I’ve discussed what’s next in my career with different friends and colleagues, and the one question I am always asked is: “Do you want to stay in gaming?” It makes sense for people to ask this because I’ve spent the last seven years in the gaming industry, specifically financial services in gaming. But this question also confuses me because my skills are not industry specific and how can they not see that?
I tell people that I’m industry agnostic. That my superior organizational skills, my expert ability to translate confusing technical requirements to consumable consumer messages, my desire to create meaningful and lasting internal relationships and conversations, my ability to establish and maintain effective strategic partnerships, and so much more, are absolutely, unequivocally NOT specific to an industry. Sure. It might take me 30-60 days to learn an industry, but I’m also doing work during that time. I lean on the industry experts (internal and external), stroke their egos, and learn all I can from them. I dive-in to the trade publications, governing documents, regulations, and anything related to the industry to better understand an industry. I don’t think I’m that special either. I believe anyone can understand enough about an industry in two months to effectively do their job IF they have the right skills.
I’ve found that most open positions don’t even consider you unless you have either:
- Worked in the specific industry, or
- Have done the exact same job in the industry (at a different company).
Your skills are what matter (or what SHOULD matter), not your industry.
To me, that’s short sighted. Companies and industries are missing out on a world of talented, SKILLED, people because they haven’t met the two criteria they look for (see above). I’d love nothing more than to see companies become more skill focused and less industry focused, allowing the workforce to become more skill focused and more industry agnostic, resulting in more opportunities for all job-seekers. Not to mention a far more skilled workforce for the world. If you’ve marketed a product in the education industry, your marketing skills should be transferable to the gaming industry. If you’ve managed operations in the gaming industry, your operations management skills should be transferable to the public sector. Your skills are what matters (or what SHOULD matter), not your industry.
So, do I want to stay in gaming? I want to work for companies and people that are going to make the best use of my skills. If that’s a gaming company, great! If it’s public service, great! If it’s working to help you find the magic in the gray area of your business, contact me today!
Segovia Consulting 