Case Study - EA academy
The EA Academy is a graduate placement scheme aimed at attracting the best talent to Electronic Arts, the leading independent developer and publisher of computer games software.
Based at EA's development studios in Surrey and Cheshire, the placements last six months and provide successful applicants with training, personal development, and mentoring.
90% of the graduates have gone on to achieve permanent roles with the company following their placement time. Graduates work directly within a live game team from day one of their placements and need a high level of skills.
'Sometimes the other members of the team don't even know they are on a graduate placement. They are expected to pull their weight' says Jenny Brown, EA's University Relations Manager.
'Selection is key. Our aim is to develop a European talent pool that will go on to be the best in the industry.'
Originally a gap year programme for students, the placement scheme has been refined over time and the company is now targeting graduates - and often post-graduates - in specific areas.
'There are so many courses now in games design and programming, but many of these are general and don't develop the depth of skills EA is looking for, such as high level physics and 3D maths' says Jenny Brown.
'Such applicants might do well in smaller companies, but EA is a different proposition. The roles are much more deeply defined within teams - especially with the next generation of consoles - so we need specialists. A passion for games is an absolute must, but broad skillsets are not enough.'
Many of the art graduates currently come from French schools, Gobelins and Supinfocom, where the art studied has been very relevant to EA's needs. 'The French traditionally invest more in art. It's also more socially acceptable to study and make money from art as a profession and a cool thing to do,' says Jenny Brown.
'In the UK graduates are often taught how to use 3D packages, sometimes without the foundation of classical art skills and raw talent needed to manipulate facial expressions, understand musculature or create a deep texture, for example. EA can train the packages, but they must have core drawing skills.'
EA is now developing closer links with specific universities where they know that students are acquiring the right skills.
These include Cambridge, York, Sheffield, Imperial College, UCL, Manchester, Surrey and Bournemouth. Lecturers are invited to seminars at EA to help them develop their courses in line with industry needs and the company will consider investing in courses, as already happens in North America.
'We're strengthening the relationships' says Jenny Brown. 'We also go out and talk to students; they are often keen to find out what elements of their courses are relevant to the work they want to do. It's about steering people in the right direction so they can hit the ground running.'
The graduates receive formal training in IT, arts and graphics. There is also a lecture programme, which includes speakers from industries such as film and TV, as well as professionals from other studios and classic peer mentoring.
The graduates can also access courses from the EA University, the company's internal training programme. Graduates apply from all over the world and there is a careful selection process. Applicants must stand out.
'A trainee might hold a team back a little to begin with, but the development managers now view it as a benefit having a graduate on the team because they quickly grow to assume responsibility; they are enthusiastic, flexible and bring a fresh set of ideas into the mix' says Jenny Brown.
'But we must have quality graduates who will quickly shine within their field, not become a burden to their colleagues. If someone struggles it can be difficult for everyone, so spotting awesome talent and potential within individuals is vital. It's also important to make sure there is enough maturity in the team before bringing in juniors. They excel faster if they apprentice our most talented professionals.'
The trainees have a mentor within their own team and a champion in another. They are encouraged to mix with the rest of the workforce. 'They might be high achievers, but we are keen to employ team players who can be visible and integrate themselves into the team environments, and that sort of thing is hard to test in an interview. They need to be able to communicate not just well, but multi-functionally' says Jenny Brown.
'For people used to working alone or being solitary this can be difficult and they are the ones who might not succeed. They have to raise their own profile.'
'Once accepted, it's an unparalleled opportunity to develop their skills alongside the best in the industry and excel. It's a growing industry; when a game completes, the graduates can gain different experiences and be integrated into another game team. EA provides the stability and diversity that other smaller companies simply can't.'
'There is no set start date. It's a very flexible working environment and applicants must understand that. When a requirement comes up relevant candidates are invited in for interview,' explains Jenny Brown.
'Once on board, they receive a proper salary package, with full benefits from the start. It's the first step into their career within Electronic Arts, rather than a freelance contract. Once we train our graduates, we don't want to lose them to our competition. If we invest 6 months in them we want to keep them.'
For more information: www.europe.ea.com
