The Booming World of Esports Careers

The esports industry has a global audience expected to reach 495 million in 2023 and revenue surpassing $1 billion. This surge has created many career opportunities, expanding beyond professional gaming to encompass a wide range of professions.

But the esports industry is not just about the players and the games; there is a whole world of exciting careers waiting to be explored. If you're passionate about gaming and looking for a career that combines your love for esports with your professional aspirations, then you're in the right place. In this blog post, we will dive into many career opportunities available in the world of esports.

Diverse Careers in Esports and Related Fields

Esports encompasses various domains, from traditional roles such as marketing, HR, and finance to industry-specific positions like shoutcasters, coaches, event coordinators, and, you guessed it, professional players. It also includes surprising career options like beauticians and physical therapists, catering to the unique needs of professional players and teams. Think of it this way: a football team isn't solely composed of players, and a pharmaceutical company doesn't exclusively collaborate with chemical engineers and pharmacists. The esports industry presents a multitude of opportunities.

Esports Career Pathways and Opportunities

Esports encompasses various domains:

• Finance and Accounting: These experts manage the finances to support the organization's growth.

• Sales and Partnerships: Work on acquiring sponsorships, partnerships, and sales opportunities, contributing to the financial growth of esports organizations and events.

• Product Manager: Oversee the development and lifecycle of esports-related products, ensuring that they meet the needs of the market and audience.

• Agent: Represent professional players or teams, handling contracts, sponsorships, and other business-related aspects.

• Legal Services: They handle contracts, intellectual property, and other legal aspects of esports.

• Graphic Designer: Create visual content such as logos, banners, and promotional materials for esports teams, events, and organizations.

• Marketing and Public Relations: Esports organizations require skilled marketers to promote their brand and engage with fans.

• Human Resources: HR professionals are crucial in team dynamics and ensuring player well-being.

• Game Designers and Developers: They create and develop the games that are at the core of the esports industry. Behind every popular esports game, there is a team of talented developers and designers who work tirelessly to create immersive and competitive gaming experiences.

• Physical Therapists and Trainers: These individuals help players maintain peak physical condition.

• Nutritionists: They ensure players follow a healthy diet to perform their best.

• Psychologists: Mental health professionals help players cope with the pressures of competitive gaming.

• Lawyers and Legal Advisors: These experts manage contracts and legal matters for players and organizations.

• Esports Management: The esports industry requires skilled professionals to manage teams, organizations, and events. Esports managers oversee operations, handle contracts, and ensure the success of their teams or organizations.

• Community Managers: Community managers play a critical role in bridging the gap between players, teams, and organizations. They engage with fans, answer questions, and create a welcoming and inclusive community for all esports enthusiasts.

How Esports Overlaps with CTE Pathways

That’s right! Esports overlaps with many CTE pathways, particularly the Arts, Entertainment, & Design Career Cluster and Digital Technology Cluster, thanks to the content and skills emphasized in related esports curriculums. A comprehensive esports curriculum prepares students for high-demand careers by integrating several clusters:

1. Design and Digital Arts

   
   Careers in this cluster focus on creating visually engaging digital content such as animation, graphic design, augmented reality, and web design. Students develop artistic and technical skills for careers in:

   
   

   • Digital Animation

   • Graphic Arts

   • Fashion & Interior Design

     
     

2. Lighting and Sound Technology

   
   This cluster focuses on sound engineering and lighting design, critical for projects in film, music, and immersive experiences. Professionals in this field craft engaging atmospheres that elevate artistic projects, including:

   
   

   • Audio & Visual Technology

   • Lighting Design

   • Sound Engineering

     
     

3. Media Production and Broadcasting

   
   This pathway introduces students to careers in broadcasting, filmmaking, and journalism, helping them master skills like storytelling and technical production. Examples include:

   
   

   • Broadcasting Technology

   • Video Production

   • Journalism

     
     

4. Performing Arts

   
   Esports also integrates performing arts with stage design and management, enabling students to explore creative and technical roles like:

   • Performing Arts

   • Stage Design & Management

     
     

5. IT and Cybersecurity

   
   Falling under the Digital Technology Cluster, this pathway equips students with critical IT and cybersecurity skills, such as network administration and ethical hacking. Careers include:

   
   

   • Cybersecurity Analysts

   • Network Administrators

   • IT Support Specialists

Kickstarting Esports Careers in Schools

Shaping young minds and aiding them on their path from passion to profession can begin within schools. By integrating esports into the high school or middle school curriculum, educational institutions can initiate students' journeys. This not only benefits students by improving their academic performance and engagement but also allows them to nurture their communication skills, 21st-century competencies, tech-savviness, teamwork capabilities, adaptability in a fast-paced environment, and a deep understanding of esports culture. 

How Schools Can Support Esports Careers

1. Start with an Esports Club: Clubs provide a low-barrier entry point, fostering interest and teamwork.

2. Implement Esports Curriculums: Tailor lessons to teach transferable skills like communication, strategy, and digital literacy.

3. Leverage Grants and Funds: Use available funding opportunities to offset costs and expand esports programs.

By offering a structured approach to esports, schools can inspire students to see gaming as more than a hobby.

Moreover, you can explore professional development options to learn more about utilizing esports and video games in classroom.

Conclusion: Esports Industry Offers Many Career Opportunities Beyond Professional Gaming

In conclusion, the esports industry offers many career opportunities beyond professional gaming. Whether your passion lies in gaming or you bring expertise from other fields, there's a place for you in esports. By aligning esports with CTE pathways, schools can transform students' passions into meaningful career opportunities in design, media, technology, and beyond.

If you are curious about jobs in the esports sector, you can browse hitmarker to get an idea about what each position entails.

Listen from a brilliant professional esports player who kickstarted her journey with Gameplan.  Schedule a call to learn more about how you can leverage esports education in your school.