On Wednesday March 20, 2024, the Center for Career Education (CCE) invited undergraduate students and recent alumni interested in careers in technology, entrepreneurship, and business to participate in the Spring 2024 Mobile Apps and Gaming Industry Showcase.
Representatives from 2K, Bantr Collective, Flexit, The New York Times, and Microsoft — XBOX spoke about their organizations, discussed potential career paths within their industry, and shared job, internship, and experience-building opportunities within their respective organizations. After the employers’ introductions, students were given the opportunity to connect with employers during an open networking session.
Organization Overviews:
2K
2K develops and publishes interactive entertainment globally for console systems, handheld gaming devices and personal computers, including smartphones and tablets. 2K is a leading publisher of today’s most popular gaming genres and most well-known for critically acclaimed game franchises like NBA 2K, WWE 2K, BioShock, Borderlands, XCOM and the beloved Sid Meier’s Civilization. 2K offers career opportunities across technology, business operations, production, and finance. Students should visit 2K’s Careers Page for more information.
Bantr Collective
Bantr is a social networking app that connects TV fans to have meaningful discussions about the shows they love. At Bantr, we observe the ways that fans engage with each other and measure the impact that these interactions can have on their individual and group well-being. We also believe that the stories told through television have a real-world impact. By focusing the audience’s attention while synchronizing their viewing habits, we empower fans to build communities around a common experience. Bantr has a 3 stage application process, starting with a group interview round, followed by a content specific one-on-one interview, and capped off with a 3-4 week project work. Become a part of the conversation by applying to their internship program, or develop partnership opportunities by reaching out to LJ Wilson at Leon@bantr.org.
Flexit
FlexIt Inc. is the most flexible way to access fitness, Wherever. Whenever. FlexIt provides access to over 3,000 fitness facilities across the country as well as hundreds of certified personal trainers via its two product offerings. FlexIt’s in-gym product grants its users access to over 3,000 gyms and studios across the country while paying only for the time they use. Users can scan a QR code at the front desk, work out for as long as they want, and then scan out and only pay for their time working out. FlexIt’s Virtual Personal Training offering connects users and certified personal trainers for 1-on-1, personalized group sessions using FlexIt’s custom built video software. FlexIt partners include Blink Fitness, [solidcore], and Gold’s Gym. Flexit is currently seeking developers for summer internships, with the potential to lead to full-time hires. Interested students should email info@flexit.fit.
The New York Times
The New York Times is a global media organization dedicated to helping people understand the world through unrivaled, on-the-ground, expert and deeply reported independent journalism. We have the most successful digital subscription business in the world and no other news organization comes close to providing the breadth of coverage in consistently ambitious and innovative forms as The Times.Our technology, advertising, marketing, data and product functions operate on a shared framework to help make our journalism more insightful, meaningful and essential to the daily lives and understanding of people around the world. The New York Times recruits year round for its internship programs, with opportunities spanning across departments including game design, product development, marketing, advertising, business operations, technology, and data. Applications for the 2025 summer internship cohort are expected to open in October. Interested students should follow the New York Times’ Handshake Page to stay up-to-date on information sessions and visit their Careers Page for more information.
Microsoft — XBOX
Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. We’re motivated and inspired every day by how our customers use our software to find creative solutions to business problems, develop breakthrough ideas, and stay connected to what’s most important to them. For internship and career opportunities, students should follow their Career Page on Handshake and visit their Careers Page for more information. Recruiting for internships typically takes place towards the beginning of the Fall semester.
Key Takeaways:
Showing more than just technical skills on your application:
While our employers noted that many positions come with specific technical requirements, recruiters are looking for candidates who are able to show the impact that they have had in their experiences, whether they be previous internships, clubs, projects, or volunteer experiences. Students can capture impact by highlighting key metrics and data points in their work. Recruiters also emphasized the importance of demonstrating passion and curiosity for the work.
Shorter recruiting windows mean it is important to have your resume and application materials prepared so that you can submit applications as immediately after they open as possible.
Networking is an important aspect of the recruitment process. Follow employer pages to keep track of information sessions and recruiting events. Use LinkedIn to connect with professionals in the field to learn about the industry and opportunities.
Navigating shifting technological landscapes:
The emergence of AI and new technologies has generated excitement and uncertainty across the industries. One important piece of advice in navigating new technologies is to show curiosity. There are few people who are experts in emerging technologies. Students should test AI technology on their own and soak up as much as they can about the technology and what powers it.
It is important for students to stay up-to-date on the most in-demand technologies and skill sets employers are using and looking for in the job market. The best starting point to gain a deeper understanding of job expectations is by talking to employers and professionals in the field and tapping into job descriptions to understand required qualifications and preferred qualifications. Students should also read the news to stay up-to-date on in-demand tech skills. A recent Forbes article highlights the Top 5 Fastest Growing Tech Skills to Learn in 2024. Students should seek out opportunities to explore these emerging technologies through coursework and independent projects. As students are navigating the recruiting process, it is important to demonstrate interest and curiosity in these skills as well as a determination for continued learning.
