Abi’s skyhook experience!

This week, we welcomed Abi to the skyhook studio this week for her work experience placement! On her final day, we sat with her to find out how she enjoyed her time here!

“During my work experience from March 19th to March 22nd, there were many aspects that I enjoyed. At first it was a little scary, but then I joined the QA team to see what their work involves and I very quickly settled in. I felt like I was treated as an equal, and not as a student who would only be there for a small time. This was the same throughout the people I shadowed. They created an enjoyable, stress-free atmosphere. It was so peaceful the entire time, which was helpful to me as it meant as there was nothing for me to worry about.

I have found my time here to be highly informative and useful. Throughout the 4 days, I learned about many distinct aspects that go towards the gaming industry. It was great to see how people build on ideas and projects they are given. I loved watching projects being made and experiencing diverse ways people work together.

I enjoyed my time here as a whole, however there were certain things I enjoyed more. One of these things is being able to talk to more likeminded people. I was able to have general conversations about things I liked, and I felt accepted and listened to. The people around me even joining in on the conversation and having a laugh with me. I also enjoyed being able to get used to the environment and having my own project to get on with, it was fun and a good insight to what working in a place like this would be like.

On my first day, I was given the opportunity to play Lawn Mowing Simulator VR. It was amazing to be able to see what their work looks like when it is fully completed. The team work so hard together and it is great to feel what it is like to be accepted into such an incredible community.

My time here has helped me to discover what kind of area I would like to involve myself in. Umaya taught me the basics of game design and gave me some useful advice. As I study Computer Science in high school and plan to continue to study it, I would love to go into the programming or game design aspect of the industry. Umaya’s advice was incredibly useful for helping me to understand more about what game design involves. Sitting with people like Dan, Liam and Adam have helped me to understand more on 3D modelling and a small bit on animation.

Any questions I asked were always answered to a high level and in a great detail. They always answered with a smile, and I was never afraid to ask any question, big or small. They made me feel safe to get involved anywhere I could, and it was great to get a feel for a day in this industry. My work experience placement here has opened many opportunities, and has given me an idea of different ways to get into the games industry. As well as some advice on what the best ways are. I will use this information as I go through my school years, preparing for a work environment such as this.

Certain parts of this learning experience were much more enjoyable than others, such as watching Liam animate buttons in a train to seeing how initial game designing is done and their approach to it. No matter where I was, I felt like everyone was inviting and friendly towards me. I was given many opportunities to try things out for myself which helped me learn more about what I was being taught. I also felt like any time I asked a question, the person I was with would always make sure they show me a visual side of it and answer as clearly as possible.”

Summary:

“I entered thinking I would just be shadowing people; however, it was not at all like that. It was extremely informative with lots of activities for me to complete individually without having to get someone else to watch. There was a  lovely environment every day, I would walk in, be greeted with smiles, sit down and get on with what I was doing. I absolutely loved it here and wish I could stay for longer. Everyone was incredibly friendly towards me, always making sure that I was comfortable. I hope to come back on work experience in the future or get a job in a similar place. I am so glad that I was accepted and I’m so grateful for the time I’ve had.”

Abi had the chance to take a look at multiple projects the Skyhook team have worked on, such as Lawn Mowing Simulator, Train Sim World & so on. If you’d like to take a peek at what we have crafted, our Art Services page would be a good place to start!