Gaming
Source: https://careeradvancement.uchicago.edu/careers-in/gaming/ Parent: https://careeradvancement.uchicago.edu/
Gaming
Careers in Gaming prepares students for successful careers in game design, UX/UI research, programming, writing, production, and so much more. The program welcomes students of all majors and class years. Careers in Gaming works closely with the University’s Media, Arts, and Design major to prepare students for meaningful employment and graduate school opportunities. Students benefit from the University’s resources and faculty expertise in game design, creative computing, electronic music, machine learning, and much more.
Resources to Get Started
Gaming Industry Guide
Get Personalized Advising
Careers in Gaming provides personalized advising for anyone looking to explore career paths, identify summer opportunities, and prepare resumes, cover letters and portfolios. Students can online through UChicago Handshake.
Gain Hands-On Experience
UChicago’s Jeff Metcalf Internship Program provides 4,500 paid, substantive internships to students each year across a variety of career fields. Careers in Gaming works closely with employers ranging from early-stage startups to multinational gaming giants to create gaming Metcalf internships for students.
Career Treks
Treks give students an opportunity to meet potential employers in cities throughout the U.S. and around the world. Careers in Gaming organizes career treks in major gaming hubs, including an annual entertainment industry trek to Los Angeles and local treks to studios around the Chicago area.Recent treks have taken students to leading organizations including Nexon, Naughty Dog, MobilityWare, Roblox, Iron Galaxy Studios, and more!
2026 UChicago Game Jam
January 16-18, 2026\ Game Jam Showcase January 26, 2026
prepares students for successful careers in game design, UX/UI research, programming, writing, production, and so much more. A partnership between the UChicago Game Design RSO and Career Advancement, the Game Jam gives participating students an opportunity to create their own original digital games. Participants can sign up to work solo or with a group. Students can also request to be matched with other participants seeking teammates. The winners will be announced at the showcase where participants will be able to network with industry professionals.
Employers and Alumni
Our gaming program could not succeed without the support of alumni and experienced professionals. If you are an employer or gaming professional, consider getting involved in the following ways: taking part in career exploration events or treks, hosting an intern, and donating to the program. If you are interested in any of these options or have ideas of your own, please contact Joey Velez at jvelez09@uchicago.edu.
Leveraging Your Experience for Success
There is a wide range of careers in the gaming industry that you can pursue. While there are more “traditional” roles that necessitate a background in programming or digital design, gaming employers are also seeking employees with a variety of skill sets. Here are some examples of roles:
- Quality Assurance
- Game Programming
- IT Cloud Engineering
- Animation
- Graphics Engineering
- Sound Design
- Systems Design
- Technical Art
- UX Design
- UX Research
- Production
- Digital Marketing
- Retail Marketing
- Sales
- Game Reviewing
- Gameplay Writing
- Narrative Design
- Visual Effects
- Localisation
- Communications Management
- Game Analytics
- Game Test Analytics
- UI Design
- Corporate Legal Counsel
- Game Testing
- Advertising
- Supply Chain Management
- Customs Compliance
- Account Management
- ...and much more!
Learn More & Contact
To learn more about the program, please contact Joey Velez at jvelez09@uchicago.edu.