Empress Avenue had the pleasure of chatting with Ashley Scott from Women in Games Vancouver (WIGeh), a group that is crazed about the games industry. WIGeh champion professional development, career growth opportunities, networking, mentoring and education opportunities within the games community in Canada. Read more to get the inside scoop on how Ashley became involved with the high-profile organization and landed herself a fabulous job in the game industry.
1. Tell us about yourself, your career or business. – I’ve been working in the Social Gaming Industry for 4 + years and I absolutely love every minute of it! Right off the bat I craved a marketing career in the entertainment industry, so I started with a degree at BCIT and later transferred to a BA in Professional Communications at Royal Roads University. I have worked with various gaming studios in Vancouver, B.C. providing copy, in-game scripting, marketing and social media strategies with a focus on user-developer relationships. My most recent project is a not-for-profit organization called Women in Games Vancouver (WIGeh). I am very fortunate to be a member of this group alongside a few other hard-working, dedicated individuals. We are passionate about the gaming industry in Vancouver and our main focus is to bridge the gender gap that unfortunately this field reflects. We champion professional development, career growth opportunities, networking, mentoring and educational opportunities for women in Vancouver.
2. Describe your most recent business success and tell us about your next big goal! – WIGeh recently hosted an extraordinary panel at EA Burnaby focused on the Video Game Industry’s efforts to incorporate a new and thriving audience in future gaming projects: women & children. The panel was a huge success with an all-star group of industry veterans as participants. The whole WIGeh group was extremely proud of the results and feedback we received from this latest event. It was a huge success!
3. Give us the ‘inside scoop’ – what does a day in your business life look like?- A day in the life of my business does not look like a typical 9am-5pm operation. My studio’s targeted demographic is international and consumers who are always online playing our games! I break my work into blocks of time throughout the day (including many evenings and weekends) to engage and provide support to our audience across the globe through social media marketing campaigns.
4. What types of customers are in your business ‘pink book’ and who are you looking to connect with?- At the moment my studio’s target demographic is primarily a female audience between 35-65 yrs. However, I am always looking to connect with women and men currently involved (or wanting to get involved) in the technology industry personally and professionally.
5. If you were not doing this job, what is your plan B? Are you still chasing your dream job?- I am very fortunate to be currently active in my Plan A! If I had it my way however, I would be more of a Marketing Consultant involved with numerous gaming studios in town, instead of just one. That’s the entrepreneur in me talking.
6. Do you think it’s important to love what you do, or make good money?- I think the initial desire is to make good money, but one eventually comes to realize that it is truly important to love what you do as this is what you spend your time doing!
7. Is owning your own business as glamorous as it sounds?- While owning your own business definitely comes with its set of perks, it is a lot of work. You must be organized, a leader and constantly on top of things. At the same time, you need to have the ability to adapt and change while remaining successful and positive about your mission. It’s a tough gig…but so worth it!
8. Where did you get your education? – I began at BCIT in Burnaby doing a 2 year Diploma in Broadcasting and Media Communications. It was a really unique experience as BCIT is all about hands-on opportunities and real-life situations. I had a lot of fun (at that school) and it counted towards half of my Bachelor’s Degree so I took off to Victoria to complete a BA in Professional Communications after 2 more years! I truly believe that education is worth the time and money and I am excited to be going back to do my Masters in Marketing and Communications at Royal Roads this year.
9. What celebrity do you look at for style inspiration and why?- I’ve always taken a liking to the soft elegance that Reese Witherspoon projects. She sports a glamorized, business casual look and does classy with ease. I love her soft features and the colors of her ensembles. She holds the torch in creating functional outfits, with style.
10. What are your favourite stores to shop at for the perfect work wardrobe?- I love vintage shopping, it allows you to get creative and promotes originality in the workplace. Otherwise I stick to trendy shops in the area such as Bebe, H&M & numerous Gastown boutiques to perk up my work attire. I also love to see bright colors in traditional office styles.
11. What is your favourite travel hot spot?- I’m in love with the Caymen Islands right now. There are plenty of Canadians hanging around those sunny parts, but basically put me anywhere tropical and I’m golden.
12. What business book would you recommend for the Empress Avenue book club?- Oh wow! Just one? I’ve found The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People to hold a high value in my career so far, and it holds up like no other. These are skills you can take with you through any walk of life, including career.
13. Can you offer any advice for new graduates looking for a job or for new entrepreneurs? – Networking is key! It keeps you fresh and connected. One thing that most budding entrepreneurs don’t know is that it really is about who you know and how you connect yourself. Everything else follows suit. Also, stick with it. You’ll get there if you want it bad enough.
Contact Ashley Scott, Women in Games Vancouver
Corporate Headquarters: Downtown Vancouver
Website: www.womeningamesvancouver.com
Blog: www.womeningamesvancouver.com
Twitter: @womeningamesvan @gameher
Facebook: Women in Games Vancouver
Email address: ashley@womeningamesvancouver.com
