TIGA, the tradeassociation representing the UK video games industry, is encouraging students
to take part in an initiative which will help to improve their chances of
unlocking a career in the games industry.
The initiative – TIGA Students – has been backed by a number of
universities. Students who join
TIGA Students will be kept up-to-date with the latest industry news, will
receive invaluable help from industry experts and have access to a careers
guide.
They can also add a
portfolio to the TIGA website and include their CV as they try to catch the eye
of future employers. TIGA Students are
also being given hefty discounts on products including the magazines EDGE and
GamesTM.
Students get:
A
@member.tiga.org email address for life
Magazine
discounts (50% off EDGE and GamesTM)
The
facility to add and update a portfolio that will appear on the TIGA website
including CV
Access
to a TIGA careers guide
Access
to a selection of TIGA reports
Fortnightly
web chats with a TIGA member or studio (these will be themed depending on the speaker background)
8%
off Dell products
Access
to selected events Representatives from
TIGA’s higher education members made the following comments about TIGA
Students.
Prof Carsten Marple,
Pro-Vice Chancellor – Research & Enterprise, at the University of
Bedfordshire, said:
“This represents
an important step in ensuring that students are aware of technical,
professional and strategic developments in the industry. Student developers
will have access to an unrivalled network of peers and professionals.”
Mark
Eyles, Principal Lecturer/Advanced Games Research Group School of Creative
Technologies University of Portsmouth and TIGA Education Adviser, said:
“Taking
advantage of this ensures students have opportunities not only to access
important industry information but also to present themselves to potential
games industry employers in a professional way.” Dr
Christos Gatzidis, Senior Lecturer in Creative Technology at Bournemouth
University, said:
“The TIGA Student membership is a great
idea and something which we have already recommended to all our BSc Games
Technology students here at Bournemouth University. In specific, the ability to
be an individual member, in addition to the institution they are studying at
being one too, could be invaluable for them for networking and advancing their
career in their chosen field after graduation (or even during their placement
year), something which this service offers, amongst many other benefits.”
Dr Graham Raddings,
the programme leader in BA Games Design at University Centre Grimsby said:
“This initiative is a
fantastic opportunity for students to liaise with a great network of games
industry professionals and get hands on access to careers information. TIGA
have gone to great lengths to get this formula right and ensure the best
chances for games graduates.”
Dr. Mike Reddy,
Future Technology, Games Development and A.I., Faculty of Arts and Business,
University of Wales, Newport, said:
“TIGA uniquely
represents game developers and has recognised the need to work with Education
to improve graduate employability. They form a vital link in the chain of
building networks with Industry.”
Marie-Claire Isaaman,
Course Leader BA (Hons)/FdA Games Art and Design & Animation,Norwich University of
the Arts, said:
“TIGA’s student
membership initiative will undoubtably improve the employability chances of
students and graduates who engage with it and represents TIGA’s absolute
commitment to supporting the UK’s video games industry at all levels. Students
often find the first stages of connecting to the Industry the hardest, the
opportunity to upload portfolio’s and CV’s for employer viewing, the web chats
and access to the latest industry news represent genuine structured
support that can help them break into the sector.”
Tony
Gillies, Assistant Head of Department, Creative & Digital Industries, Preston
College, said:
“TIGA
students are able to move their learning and creativity forward with the
assistance of the peer network and support mechanisms provided. The ability to share ideas and review others
portfolios will provide the UK with world class developers for the future”
Mike Head, T2G
Marketing Director, said:
“This is a helpful and inspiring initiative from the industry’s key trade
association. It will benefit all those who aspire to a career in the industry
and Train2Game is delighted to be associated with what is sure to become a key
resource for all students. It will become an important weapon in the career
aspirant’s armoury. Providing an insight into the workings of the industry and
the opportunity to network will be of great value.”
Notes
to editors:
About TIGA:
TIGA's vision is to make the UK the best place
in the world to do games business. We focus on three sets of activities:
political representation, generating media coverage and developing services
that enhance the competitiveness of our members. This means that TIGA
members are effectively represented in the corridors of power, their voice is
heard in the media and they receive benefits that make a material difference to
their businesses, including a reduction in costs and improved commercial
opportunities.
For
further information, please contact Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO on: 07875 939
643, or email: richard.wilson@tiga.org.