Careers in Esports

Careers in Esports

by The United States Academic Esports League (USAEL)
CareersVideo Games
Season 2
Meet a Video Game Artist
Exploring the Video Game Artist Career Pathways in Esports with Cullen Swenson | Careers in Esports In this episode, Rich and Peter from the USAEL sit down with Cullen Swenson, a talented 2D/3D Character and Concept Artist and the creative force behind cullenswenson.com. Cullen shares his artistic journey through the esports, gaming, and education landscape, breaking down what it's like to bring characters and worlds to life across both digital and physical media. From navigating the freelance world to collaborating with game studios, Cullen offers an inside look at the creative processes and career pathways available to artists in the esports and gaming industries. If you're passionate about visual storytelling, character design, or breaking into the art side of gaming, this conversation is packed with valuable advice on building a portfolio, finding your niche, and staying inspired in a competitive field. Tune in to explore how creativity powers the esports industry — and what it takes to turn your artistic vision into a thriving career.
S2 · E6
Jul 2, 2025
43:12
LIVE at BOOST: Meet the Director of Expanded Learning from Pomona USD, Alan Pantanini
LIVE from BOOST: Mastery Coding's CEO, Alan Sitomer, Interviews Director of Expanded Learning from Pomona USD, Alan Pantanini. In this special LIVE edition of the Careers in Esports podcast, recorded at the BOOST conference in Palm Springs, Alan Pantanini shares how his district is pioneering esports as a powerful tool for engagement, inclusion, and future-ready skill-building, both in and beyond the classroom. From launching districtwide initiatives to supporting students with real-world career pathways, this episode offers a unique look at how K–12 education is embracing gaming culture in meaningful, transformative ways. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or esports enthusiast, this conversation delivers real insights into how schools can harness the potential of esports to connect with students and drive academic and personal growth. Tune in to hear how esports is reshaping education — and how leaders like Pantanini are paving the way for a new kind of digital learning experience.
S2 · E5
Jun 4, 2025
42:25
Meet an Esports Chief Executive Officer! Featuring Philip Macartney, CEO and Founder of Loadscreen.gg
Building a Global Esports Media Brand with Philip Macartney | Careers in Esports In this episode, Rich and Peter from the USAEL sit down with Philip Macartney, CEO and Founder of Loadscreen.gg — a global media agency specializing in broadcast production, talent management, and influencer marketing within the esports space. Philip shares his journey through the esports industry, from leading business and marketing efforts at Elo Hell Esports, to serving as Sr. Commercial Manager at The Esports Awards, and founding Enclave Gaming. Now at the helm of Loadscreen, Philip offers a deep dive into what it takes to build a values-driven media company focused on transparency, integrity, and creative collaboration. If you're curious about the business side of esports — from event production to influencer strategy — this conversation is packed with valuable insights into the inner workings of the industry. Tune in to learn how to navigate a career at the intersection of esports, media, and entrepreneurship — and what it takes to build a brand that truly listens to and delivers for its partners.
S2 · E4
May 21, 2025
29:47
Meet an Esports Product Manager! Featuring Kevin He an Operations & Strategy Consultant and Product Manager
Exploring Product Management and Operations Career Pathways in Esports with Kevin He | Careers in Esports In this episode, Rich and Peter from the USAEL talk with Kevin He, an experienced Esports product manager, operations expert, and strategy leader. As a Strategy & Operations Consultant for Rally Cry and Frost Giant, as well as experience as a Product Manager at Blizzard, Kevin's work lies at the intersection of esports, product development, and business operations. Kevin reflects on his journey from founding Triton Gaming, UC San Diego's first all-inclusive gaming student organization to working at Blizzard Entertainment, first in publishing and later, product development. Whether you're a Blizzard fan or curious about potentially working as a game producer or product manager, this webinar offers a wealth of insights into the unique and exciting opportunities within the industry. Tune in to explore the intersection of education and esports and discover what it takes to build a successful product management career in the gaming world!
S2 · E3
Mar 6, 2025
53:14
Meet a Collegiate Esports Director! Featuring Ahman Green Director of Esports at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Exploring Collegiate and Coaching Career Pathways in Esports with Ahman Green | Careers in Esports In this episode, Rich and Peter from the USAEL talk with Ahman Green, an all-pro running back, podcast host, gamer, and educator. As the Director of Esports at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the host of Ahman Green’s Gamers Lounge, Ahman's work lies at the intersection of esports, education, and entertainment. Ahman reflects on his journey from the Pro Bowl to the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame to being an esports lecturer, host, commentator, and head coach of collegiate esports programs. Whether you're a Packers fan or just curious about coaching collegiate esports, this series offers a wealth of insights into the unique and exciting opportunities within the industry. Tune in to explore the intersection of education and esports and discover what it takes to build a successful coaching career in the gaming world!
