BA (Hons) Games Design student selected as Grads in Games Student Ambassador
- Written byChloe Murphy
- Published date 20 October 2021
Share story
As one of the fastest growing industries in the world, gaming offers a range of exciting future career paths. From design and development to production and quality assurance, there are lots of opportunities to bring exciting ideas to life through interactive experiences.
Increasingly, many organisations and initiatives offer vital support to emerging creatives who are interested in exploring future pathways as professional developers. One such example is Grads in Games, which curates and coordinates a range of events and resources that are designed to equip students and graduates with the skills needed by employers in the field.
Founded in 2014, their team works closely with hundreds of games companies ranging from major international publishers to small indie development studios, connecting industry with academia as they help more students to discover their future roles in gaming. This activity is complemented by their Student Ambassador programme, which enables proactive students who are currently enrolled on games courses across the UK to help volunteer and promote related events, build professional networks, and access expert support with building CVs and application portfolios.
Their emphasis on linking creative expertise with industry experience can also be found in the ethos of BA (Hons) Games Design at London College of Communication (LCC). On this course, students are taught skills such as storyboarding, coding and playtesting that are highly sought-after, and learn how to translate original concepts into fully playable games.
Current BA (Hons) Games Design student Anino Ogunjobi was recently successfully named in the latest group of Grads In Games Student Ambassadors. She caught up with us to discuss how her new role will bring lots of opportunities to both her own creative practice and the wider Screen School community at LCC.
How did you first become interested in the field of games design?
I became interested in games design when I was designing a craft project and writing a short story. I decided that I wanted it to be in game-form instead of having to make the project physically every time.
Why did you decide to study the subject at degree level?
I want to become a professional games designer, and I was pleased to see that I didn’t need to have programming experience to study the course at LCC.
What are you interested in exploring through your creative practice?
I’m particularly interested in exploring games programming, animation and games art. I want to learn how games and games designers can adapt and contribute into any sector in the career world.
How did you first find out about the Grads in Games Student Ambassador programme, and why did you decide to get involved?
I first found out about the programme through an email sent by my course tutor, Thom Kaczmarek.
I decided to take part because I love promoting the works of different creatives. This opportunity will enable me to fulfil that, and will also help me to research gaming worlds and communities.
What was the application process like?
It was easy - the criteria to become a Grads in Games Student Ambassador was clear, and it provided me with more information about the role. I just had to fill in a form to submit my interest in joining the programme.
What kinds of activities will you be taking part in through your role as Student Ambassador?
I’ll be doing a range of different things:
- Sharing gaming events and information around gaming jobs
- Improving the links between the games industry and education
- Educating young people on how to access the games industry by refining their employability
- Providing opportunities for young people to develop and present their skills to games industry professionals
- Promoting a diverse range of young people as exceptional and essential future employees for games studios
- Supporting the growth and success of the games industry
- Creating original gaming content
- Helping to bring games careers events and guest speakers to LCC
- Connecting students with advice on how to move into the games industry after graduation.
What are you most looking forward to about your new role?
I’m excited to interact with fellow gamers, take an active part in different gaming events and gaming activities, and create original gaming content.
My Mind's Eye | Anino Agunjobi
What have you most enjoyed about your time at LCC so far?
The welcoming nature of staff ranging from the reception to the classroom.
I also like the tidy environment and, most of all, the great vibes of our course lecturers.
What would be your top tips for other students who might be interested in studying for a degree in games design?
I’d say that there’s a learning curve, and when you get pass the learning curve, everything becomes easy.
Don’t be afraid to share your ideas, play with designing and programming software, and ask questions.
Most importantly, write down your ideas and try to sketch them out.
Related links:
- Find out more about Grads in Games and their Student Ambassador programme.
- Explore BA (Hons) Games Design at LCC.
- Learn more about our Screen School.
