As a child, I switched career aspirations as often as the sun rose and set. That is, until I played one game: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. That game ignited a fire in me. I always enjoyed video games, but Ocarina of Time was a game-changer. I loved the story, the music, the characters, the gameplay—every element that brought me into that world. From then on, I dreamed of working at this company. I wanted to be a part of a great purpose: bringing incredible games to people all around the world. Hopefully I could inspire others the same way that I was.
Thereafter, when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I responded with the same answer: the president of my favorite company! While I look back and chuckle at that statement, I did want to be part of the team, taking part in the great mission of bringing smiles to people’s faces. The desire to make that thought a reality burned brightly as I grew into an adult. Several years ago, someone nearly extinguished that flame. A flicker of hope here and there kept me going, but he slowly crushed my spirit before I found a way out.
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In 2014, I was happy with my job in Chicago. I converted kids’ print magazine content to digital format and added interactive stories, games, and videos. It was a rewarding job that allowed me to flex my creative muscle. After I graduated college, I received weekly job alerts just to keep an eye on my prize.
In February, I received an alert for a “Creative Development Specialist.” After reading over the description—describing duties like managing and creating marketing materials including retail pieces, online content, and videos--I decided to throw my hat in the ring.
A few weeks later I had an interview with a recruiter, then the hiring manager: Greg Everage. Soon I flew out to have an in-person interview with the team. I presented examples of the creative work in my portfolio, we discussed the role, and how it would be a blend of a project manager and creative contributor. We discussed commercials, designs, and all the goals Greg had for the team and how I would help bring them to fruition...if I was chosen for the role.
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| Right before the interview |
I flew back on what felt like cloud nine and having a row of seats to myself certainly helped.
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| DREAM AIRPLANE SITUATION |
Every day I waited for any indication whether I was chosen or not. A couple weeks after the interview, my colleagues brought me out to the Magnificent Mile in Chicago during our lunch break to distract me from looking at my phone constantly. As I tried something on in the dressing room, I heard a ding. A missed call! A voicemail! No signal! Ah! I wandered around the store like a hound searching for a scent. In the middle of a Nordstrom's, I listened as the recruiter told me they were extending a job offer and would email me the details. I cried. I cried like everything in my life led to this moment, and that my life and the world around me had purpose anew. I landed my dream job.
I soon learned the difference, however, between a dream job and a dream company. And how one person can turn a childhood dream into a constant, waking nightmare.
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An excerpt from an email thanking my future manager, Greg, for the chance to join the team:
It is encouraging to see the passion everyone has to bring these amazing game experiences to people around the world. I believe my professional background and enthusiasm make me the ideal fit for this role. I will bring innovative ideas to the table that will help energize these amazing brands to effectively reach core consumers and also attract new ones. I truly believe you can do your best work if you find what you love--and that is what I've come to do.
Next up: Part II - What Happened in 2014.
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