Internship Search Is Over!

I just found an internship in Marketing for the Children's Game Group of video game developer THQ. First, for those of you snickering "Trevor and kids games - hahahaha", I ask you what is more fun: selling ATM software to bureaucratic banks or games to children. For those unaware THQ is a major producer of video games for all major platforms. It is a publicly traded company with over $1 Billion in revenues. THQ licenses the rights to Nickelodeon and Pixar properties to create video games for kids. Now that my search is over I will comment on my experiences in this process.

The MBA search can become very perplexing. You never know what an potential intern recruiter is looking for. Honestly, after getting my internship I can still say I don't know. There are students in my class who I am dumbfounded that they got great (sure that is subjective) internships and there are others that are struggling who, if had the power and opportunity, I would hire in a minute.

Throughout my search, I continuously tweaked my resume and cover letter trying to find that magic combination that would get through the initial filters of many HR specialists. I think I faced a "brand recognition" hurdle as I was from Canada and only had worked with small Canadian companies. I am convinced that in their first sweep, HR specialists do not look at accomplishments as much as name recognition of schools or employers. This hurts me as a person who has gone into some companies and made more significant impacts in four months, than some people have made in four years. By being filtered out early, I don't get to take advantage of my interviewing strengths as I am used to selling my abilities after four years of working for myself. It is one of those cases of how I wish the world should work vs. how it really works. So back to reality...

Thus understanding this cold fact of life, one of my major goals in this internship search was to work for a large company with some name recognition to get through those initial filters when I begin my full time job search. I was really lucky to somehow get through the filters and get the attention of a team of people at THQ! I interviewed for a marketing position with the Kids Video Game Team. The interview went well. I was able to avoid the traditional interview and move it to a conversation about the challenges the kids gaming area is facing. The whole experience was really positive where I felt that we were on the same page about many issues.

That same day I was contacted to arrange a second interview in person at the THQ head office in north L.A. A lunch was arranged with me and most of the kids marketing team. While I expected a bit more tough questions, they seemed more interest in talking about what we are doing that weekend. I really liked the team. They were very intelligent, yet very fun. They were people who, if I take advantage of the situation, I can learn a great deal.

The main drawback is that they are located in Agora Hills, north of L.A. This means either I must accept a 2 hour commute each way or subletting a room in the area. Anyone who knows my love of traffic will understand why I prefer the latter option. I figure it is only 3 months, it will allow me to completely focus on practicing my skills during the week, and I can come home on the weekends.

The decision came down to "Am I here to get the perfect internship" or "Am I here to move my career forward after my MBA". In those terms the decision was easy. Especially, if the only downside is location.

My internship shows the amazing opportunities that have arisen from this dramatic change in my life. Everyone who knows me, knows that I love games of any kind. A year ago, I would have never thought that I would or could be working for a video game developer!

Best of all, the search is over. This frees up a minimum of 3 hours per week of work dedicated to finding an internship allowing me to focus more on school work, extra-curricular activities, and maybe even Lindsey.