How many graduate trainees does EA take on a year?

EA’s UK Development Studios hired 55 permanent graduates in 2005 and we are hoping to increase that in 2006. This year, we also invested in ten summer internships for high performing students, who will return to university for their final year. Top class graduates are considered for every job opening that comes up within our development teams.

How does the trainee scheme work?

Candidates can apply for a place on the graduate scheme up to a year after they complete their tertiary education. Once hired, they will immediately work as part of the game development teams. All successful graduates operate within a solid support network, involving a Development Manager who oversees their workload, a Mentor who shows them the ropes, tailored training from “EA University” – our in-house training department – and a junior “buddy” who they can lean on for support. The University Relations Manager is always on hand to help with logistics and ensure that they are able to make the most of the opportunities provided to them.

Do you guarantee trainees a job at the end of the scheme?

We are committed to investing in the careers of our people, so once our graduates pass the 3 month probation period successfully, they are hired on a permanent basis.

What academic qualifications do you need?

Aside from a keen interest in all areas of entertainment genres, games developers need to be specialists and have a strong academic capacity in order to design industry leading next generation software.

For programmers for example, a degree in traditional Computer Science or Maths and Physics coupled with an MSc in Games Technology is the route we most highly recommend. Of course, a genuine interest in making games will stand out positively; we love seeing game demos candidates have created and look for the passion they’ve put into it and whether they’re fun to play.

For a position as a concept artist, animator or modeller, graduates need to have an outstanding and varied portfolio above all else. We find that degrees in art rather than games seem to provide candidates with better traditional art skills.

Candidates on the programming side need to fulfil high academic standards but we will also assess which specific area of programming in which they excel.

How does the application process work for graduate trainees and how competitive is it?

Candidates are up against graduates from all over Europe, so it is highly competitive. You can view all the roles for which we are currently hiring at www.jobs.ea.com and can also upload your details to be alerted when a relevant role becomes available.

What sort of questions can I expect at interview as a candidate?

On the programming side, we test C, C++, C# and 3D Maths skills, but at the graduate level, we are as interested in candidates’ capacity to process new ideas and utilise their computing knowledge, as we are in their ability to retain information.

We need team players who aren’t afraid to offer opinions and who will have a constant desire to improve and innovate. We also assess graduates’ knowledge about the platforms for which they will be programming.

On the art side, it’s all about talent, so make sure you bring an impressive portfolio. What happens at the full assessment day?
We don’t currently run assessment days.

Is there anything else people interested in working in games development should know?

Set up a personal website. This is by far the most effective way to present yourself professionally (if kept updated). Use it to display your projects, game demos or portfolio. It can give you the competitive edge over others as it’s easy and quick to share with a number of hiring managers at different game teams simultaneously.