WIGI Event Archive Advancing Your Career in Game Development: The Women's Perspective – September 10, Seattle This was a free one-day Women In Games International event, sponsored by Microsoft Game Studios, International Game Developers Association (IGDA), Game Developers Conference (GDC), DigiPen, Girls in Games, Mary-Margaret.com, ThemePark Studios, WomenGamers.com and BusinessWire. This event was being presented in cooperation with the Women in Games Conference in Dundee, Scotland. Attendees learned how to break in and advance their game industry career, in these four panel discussions with top experts in the field. This seminar provided useful information for women and men, as well as new and veteran game developers. Program Breaking In: How to Acquire The Skills and Get That First Job This discussion will focus on the necessary skills for an entry level development job in the game industry, and different approaches to getting hired by a game studio. We'll also address whether there particular challenges that women face when breaking into the game industry. An Array of Career Options It's not just about programming! There are a variety of careers available in the game industry, ranging from game design, art, project management, support, marketing, and sales. Meet industry women who have built successful careers in different job disciplines. The Ultimate Challenge: Balancing Work and Personal Life One of the most difficult challenges facing people in game industry is achieving a work/live balance, and resolving quality of life issues. The panelists will discuss their own life choices, and the effect of these decisions have had upon their professional careers. The Executive Perspective What does it take to reach the pinnacle of the game industry? Game industry executives discuss their challenges and decisions, and their visions for the future of the game industry. WIGI post-conference networking party Meet your fellow participants, socialize and make connections! This event sponsored by Microsoft Game Studios. Speakers Details Ellen Beeman, Program Manager, Microsoft Corporation; Amy Bendotti, Recruiter, Monolith Productions; Maureen Farley, Senior PR Manager, Real Networks; Laura Fryer, Executive Producer, Microsoft Game Studios; Gano Haine, VP Product Development, LimeLife; Dana Hanna, freelance producer; Sheri Hargus, CTO, Her Interactive; Suzanne Kaufman, 3d Animation and Environment Lead, Sucker Punch; Rick Lambright, Sony Online Entertainment; Shannon Loftis, Group Program Manager, Microsoft Game Studios; Stuart Moulder, Vice President, Wild Tangent; Sheri Graner Ray, Sony Online Entertainment; Sandra Rumsey, QA Manager, Mobliss; Samantha Ryan, CEO, Monolith Productions; Jen Sward, Instructor, Digipen; Kiki Wolfkill, Art Director, Microsoft Game Studios