Gaming
Careers in Gaming prepares students for successful careers in game design, UX/UI research, programming, writing, production, and so much more. The program welcomes students of all majors and class years. Careers in Gaming works closely with the University’s Media, Arts, and Design major to prepare students for meaningful employment and graduate school opportunities. Students benefit from the University’s resources and faculty expertise in game design, creative computing, electronic music, machine learning, and much more.
Resources to Get Started
Get Personalized Advising
Careers in Gaming provides personalized advising for anyone looking to explore career paths, identify summer opportunities, and prepare resumes, cover letters and portfolios. Students can make an appointment online through UChicago Handshake.
Gain Hands-On Experience
UChicago’s Jeff Metcalf Internship Program provides 4,500 paid, substantive internships to students each year across a variety of career fields. Careers in Gaming works closely with employers ranging from early-stage startups to multinational gaming giants to create gaming Metcalf internships for students.
Career Treks
Treks give students an opportunity to meet potential employers in cities throughout the U.S. and around the world. Careers in Gaming organizes career treks in major gaming hubs, including an annual entertainment industry trek to Los Angeles and local treks to studios around the Chicago area.Recent treks have taken students to leading organizations including Nexon, Naughty Dog, MobilityWare, Roblox, Iron Galaxy Studios, and more!
2025 UChicago Game Jam
January 18-20, 2025
This year's second annual UGD x Careers Game Jam will take place during MLK weekend! A partnership between the UChicago Game Design RSO and Career Advancement, the Game Jam gives participating students an opportunity to create their own original digital games. The theme will be announced at 8pm on Friday, January 17, and participants will have 72 hours to develop a digital game that fits the theme. There will be a $3500 prize pool distributed among the top 5 games. Participants can sign up to work solo or with a group. Students can also request to be matched with other participants seeking teammates. The winners will be announced at a showcase on Monday, January 27 at 7pm where participants will be able to network with industry professionals! Sign-ups will be open until Wednesday, January 10. Sign up here.
Employers and Alumni
Our gaming program could not succeed without the support of alumni and experienced professionals. If you are an employer or gaming professional, consider getting involved in the following ways: taking part in career exploration events or treks, hosting an intern, and donating to the program. If you are interested in any of these options or have ideas of your own, please contact Sophie Wingland at swingland@uchicago.edu.
Media, Arts, and Design Bridge Program
The Bridge Program provides career support for graduating seniors, offering strategic advising and tailored employer events with industry experts. Participating students will work with these experts until securing a summer post-graduate position. Employer partners include prestigious organizations such as the Metropolitan Opera, the Chicago History Museum, the New York Philharmonic, UChicago Press, and The Graham Foundation of Fine Arts, among others. Learn more about the application process here.
Leveraging Your Diverse Experiences for Success
There is a wide range of careers in the gaming industry that you can pursue. While there are more “traditional” roles that necessitate a background in programming or digital design, gaming employers are also seeking employees with a variety of skill sets. Here are some examples of roles:
Quality Assurance
Game Programming
IT Cloud Engineering
Animation
Graphics Engineering
Sound Design
Systems Design
Technical Art
UX Design
UX Research
Production
Digital Marketing
Retail Marketing
Sales
Game Reviewing
Gameplay Writing
Narrative Design
Visual Effects
Localisation
Communications Management
Game Analytics
Game Test Analytics
UI Design
Corporate Legal Counsel
Game Testing
Advertising
Supply Chain Management
Customs Compliance
Account Management
...and much more!
Learn More & Contact
To learn more about the program, please contact Sophie Wingland at swingland@uchicago.edu.