S2 · E2
Feb 5, 2025
1:05:23
Meet an Esports Lawyer! Featuring Justin M. Jacobson Esq. from the Law Office Of Justin M. Jacobson, Esq.
Exploring Legal Careers in Esports with Justin M. Jacobson, Esq. | Careers in Esports Series 🎮 In this episode, Rich and Peter from the USAEL sit down with Justin M. Jacobson, Esq., an Entertainment, Sports, & Esports/Video Game Attorney, Professor, and Author of The Essential Guide to the Business & Law of Esports & Professional Video Gaming. As the President of the Law Office of Justin M. Jacobson, Esq., Justin shares his journey into the world of esports law, explaining how he helps individuals and businesses navigate contracts, intellectual property, and more. Whether you're a student aspiring to enter the gaming industry or an industry professional seeking inspiration, this series is sure to be a treasure trove of knowledge and insights.
S2 · E1
Jan 8, 2025
40:05
Season 1
Meet a STEM Learning Coach! Featuring Shad Lacefield from Fayette County Public Schools District
Exploring the Education Career Path with Shad Lacefield | Careers in Esports Series 🎮 Join us for an insightful conversation as Rich and Peter from the USAEL sit down with Shad Lacefield, STEM Learning Coach at Fayette County Public Schools. Shad facilitates engaging and real-world activities across more than 30 elementary schools in his district, utilizing a specialized STEM Bus. His outstanding contributions to education have been recognized through several prestigious awards, including being named a 2023 FCPS Equity Champion, the 2022 Kentucky Science Teachers Association Elementary Science Teacher of the Year, a 2020 Amplify Spotlight Science Teacher, and the 2020 Distinguished Service Award from the city of Lexington. Whether you're a student aspiring to enter the gaming industry or an industry professional seeking inspiration, this webinar is sure to be a treasure trove of knowledge and insights.
S1 · E11
Dec 11, 2024
42:04
Meet a Director of Esports! Featuring James Shilkret from Ubisoft
Exploring the Operations and Event Management Career Paths with James Shilkret | Careers in Esports Webinar 🎮 Join us for an insightful conversation as Rich and Peter from the USAEL sit down with James Shilkret, Director of Esports at Ubisoft. With over 20 years of experience in marketing, brand engagement, esports operations, and event management, James shares his journey and the experiences that led him to spearhead major esports initiatives at Ubisoft. He offers a deep dive into the skills and knowledge that have shaped his career, providing valuable guidance for aspiring esports professionals. Whether you're a student aspiring to enter the gaming industry or an industry professional seeking inspiration, this webinar is sure to be a treasure trove of knowledge and insights.
S1 · E10
Nov 27, 2024
49:50
Meet a VP of Product Innovation! Featuring Diana Hughes from Age of Learning
Exploring the Leadership and Game Design Career Paths with Diana Hughes | Careers in Esports Series 🎮 Join us for an insightful conversation as Rich and Peter from the USAEL sit down with Diana Hughes, VP of Product Innovation and AI at Age of Learning. With a wealth of experience in building educational games, Diana shares her journey from studying game design at USC to developing mixed-media digital experiences, starting at Age of Learning as a game designer and growing to the position of VP of Product Innovation and AI. Whether you're a student aspiring to enter the gaming industry or an industry professional seeking inspiration, this webinar is sure to be a treasure trove of knowledge and insights.
S1 · E9
Nov 13, 2024
58:42
Meet a Product Marketing Manager! Featuring Robert Oles from Kabam
Exploring the Esports Product Marketing Manager Career Path with Robert Oles | Careers in Esports Series 🎮 In this edition, we explore the Marketing career pathway with Robert Oles, a Product Marketing Manager at Kabam. Robert graduated from Carleton University, where he founded Carleton Esports and was a Tespa coordinator. Later, after working with various esports and gaming organizations, including EA, Robert began working with Kabam, a Canadian video game developer and publisher. The podcast is a must-listen for students and educators alike, providing a unique perspective on the expanding realm of esports careers far beyond the more conventional roles of players and coaches.
S1 · E8
Oct 30, 2024
37:01
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