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DigiBC's Guide to Careers in the Creative Technology Industry
 

The creative technology industry in British Columbia employs over 16,000 people across video games, animation, visual effects, VR/AR/XR, and other innovative companies that employ a unique mix of both creative and technology-focused team members. Working in creative tech can be a rewarding, fulfilling career path, whether you are technically minded, artistically gifted, or interested in business, marketing or other key management roles.

Additionally, creative tech pays well. For example, in the video game sector, the average employee earns over $84,000 per year, which is twice the provincial average. This page is for people, young and old, who might be thinking they'd like to explore a career in interactive and digital media.

Here are some great resources for you to explore if you're keen to understand what to do next towards a career in creative tech. If you know of any other resources, please send them to us for inclusion at team@digibc.org
 
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Choosing a VFX, Animation or Game Art Program


 

Career Pathway Videos

Caitlin Yu
Head of Quality Assurance, Phoenix Labs
Burnaby, BC

Shannon Mason
Composer and Sound Designer
Vancouver, BC

Adrian Talens
Freelance Composer
Vancouver, BC

How Are Video Games Made?
Learn all about the video game making process

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Everyone Belongs in Tech Video Series

The HR Tech Group and True Calling Media have put together a series of video vignettes as part of their Diversity and Inclusion Tech Project. This was launched in May 2019 to build, test and elevate human resourcing practices in BC’s tech sector, and to provide better opportunities for under-represented populations, while also addressing the labour shortage faced in the sector.

Harley Knife
Senior Animator, Yeti Farm Creative

Harley was born in Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation in Saskatchewan’s Treaty 6 territory into a large family and moved around a lot to various foster homes. When things were unstable for him, he found stability, consistency, and comfort watching cartoons. Years later, this led to Harley finding his path to becoming an animator.

Sarah Teigland
Software Engineer, Thinkific

As a young child, Sarah was an introvert who struggled with anxiety but loved computers. She pursued a career in teaching and then became a travel agent where she rediscovered her passion for technology. She went back to school for web design and launched a new career that she loves.

Patrick Rmeily
Pipeline Technical Director, Cinesite

Patrick is originally from Lebanon and he grew up surrounded by war and political unrest. A lover of mathematics from an early age, Patrick focused his education on engineering. After graduating his studies in Lebanon, Patrick went to Germany to get his Master’s, then decided to move to Vancouver to get a second Master’s. After graduation, Patrick found himself working in a Lebanese restaurant, where he met a customer who worked for Cinesite and encouraged him to apply.
 

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Virtual Studio Tour

Ever wonder what it’s like to work at an animation studio in British Columbia? Well, you're in luck and we've got you sorted! Join us as we take you on a virtual tour of Atomic Cartoons and hear all about what life is like in the office and what types of careers are available in the world of animation.
 

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Creative Technology Micro-Credentials

If you're looking to upskill or reskill and pursue a career in BC's dynamic creative tech industry, then micro-credentials are for you! DigiBC has partnered with Vancouver Community College, Centre for Digital Media, and BCIT on these part-time programs. There is something for everyone from recent grads seeking specialized skills, to workers reskilling from adjacent industries and existing creative tech staffers upskilling for career advancement.
 

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Featured Programs

Think Tank Training Centre specializes in training students with the latest software, techniques, and technologies that cater to the needs of the film, television, and video game industries.

Think Tank Online was officially launched in October 2017 and is touted as a training experience like no other. Students receive the benefits of the full-time diploma program from the comfort of their own home, and it’s a viable option for those who can’t afford to move to Vancouver. There are many other advantages including a flexible schedule, customizable assignments, live classes, and no wait-list.
 

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In 2023, Think Tank launched two brand new Houdini-focused programs: Houdini for Film or Games and  Houdini + 3D for Film or Games. Designed in collaboration with Houdini experts from across VFX, animation and game art, these programs will train artists to become specialists in Houdini’s innovative procedural-based system with an equally advanced proficiency in other industry-standard tools such as Unreal Engine, Maya and Adobe Substance.

Aspiring artists can master this in-demand software in just 64 weeks with these programs set to start February 5, 2024.


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Think Tank Quicks: Tutorial Series is your go-to destination for all things 3D! Join Think Tank's lead supervisor, Raffael Frank, as he delves into the fascinating world of CG art and shows you the ropes of 3D modeling, software, and more. Topics range from basic entry-level tips to workarounds for more advanced artists, so you can look forward to relevant tutorials no matter where you’re at in your CG journey.
 

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