Navigating Career Transitions: From Media Execution to the Gaming Industry

Embarking on a new career path can be both exciting and challenging. Recently, I found myself reflecting on my current role and contemplating a significant transition into the gaming industry—an area I am genuinely passionate about. I wanted to share my experiences and seek advice from those who have traveled a similar road.

My Current Role and Challenges

I am currently serving as a Media Executive at WPP, a position I have held for the past four months. While the opportunity appeared promising initially, the day-to-day reality has been somewhat different. My responsibilities mainly involve executing media plans for international clients, many of whom have already detailed their strategies and objectives. My team and I implement these plans, monitor performance, and generate reports—yet, we seldom engage in strategic discussions or have visibility into the actual business outcomes.

This setup leaves me uncertain about the true impact of my work. I find myself executing “safe” media campaigns that meet basic KPIs but lack the strategic depth and ownership that fuel professional growth and personal fulfillment. This has prompted me to reassess my career trajectory.

Previous Experience and Passion for Gaming

Prior to my current role, I spent two years at an outsourcing firm managing Snapchat advertising campaigns for small and medium-sized businesses. The focus there was primarily on driving immediate spending, with little emphasis on strategic planning or long-term engagement.

My passion for gaming has been a constant thread throughout my career, and I am eager to transition into this dynamic industry. While I haven’t pinpointed an exact role yet—be it strategy, partnerships, or business development—I am motivated to pursue work that genuinely excites me.

Steps Toward Transition

To showcase my interest and knowledge of the gaming market, I am considering building a small website dedicated to research and insights into gaming industry trends and consumer behaviors. I believe this could serve as a valuable portfolio to demonstrate my understanding and commitment to potential employers.

Seeking Advice

For professionals who have made a similar leap into gaming, I would greatly appreciate your insights on:

• Which roles should I target initially?
• What types of portfolios or skill sets helped you gain entry into the industry?
• Are there specific certifications, networking strategies, or communities I should leverage?

Any guidance or personal experiences would be incredibly helpful as I navigate this transition. Thank you all for your support!

P.S. I used ChatGPT to help refine this post—hope that’s okay!