Career Spotlight: Belong Gaming Arenas

IN CAREER SPOTLIGHT, WE PROFILE WOMEN AND FEMME-IDENTIFYING PROFESSIONALS WHO WORK IN THE GAMING INDUSTRY. IT IS OUR GOAL TO SHOW THE VASTNESS AND VARIETY OF JOBS WITHIN THE WORLD OF GAMING AND TO SHARE PROFESSIONAL ADVICE AND PERSPECTIVE WITH OUR READERS.

This week we profile Hayley Knight, Nicole Barnes, and Vera Vasquez, team members at Belong Gaming Arenas. Belong is a community that welcomes all gamers to watch, play, and compete at its experiential gaming centers across the United States and United Kingdom.

Belong Gaming Arenas will present the*gameHERs second annual Professional Bootcamp, which will be held virtually from April 29th through May 1st, 2022 with the theme “Learn - Connect - Inspire.”

Belong Gaming Arenas prioritizes professional development as part of its effort to create more inclusive communities in the world of esports. In addition to its support of initiatives such as the*gameHERs Professional Bootcamp, Belong offers entry level opportunities and comprehensive career paths within its organization for people of all types interested in breaking into the gaming space. The women professionals featured here discuss their own careers and their perspectives on the future of esports, particularly for women.

Nicole Barnes, Central Operations & Event Manager

What is your job title and what do you do at Belong Gaming?

I am the Central Operations & Event Manager for Belong. I am the link between the arenas and the central team. I communicate operational and commercial changes to the arenas and ensure all actions fit into the arena’s workload. I create, review and improve operational processes to make the business faster, better and more efficient. I also assist in the planning and execution of all partnerships, campaigns and events.

What skills do you use the most in your job?

I use my planning and communication skills the most. I work with so many departments that good communication and planning is required to ensure we are all working together as efficiently as possible.

What are some ways you believe we can make the esports world more inclusive?

To educate people on the breadth of esports; it’s not all about playing games – there are a variety of roles such as shout casters, content creators, tournament admins, coaches and many more. They all contribute to the esports world, and there is something for everyone.

I also think it is important that the entire industry enforces what companies say in their inclusivity initiatives, and that these companies find ways to bring inclusive programs and a supportive culture into their organizations.

What advice do you have for women entering the gaming and esports industries?

If you have a passion for the gaming/esports industry, then go for it! Your skills will speak for themselves. Don’t be afraid to ask other people for help and advice.

What excites you about the future of esports?

That it’s only getting bigger and better as we move forward, and I am happy to be a part of it.

Haley Knight, photo courtesy of the subject

Haley Knight, Arena Manager, Polaris Locations

What is your job title and what do you do at Belong Gaming?

I am the Arena Manager at Belong Gaming Polaris locations, home of the Pilots. Not only do I work at the third arena to open, but I am the first female Arena Manager for Belong in the U.S.

What skills do you use the most in your job?

The skills I use most are organization, communication, and customer services.

What advice do you have for women entering the gaming and esports industries?

Never let your love of gaming and esports dwindle. The passion you show and the work you put in won’t go unnoticed.

What excites you about the future of esports?

What excites me most about the future of esports is that it is finally getting the recognition that it deserves. We are starting to see esports and gaming in the classrooms as part of the curriculum. Schools are offering kids the opportunities to be part of a team which can lead to college scholarships.

Vera Vazquez, Staff Accountant

What is your job title and what do you do at Belong Gaming?

I am a Staff Accountant. I make sure all bills are paid and our financial reporting is up to date.

What skills do you use the most in your job?

Data analysis, organization and attention to detail, mathematics, active learning, critical thinking and time management

What are some ways you believe we can make the esports world more inclusive?

I believe that the esports industry is already very inclusive. Its rapid growth puts the talent search on a very large scale, giving opportunities to a broad audience from all walks of life and backgrounds.

What advice do you have for women entering the gaming and esports industries?

I believe that the representation of women in predominantly male industries has increased significantly in recent years. It makes me happy to see other women become fearless in pursuing their passions in male-dominated industries. The esports industry is new; therefore, it is a fair game from the beginning for men and women. It is on us which side esports will lean to, but right now I believe it will remain equal, fair and inclusive.

What excites you about the future of esports?

There is so much more to esports than just fun and games. The industry’s growth provides employment in all aspects of the industry. I really enjoy being a part of this rapid growth and the opportunity to work with open-minded team members who explore innovative ideas in this fast-paced market.