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DigiBC's Guide to Careers in the Creative Technology Industry
 
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The Creative Technology industry in British Columbia employs over 16,000 people across video games, animation, visual effects, VR/AR/MR, 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. 

Getting Started with a Career in Creative Technology

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

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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What's it like to work in Creative Technology?

Animation Careers

A Day in the Life of a Visual Effects Artist

Job Roles (Animation)

Job Roles (Games)

Job Roles (Visual Effects)

Jobs in the Video Games Industry

Where can I go to college or university to prepare for a career?

BCIT

Capilano University

Centre for Digital Media

CG Masters

Emily Carr University

Lost Boys

Sterling College

The Art Institute of Vancouver

Think Tank Training Centre

University of British Columbia

VanARTS

Vancouver Animation School

Vancouver Film School

VCAD

Click here for a complete list of degree authorized schools in BC.

Where can I learn to code?

Brainstation

Code Academy

CodeCore Bootcamp

Ladies Learning Code

Lighthouse Labs

Red Academy

 

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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 can receive the benefits of their 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 not having to sit on a wait-list. Further details on the program can be found here.

 

The Bachelor of Media Studies at UBC is an interdisciplinary, direct-entry program in the Faculty of Arts. Drawing on the curriculum from art history, visual art, computer science, critical media theory, creative writing, journalism, film studies, film production, and information studies, the BMS is a multidisciplinary program that combines theory, research, and hands-on application.

Students in the program graduate with cultural technology competencies for the knowledge economy, enabling them to work across many different sectors in a wide range of capacities. With competencies in theory, research, and application, the Bachelor of Media Studies program builds a foundation for a rewarding and dynamic academic or professionally-oriented career. Click here for more info.