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Is developing a friend network really essential in order to become more successful?

Practicing artist as well as an aspiring animator and game developer.
#artist #game-design #animation

Thank you comment icon It depends what successful means to you in your own eyes and feeling. It could seen different to someone eels . Allison

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you

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Doc’s Answer

Hi Benjamin

In my opinion the most connected people are often the most successful. Networking will help you develop and improve your skill set, stay on top of the latest trends in game design, keep a pulse on the job market, meet prospective mentors, partners, and clients, and gain access to the necessary resources that will foster your career development. When you invest in your relationships — professional and personal — it can pay you back in dividends throughout the course of your career.

While there is great value in connecting with people who work at other game design companies, don't discount the importance of networking in the workplace. Whether you're new to the company and want to get the lay of the land or you're already established and have your sights set on a promotion, networking with your co-workers can be incredibly beneficial to your career progression also. Look for opportunities to provide value to those in your network before you ask for help. The more you invest in your relationships, the more you'll learn about your new connections and the easier it will be to offer assistance — and get it in return!

Good Luck Benjamin
Thank you comment icon Remember LinkedIn is a great platform for Networking also Benjamin Doc Frick
Thank you comment icon Thank you, very insightful information. Benjamin
Thank you comment icon Good luck Benjamin as you move onto the next stage of your life. Doc Frick
Thank you comment icon Thank You Ariel. “Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” ― H. Jackson Brown Jr. Doc Frick
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Morgan ☁’s Answer

Unfortunately, yes. I say 'unfortunately' because I'm a pretty solitary person.

However, there is one excellent TED Talk about this very topic that I've linked to below - If you can do things but no one knows about them, it's not helpful.

Morgan ☁ recommends the following next steps:

Watch "Isolation is The Dream Killer, Not Your Attitude" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2rG4Dg6xyI
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Dexter’s Answer

Hi Benjamin,

What I found in life is that even if I think I know what will happen in my life, I really don’t know. And given that we all don’t know how our life will play out, it’s great to have a support structure of friends who will be there for you. They’ll be there to ask you for favors that may end up building skills that you utilize later. They’ll be there for you when you need emotional support. They’ll be there for you in recommending you try a job that they ran across.

Of course, you’ll be there for them too, and that’s what life is all about. :)


Dexter
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Autumn’s Answer

You truly never know how a connection you've made in social or professional circles that you run into throughout your life. Ive worked with a close friend at there different companies since we had similar skill sets and could help recommend each other when needed.

By no means does that equate to completely superficial relationships with thousands of people but being genuine and interested in others. Last thought, your intern today but be your leader/ manager tomorrow.
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Donna’s Answer

Hi Benjamin,

What a great question. In my opinion making friends (networking) is a crucial part of any career. Networking within your field is a good resource for gaining new knowledge about what you are pursuing. Equally important is networking outside your comfort zone. You will gain critical skills from others with a different skill set than your own and learn to adapt and grow with a new mindset.

So get out there and make friends. Best of luck to you.

Donna recommends the following next steps:

Join Linkedin it is a great place to meet people from all walks of life.
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Manoj’s Answer

Hi Benjamin,
I am glad you have this question at early age. I think making friend is a crucial part of your personnel and professional life. Its a skill that will make you successful. Whatever profession you choose, whatever degree you earn, you will use it may b ~ 50% of it during your job, rest 50% would be people skill. How you deal with people, how you team up with other members the group, that makes your job easy or hard. If you are friendly I think people would like to work with you, help you, making your job a place and eventually lead to success.
For some people its easy to make friends for other they have to make efforts to do it, I think its worth making that efforts.
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Robert’s Answer

Hi!!!

Yes I do believe creating your social network within the work environment is key. Each person will be able to offer friendship, information, and assistance when needed. This is well worth the effort as it does pay off in the long run!!!

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Simeon’s Answer

In general, yes, you'll likely need to develop a professional network to be successful. For game design networking, I'd recommend checking out game jams like the one hosted by Game Maker's Toolkit on itch.io. He has a very successful Youtube channel and has had record-breaking numbers of participants in his game jams these past years. Game jams are multi-day events where entrants compete to make games that match the theme of the jam. You don't need any prior experience to participate and you'll find people, especially on Discord, who would be excited to point you in the direction of free resources.

For animation, check out the people at Extra Credits on YouTube. They also have a large community of people passionate about animation and other video game design and industry topics.
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