The iGaming industry is one of the fastest-growing industries on the planet.
As the field grows, there are so many career possibilities in this space, from tech to customer support, and marketing to data analysis. But how many years of experience are you obligated to have in this industry? Let’s see what they look for and how you can apply your background to these positions.
Entry Level Jobs
If you are a new recruit, the good news is that not many entry-level jobs in the iGaming space require experience. Job titles like customer service representatives, content writers, junior marketing aides, and similar roles expect some fundamental skills and the ability to learn.
It helps if candidates come with customer service experience or content experience. A customer support agent, for example, should be fluent in communication and a multitasker. On the other hand, a first-year content writer or social media manager will need to be good at writing and know what digital channels are.
What’s important for these jobs is a love for gaming or tech and the ability to thrive in an ultra-dynamic environment. The majority of companies have training programmes in place for them, so if you’re looking to break into the field but don’t have experience, these entry-level positions are a good place to start.
Mid-level Jobs
After getting some general industry experience, mid-level jobs are the next level. There are professions such as account managers, affiliate marketers, and project coordinators that often require some combination of experience and niche knowledge. Usually, you need two to four years of experience, either in a related area or directly in the field.
An affiliate marketer, for instance, will be familiar with Internet marketing tactics, lead generation, and statistics. Having previous experience in digital marketing or partnership work is a great help.
In the same manner, project managers must be experienced in project management processes and know how to work on time and within budget restraints. They may also have to have had some experience in a creative field to come up with innovative and exciting bonuses that match the target audience.
Most of the bonuses you see on askgamblers.com/online-casinos/countries/in/bonus—a trusted iGaming review platform in India that ranks and rates casinos, going over every aspect, including bonuses—aren’t just random afterthoughts, they are created by inspired individuals and teams that know exactly what they are doing.
Work experience in a similar industry, like fintech or even general marketing, can also be good for these positions if you’ve got a good foundation of gaming market knowledge.
Technical Positions
There are some exceptions with technical positions, such as software developers, data analysts, or cybersecurity specialists. A junior developer might require only a few years of programming experience, and need to be conversant with a particular programming language, such as Python, Java, or C#. However, a higher technical position typically needs over five years’ experience, and can also need expertise in game engines, blockchain, or data modelling.
Data analysts, for example, are a key part of optimising gaming algorithms and UI in both startups and large companies. They also need good analytic ability, to have had exposure to data visualisation, and statistics skills. On the cybersecurity front, threat detection/prevention expertise, compliance awareness, and certifications such as CISSP or CEH can differentiate you in the hiring world.
Design and Creative Functions
Design/creative jobs like game designers, UX/UI designers, graphic artists, etc. also have different requirements. A few years in graphic design, or a job as a junior at a creative agency, will do. It’s also usually expected that you will be able to show portfolios of past work and three to four years of experience in game design or interactive media if you are looking for higher-level design roles, especially for game mechanics and user experience.
Designers and artists should know the principles of design, like colour theory, animation, and narrative play. Experientiality with design packages like Adobe Creative Suite or 3D models like Blender or Unity, for instance, is usually a requirement. These are creative jobs that are extremely competitive, and you will need a robust portfolio showing your previous work.
Managers & Executives
When you’re applying for management roles—marketing directors, product managers, senior operations leaders—industry experience is a given. Typically, these positions require seven to ten years of experience or a related discipline, plus leadership experience.
Product managers should be experts in both technical aspects, business, and the field itself. This can mean having worked with developers, designers, and marketers to get a gaming product to market. Likewise, marketing directors should have deep digital marketing, SEO, brand strategy, and cross-channel marketing expertise to devise successful marketing campaigns that reach the world.
Does Formal Education Matter?
Computer science degrees, business degrees, or degrees in digital media are nice to have, but not always necessary. Competency, flexibility, and practical experience count in this industry. A lot of talented people in this industry came out of different industries and used their love for games and hands-on experience to land rewarding work.
However, that’s not to say that a degree won’t help you land a better job much quicker. For best results, having a degree as well as some kind of experience in a relevant field will almost guarantee a high-paying job at a respected company.
This isn’t the case in most industries, but with the field growing as quickly as it is, companies are expanding at a rapid rate and constantly hiring new people.
Conclusion
Depending on the position you want to work in, experience in the iGaming industry is quite variable. Entry-level positions are less stringent and usually go for the fresh-faced eager-to-learn types, but technical and managerial positions require more specialisation and more years of experience.
The ever-changing market means that no matter what your starting point, there is always room for expansion. If you’ve got industry knowledge, fire, and flexibility, it’s never been easier to enter this space and grow within it.