVO/FaceIt/ESEA.

That drive and commitment was something that helped mold the first and last instance of certainty about gaming being a viable career for me.

I continued gaminging and stepped it up a level by creating content for Machinima. Doing that for a couple of years I met great folks at Machinima who had the same mentality. Eventually helping them with affiliate scouting and then the rest is history. Those small key moments throughout made me reassured me that I wanted to do this for the rest of my life and to remain patient.

Your instance, may be similar to mine. You may like the numbers side of things. You may like the mechanical side of things. You may like the business side of things. If you didn’t like skateboarding why would you pick up a board and do it? You don’t enter the eSports industry because it’s just there, you enter it because it’s been a passion of yours and you truly want it.

Q) “What would you recommend for an entry level position in eSports?”

A) It depends on the sub-field. eSports is growing and you’ll see more diverse outside fields integrated within. If you’re someone who hasn’t had an official title working within the gaming industry or something of relevant experience I would work on applying for an internship, one of general duties and the easiest to sustain yourself through it. I know you’re probably upset about picking up an internship, but I’ll be honest about that further down below. For now I’ll sum it up.

Internships in all industries could lead to a part-time/full-time position. Not only does it give you experience, you meet and work with people within the industry of choice. Skilled and passionate people that can become a contact like I mentioned above. In addition, you fill your resume up that helps a potential employer vet you in for a position. A resume filled with companies of relevant experience and people who could refer you to employers.. Sounds amazing doesn’t it?

Q) “How does one start up an eSports company?”

A) Not everyone likes to follow. I wasn’t comfortable working with people who didn’t have the same passion I had, or the same vision I had. It is all personal preference and it has a lot of underlining factors. Do you have a set plan? Do you have people who could help you? Do you have the funds to start up a company? What’s your infrastructure looking like? If you answer all of these with a simple and understandable answer, then chances are you’re someone who has that entrepreneur bug and ready to take on a new challenge.

Starting any company is a challenge, but eSports is a field filled with hundreds and hundreds of companies who are competing in a small knit-tight industry. It’s definitely hard so I would recommend joining a company first, then branching out on your own once you’ve got the capital, experience, and the connections to do so.

Prepare to ask for help. Whether you bring on partners or you ask lawyers, colleagues, old contacts. It’s okay. Don’t fake it till you make it. Get it done right or the next company will. In terms of legalities make sure you register your company, work within the scope of the law.. And properly disclose things please.

Now lets talk internships again

Why do I highlight internships? eSports is filled with a mixture of large companies who have a ton of capital, medium sized company that sustain themselves through partnerships, merchandising, and of course offering services. Then you have the little guys (like me yay!) who start up a company but have so much for expenditure so they budget enough for necessary employees. That means that many positions offered are freelance, Per Diem or internships.

Be prepared to be offered a position that isn’t paid if you’re an inexperienced prospect. It sucks that some companies aren’t able to pay all their employees, even though they want to but if you’re truly dedicated and your work ethic helps organically grow a company your hard work will pay off, the company will grow, and you’ll be there from the very beginning. It’s an amazing feeling and a feat that will help you out as you advance in your professional career.

It’s a double-edge sword in general. Certain companies have grown so much they never adjusted their infrastructure to reflect that change so there’s rumors of mismanagement, miscommunication, and so forth. That could lead to some terrible examples of bad recruiting that has been under the limelight.

If the company isn’t a large corporation then you’ll experience a different infrastructure of almost chaotic human resources. Hiring and on-boarding could be disastrous, but once you’re in it should be smooth sailings or you’ll experience the exact opposite.

To sum things up; Getting a job in eSports in 2016, be driven, have the willingness to start from the bottom up, and be very patient.

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Hi. I’m a consultancy owner. I deal with eSports, players, management and more. I occasionally write and bake awesome pies. This is an opinion piece that reflects on my ideology alone. Like my writing or want to get in contact with me? Twitter @MellowWalt or email w.sosa@esportsrda.net