We asked women at Eidos-Montréal to share with us great advice they were given and that shaped them, or advice they would like to give young women about to start in our industry.
Magali Sonnet-Debard – Associate Artistic Director
What the video games industry needs if for you to be yourself. With you own ideas and your own views. Do not try, at all costs, to be “one of the guys” because you will always start with a disadvantage and you will be judged based on your capacity to fit in. Always bring your true colors, and that’s how, together, we will make our industry evolve and grow our creative palette!
Karen Gomes – Performance Level Designer
We as women, are often pitted against each other. Lead to believe that our places are limited in this “men’s club,” that we need to fight each other, to protect our spot. It’s false. It is only by trusting and supporting our sisters in the industry, that our voices grow stronger. We do not advance by stepping on other women, but by making sure that everyone is rising together. There is power in numbers, and the more we grow together, the more we can create an inviting and safe place for the young women of tomorrow.
Bianca Lavric – Junior Technical Artist
It doesn’t matter where you start. Everyone starts somewhere. And to be honest, sometimes even your studies will not get you directly where you want to be. It can be hard. It can be frustrating. Sometimes you’ll need to start small, but once you’re in the industry, others will know you for your work ethic and you’ll find a space for yourself towards the job you want to have. Don’t get me wrong, studies are also important, but keep in mind that you can also learn things from the various teammates around you which are already working in the domain and are willing to share their knowledge with you. What matters is your passion and your will to learn and adapt!
There is no right or wrong path. You make your own path, regardless of where you start and regardless of where you want to arrive. Keep on making yourself known, keep on sharing your ideas, and constantly show your desire to do much more! Don’t keep your passion and skill to yourself. Share it with others. Let them know what you are capable of! This is how you make connections! And that extra time outside of work you put towards improving yourself is so worth it! Don’t let your fears keep you down… at least not for long! It is ok to feel fearful of the future, to feel uncertain of what will happen or what will come out of your efforts, but it is much more important to pick yourself up every time and keep on going.
It’s ok to not know where you’re going right away, and it is ok to explore and figure things out along the way. That vast and diverse experience and knowledge you’ve achieved will only make you that much more unique. One step at a time, even the smallest of things will lead to greatness. Keep on being awesome! Keep on reaching out to others, making connections and joining groups of people which want to improve themselves. And once you get there, please don’t suffer from impostor syndrome. You can do it! You are there! You have much more to offer than what you think you are worth!
Kaitlyn Staveley – Junior Animator
Being versatile can open a lot of doors for new opportunities. There are so many different jobs in the games industry; learning things outside of what you currently practice can lead you to positions that you may not have previously considered. It also expands your skillset!
Marie de-Leseleuc-de-Kerouara – Analytics and Data Science Manager
My very first piece of advice would be to fight against your own perceptions and the misconceptions that circulate about the industry. Among these, this tendency to think that anyone aspiring to work in the field of video games should be an engineer. Making a game and bringing it to market requires a great deal of expertise, much more diverse than one might think at first glance. In the field of data analytics and data science, the demand for good candidates is always growing, so don’t hesitate to apply.
My second advice would be to trust yourself. Which is easier said than done. I have often noticed that women do not dare to apply even if they have the necessary qualifications for fear of not being up to the task. They often question themselves, don’t dare to negotiate or are reluctant to ask for recognition at work. It is a complex problem that has to do with sociology, economics, and the image that society sends back to women. Finding a mentor or getting involved in various video game groups is often a good way to get constructive feedback and get a better sense of your personal worth.
My third tip would be to attend as many events as possible and meet as many people as you can in the industry. This is still the best way to make yourself known and to get to know people with whom you might later come to work with. It is sometimes difficult when you are more introverted by nature, but there are groups of all kinds for those who are passionate about the industry.
Gigi Ning – Finance & HR Manager
Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it, if you have a passion and are willing to work to develop the right skills you can find a place within the industry. Focus on building the right qualities within yourself, and don’t be afraid to fight for what you want. Ability will earn respect, prove that you deserve a place and nobody will be able to take that away from you.
Work is just like a game, you have goals to meet, and achievements to collect. Level up whenever possible and your success is guaranteed. Your passion is your “ultima weapon” with it, you can defeat any boss.
At the end, I would like to share a Chinese slang which I believe so: 不忘初心，方得始终（Never forget why you started, and you can accomplish your mission.
Nika Abedi – Data Scientist
There are a lot of spaces in the society for women to work in different fields of science and engineering.
No one will prevent you to fill these spaces but yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one will!
Embrace your struggles and turn them into a positive force.
We hope these words resonated with you, and that they will encourage you to find your own path.
If you want to join our talented women at Eidos-Montréal and help us be a company who listens and who takes action, here are our open positions: https://www.eidosmontreal.com/careers/
