Career paths in the eSports industry

Working does not always involve earning money, it is ideal, but it should not be your primary goal. You should always aim for personal growth. Take the path that makes you gain the skills that you need. That being said, if you aim to either study or work at your own hours, there are a few things to consider. If you wish to work for yourself, the following are some options.

Becoming a Freelancer

Becoming self-employed, working your own hours, and doing your own taxes. Freelancers are independent contractors, since they are not employees. The only way to earn an income is to develop contracts with clients. Typically, they do short-term jobs and are hired to complete a specific role or task. For example, an eSports commentator that a production company hires to work an event.

Traits that every freelancer should have include the following.

• Professionalism: Treat yourself and your employer with respect always. Address challenges objectively.
• Time Management: You should be able to meet deadlines and manage to work under pressure.
• Goal Oriented: Chances are that you are going to be qualified by the results you bring not the effort.
• Adaptability: Tasks may change according to your employer's needs.
• Communication Skills: There are effective ways to communicate, you will need to find the best way to be heard.

Is Freelancing for you?

You need to be in the right mindset and have a strong drive to be self-employed. Freelancing is a juggling act. Working your own hours but dealing with your own finances such as taxes and keeping track of your income and expenses. A bonus is that you get more control over what roles you take on and its flexibility. Consider freelancing on the side before committing to it full-time. It can be challenging to dive fully into the freelancing life, and it is recommended to see if it is for you and once you have more stable income you can take that leap.

Entrepreneur

The word itself means “to embark on an adventure” and as any adventure things are not certain. They could go well, or they could go wrong. The important outcome of this activity is to learn, adapt, adjust and do over until it works. Running a business is a process. Some entrepreneurs have had it easier than some, but all go through the same process in becoming an entrepreneur.

To become a successful entrepreneur, you will need to be:

• Risk Taker
• Self-Motivated
• Resourceful
• Resilient
• Disciplined
• Ambitious
• Self-Driven

If you have what it takes, what more could you ask for than becoming your own boss?

In an industry that is still in its early stages, it can be hard to find exactly what you are looking for right away; there may be barriers between you and the role you want and how to get there may be a rollercoaster.

Define your service

Does your service have a demand? can you build a flow of clientele? Common services are coaching, graphic design, photography, art etc. You can freelance almost all skills; it all depends on if there is a market or not.

Market analysis and understand the audience

Once you have decided on a service, it is best to research into the market and potential clients. For example, as a coach you can target your content towards a specific player base if the market there is more accessible.

Attract an audience

To make a name for yourself you need speak up! Building an online presence and volunteering on interesting projects are a few ways to gain a audience. The best step is to network (online or offline), meeting people with similar interest and potential clients looking for contractors is a must, as networking comes with the job.

Get compliant and get your tax sorted

Hnry is a tax service designed specifically for self-employed contractors and freelancers. They sort your taxes automatically and always pay exactly the right amount of tax for you so you can focus on what you do best.

Another route to go if you want to keep it all in-house is to follow ird.govt.nz/roles/self-employed guide. As they break it down into easy-to-digest chucks.

Know your worth and determine your price 

Some freelancers charge by the hour, some by the project, and some by the day. There are no one size fits all price. You need to identify your worth and be prepared to explain why you are charging your price.

Work hours and find work

Be prepared to work on multiple projects simultaneously (similar deadlines). A work schedule ensures you complete each project in time for the deadline.

Finding work

Internet and Apps

Apps like Freelancer and Fiverr or websites like Unicorn Factory are great places to start. Seek is another website that may have great opportunities. Often, being part of community pages, discords etc. will allow you to get started and go from there.

Network, network, network 

The most organic way to is to network. Find and attend meetups. Be vocal in your community - promote yourself and get out there!

In the fast-evolving world of eSports and its associated business development opportunities, several foundation skills are crucial for employment and success in this dynamic industry. Whether you're looking to work for established eSports organisations or startups, or venture into self-employment and entrepreneurship, these key skills will set you on the path to achievement.

Some of these examples have been tailored specifically for eSports, but many of them are needed for any employment you wish to seek, regardless of the field.

Before we look at these examples, let’s take a look at the following video, where Steve Harvey provides insight on what it takes to be a leader.

Watch: Be a Leader | Motivational Talks With Steve Harvey (5:05 minutes)

Foundation skills examples

Communication skills

Effective communication is vital in eSports, whether you're delivering commentary, working on marketing campaigns, or managing teams. Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential to convey ideas, strategies, and engage with fans and stakeholders.

Technical proficiency

Familiarity with gaming equipment, streaming technology, and software tools used in eSports is indispensable. Technical skills will enable you to troubleshoot issues, produce quality content, and stay up-to-date with the latest industry developments.

Teamwork and collaboration

eSports is a team-oriented industry, and the ability to work effectively with others is critical. Whether you're part of a gaming team, a marketing department, or an event production crew, being a team player and understanding team dynamics is essential.

Leadership skills

Leadership is pivotal in guiding teams and achieving goals in eSports and business development. An example of leadership skills is the ability to inspire and motivate your team, set clear objectives, and make decisive decisions. For instance, a team captain who leads by example, fosters a positive team culture, and strategises for victory exhibits strong leadership skills.

Adaptability

The eSports landscape is continually evolving. Being adaptable and open to change is crucial for staying relevant. Whether it's adapting to new game patches, industry trends, or business strategies, flexibility is key.

Analytical skills

Roles in eSports often require the ability to analyse data, whether it's player statistics, marketing metrics, or audience engagement. Proficiency in data analysis tools and the ability to derive actionable insights are highly valued.

Marketing and promotion

Understanding marketing principles and being able to promote eSports events, teams, or content is essential for business development. Knowledge of social media, content creation, and branding strategies is valuable.

Financial literacy

For those involved in business development or entrepreneurship, financial literacy is crucial. Understanding budgeting, revenue streams, and financial management can make or break an eSports venture.

Negotiation and networking

Building relationships within the eSports industry and negotiating contracts or partnerships is vital. Strong networking skills can open doors to collaborations and opportunities..

Strong work ethic

Climbing up the corporate ladder is more than working hard at the job and hoping that you are approached for a higher position. You need to be both heard and seen! Communicate your goals and plans within the company and future endeavours with higher management. Building your network circle full of contacts from inside and outside the company can help kickstart the process. Advice, support, and achieving goals faster come with a strong network. Learn, learn, and learn! You should never stop learning. You don’t have to learn everything in a short span of time but building knowledge over time shows you are willing to put in the work. Strong motivation will make you stand out from the rest of the crowd. Putting forward ideas, developing better solutions and working to get the wheel moving are all indications of growth.

Gaming proficiency

Having a deep understanding of the games within the eSports ecosystem is fundamental. Knowledge of game mechanics, strategies, and trends is essential for roles ranging from players to coaches, analysts, and commentators.

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