On Tuesday, February 14th, 2017, I was granted the wonderful opportunity to go on a Technology and Gaming Company Tour organized by Beedie’s Career Management Center (CMC) where we visited Qlik, Mobify, and Electronic Arts. Having that first-hand glimpse into the industry that I hope to work in when I finish school, was invaluable. Even more so, however, was the emphasis of the tour surrounding the different possibilities available in the tech world, regardless of how limited or expansive our technical knowhow, seeing as we were a group of business students. This was a profound reminder, that regardless of your educational background or work experience, to never limit yourself from the vast and diverse opportunities out there; always remember to expand your horizons as your passion and drive to succeed in whatever field, will always shine through.
Qlik
Qlik, a global company that provides intuitive and easy-to-use analytic platforms that helps users understand the story behind their data, was the first stop on the company tour. My nerves were high, but once we were welcomed in at the Qlik offices downtown, the nerves quickly subsided. The team that met with us at Qlik was composed of a great group of energetic professionals, each providing us with lots of information about their product and the tech industry in general. The amount of versatility on their team and their diverse backgrounds, from engineers to pianists, emphasized the possibilities that we, as students, have to find our passion beyond the majors we feel defined by. As individuals, we all have a unique value that we can bring to any company regardless of the industry.
Mobify
Next, we ventured off to Mobify, a company that offers mobile customer engagement platforms to create shopping experiences across every mobile touchpoint. During the panel discussion at Mobify, we met professionals from a variety of different roles, from project managers to Human Resources (HR) personnel within the company which really allowed for a more holistic view of the organization. Like Qlik, the project managers highlighted the possibilities of working at Mobify without having an extensive technical background and know-how. Companies like these offer an exciting and fun atmosphere filled with diversity and require different talents and qualifications beyond that of technical professionals.
Electronic Arts
We then boarded a chartered bus to our third tour of the day and my highlight, Electronic Arts (EA). EA is a leader in the interactive world, publishing prominent games for Consoles, PCs, and Mobiles. The office we visited was not an office, it was a community. It was an overall positive atmosphere filled with people who – you could tell – were passionate about their jobs and their company.
We were met by the company’s University Relations Business Partner with two of EA’s current Beedie Co-op students, who gave us their first-hand experience of working at EA: one as a Business Analyst and the other as an HR Assistant. The students emphasized the learning environment fostered by EA and the company’s willingness to teach students what they need to know in order to succeed, be it technical skills or any other knowledge they may require.
As the day ended, my excitement had not. In the morning, I was excited to go see the companies, but I was unaware of the drive that it would instill in me by the end of the third tour. I left the day with an eagerness to work harder in school and a desire to pursue my dreams. The Technology and Gaming industries do provide a great number of opportunities even if you don’t have a technical background. Don’t forget to explore the world outside of your degree, you might find your passion there.
“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.”
– Andre Gide
Cassie Betman is a third-year BBA Honours Candidate concentrating in Accounting and Finance, while also pursuing a Minor in Statistics and her ASA designation with the Society of Actuaries. She is passionate about giving back and works with a variety of different organizations that act both locally and internationally including Elephanatics, Canadian Cancer Society, Rotary, Burnaby Family Life as well as with SFU’s Student Ambassador Program. Keeping busy, Cassie still enjoys getting out and hiking, appreciating all the beauty that surrounds us. Please feel free to contact and link up with Cassie by email or Linkedin.