Lindsay Caudill, Social Media Manager, Team Envy

Lindsay Caudill, photo courtesy of the subject

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 feature Lindsay Caudill, Social Media Manager at Team Envy, where she oversees and facilitates creative, planning, and execution on all social media platforms and community initiatives across the board. We discuss what her job entails, her path to esports, her perspective on what we can do to support women in esports, and more.

What skills do you use most in your job?

There’s a plethora of skills I utilize in this job since it all funnels from overhead marketing, but a few I use the most are communication, ideation, and organization.

A lot of my job depends on communication when building, developing, and executing brand voice as it transitions from internal to external audiences. The social media department is the door to everything that involves the fans, community, and even sponsorship deliverables, so it’s vital to have great communication skills and channels established. Having excellent writing and verbal skills is a must, since a lot of communication depends on those skills.

Ideation goes hand-in-hand with communication. Creating, brainstorming, planning, and executing can all toggle quite a bit within the marketing threshold, so whenever you’re creating and planning social campaigns, it’s important to note that they are also marketing campaigns.

Organization is key as well! To stay ahead and be able to create impact, being organized plays a monumental role. If you fall behind due to being unorganized, you may miss key marketing beats that your community wants to see.

How did you find your way to working in esports?

I have quite the steppingstone story that landed me working full-time in esports, and of course, my chosen career path. I attended the University of Texas at Dallas, and in Fall of 2018, they launched their varsity esports program. I was so ecstatic once I heard about it, I just knew I had to do whatever I possibly could to get involved. I applied to be an Overwatch Analyst and got the job! From then on, I attended every single practice, LAN, and event religiously. Those LANs and events included a presence from the professional esports organizations within the area, which included Envy Gaming. I was lucky enough to attend a few events where I was able to acquire an Envy jersey, and just a couple months later, I wore it to the CS:GO finals at ESA. I got spotted by an Envy employee (who is still here!), and was able to network and exchange contact information. It was so surreal. I then met another employee, developed a networking relationship with both individuals, and displayed my interest in any internships they might’ve had on the horizon. I kept checking in and within just a couple of months, I got the answer that I was hoping for - they were hiring! I interviewed for and landed the Social Media Coordinator internship. Our esports program was at a local esports summit at the time when I got the call stating I was chosen! It was one of the happiest days of my life. I’ve been here at Envy ever since, 3 years and counting. Esports is home. Don’t be afraid to network, put yourself out there.

What is your favorite part of working for Team Envy?

My absolute favorite part about working for Team Envy is the people. From the staff to the community, every single person makes a footprint and that is what makes it so special. We’ve always been a close, tightknit group, which is why we call it the Envy family. The community is no different. We value the people who value us. And personally, I love that. I love our communities; every single individual has a special place in my heart. It’s incredible that the work we get to do revolves around our communities, and we listen to them. I am also a Texan native and have been in Dallas the majority of my life. I love that we’re technically Dallas’s esports hub between Envy, Fuel, and OpTic (for most titles)!

What advice do you have for young women who may want to forge careers in esports?

Go for it. Do not look back.

You can do anything you set your mind to. Hone your skills, develop a network, and showcase your passion. Always believe in yourself and let no one tell you otherwise. There’s always, always, always more space for females in gaming and esports, and if you continue to dedicate yourself, work hard, and shine your light, you will end up where you’re meant to be! Being a woman can be a superpower if you embrace it. Nothing comes easy, but it will be worth following your dreams and passions. Pursue them without doubt!

Do you game personally? If so, what are your favorite games?

I do game! With the very small amount of gaming windows I do have, I’m currently on a Teamfight Tactics, Halo, and Pokémon binge. I also like to dabble in Warzone and Phasmophobia! Some of my all-time favorite games also include Overwatch, Animal Crossing, GTA, Toontown (childhood spot in my heart!), racing games, and strategy games. I’d rather watch CS:GO, Valorant, and CoD than play them. I find them fascinating to watch!

What can we as fans and consumers of esports and the gaming industry do to support women in esports?

Create a welcoming and inclusive space. Create initiatives, events, tournaments, and campaigns that are geared towards and for women, and do them with the women in your organization, community, space, etc. Support women. Call out your peers and friends to respect, support, and include women in gaming. There is strength in numbers, and we can get to a more inclusive, respectful, and supportive space if we just lift each other up and educate ourselves and those around us.