Some of you might remember me, but I'm a student at Northwestern University struggling to get a summer internship in game design or production. For long-term career goals, I'd like to get more into the business side of making games (product management, marketing) but I haven't really seen a good break-in opportunity for either. I've been spending a lot of my time over the past six months learning how to do something in the games industry, and am really enjoying it. However, the frustration of not being able to get an interview has left me considering other alternatives. I've been advised by several relatives and a games entertainment marketer that I should find email addresses of people (not departments) and send my resume directly to them, saying "I'll be in L.A. from March 18th-28th if you have anyone that can sit down for lunch and an informational interview" or something like that. I've tried going through the "normal" system but am having very limited success. I cannot go to GDC as it's during my exam schedule, and I'd prefer keeping my focus on my studies. I'm going to see some family in L.A. and San Fransisco, but obviously am really trying to get a break in job. It seems like a good break-in tactic, but it also seems like it could be disastrous. I'm worried I could get on a "do not hire" list, or it would just seem desperate (though I am starting to get desperate). I don't want to burn bridges for post-graduation opportunities. Is this a good idea, or should I continue sticking with the normal system?

Few companies are hiring right now.

Those that are hiring can take their pick from many experienced workers who were laid off or are still leaving companies that treated them poorly.



Sending out your "interview me" request like that won't land you on a do-not-hire list at big companies because they discard most solicitations like that. It may have an impact against you on smaller companies if they remember you, but probably not. It also probably won't get you an interview, but you never know, so do what you feel is best for your career. It should be obvious, but be prepared to pay for your lunch and theirs if they accept; they may bring more than one person, and they will be expecting something better than McDonald's.


You are correct to keep your focus on school. Even when the market is good, few companies are interested in entry-level workers they complete the degree.

If you want to do marketing, you should absolutely avoid only applying for jobs in a very specific field. Many people in marketing start in a field they are not necessarily an expert in but develop an expertise over time.

With marketing, you sort of are going to have to allow yourself to go wherever the flow takes you at least at the beginning of your career and, what is more likely, for its entirety.