By Leo Wynne, Academy Video Editor (BA Film, Television and Digital Production 2023)
Get in touch with Leo on LinkedIn
Hi, I’m Leo – a recent media graduate working at nDreams as an Academy Video Editor in the publishing team.
What is nDreams Academy?
nDreams is currently the world’s leading VR game developer and publisher, specialising in VR game development since 2013. As the company has grown over the past 10 years, they’ve noticed the games industry struggling to recruit new young talent. With high entry requirements and well-known industry issues like terrible crunch times and lacking diversity, nDreams sought to begin correcting this through their Academy program.
nDreams Academy specifically searches for graduates with minimal industry experience (under six months) to take under their wing and train to become industry-level professionals. Over the course of six months, Academy members are integrated into the company, working on projects as regular employees while having additional training days to learn more about the company as a whole. The program aims to make game development more accessible and welcoming to all, as well as introducing more people to the innovative VR industry.
What’s the application process like? Any top tips?
My main tip is to just be passionate, and show that you’re passionate! It can feel a little embarrassing to gush to your potential employer about how you love what they do, but showing that you have a huge love for the industry and a willingness to learn new skills on the job is a surefire way to leave an impression on your interviewers.
As for the application process, it’s comprised of 2-3 interviews depending on your department. Every applicant will have an initial 15 minute screening interview, followed by a 45 minute interview with members of your potential department if your previous round was successful. They may ask some technical questions to test your knowledge, but if you don’t know the answers, don’t panic! This is an actual entry-level graduate role, so these questions are more to just assess your current skill level as opposed to eliminating you from consideration. For some roles, this is the final round of the interview accompanied by your portfolio. Alternatively, you may have an additional third round involving an aptitude test and a final interview to discuss your process.
Finally, if you’re successful, you’ll be sent an offer to join the company on a 6-month fixed term contract. This is essentially your probation period as part of the Academy, before you’re able to “graduate” and join the company as a fully-fledged team member!
Applications are currently closed but should open in springtime as they look for their next Academy cohort. More information about the Academy and current vacancies can be found here: https://ndreams.com/academy
A typical day in my life and what I have learnt so far:
Buy motion sickness pills! A lot of them!
Jokes about VR aside, starting at nDreams gave me huge imposter syndrome initially as I was thrown into meetings with experienced team members and let in on industry secrets. I felt wildly underqualified despite landing the job, and it took a little while until I began to feel settled and confident in my role. However, the team have been extremely welcoming, and I’ve been fortunate to join during a quieter period in the production cycle, allowing me more time to focus on learning the unique processes of filming and editing for VR. Everyday has been different, and as I’ve spent more time getting to know my team – not just through meetings but office days out and socialising at lunch times – I’ve become more confident and comfortable in my work, and asking for help if I don’t know what to do!
Ultimately, nDreams has been a wonderful company to join following graduation, as their program focuses not just on your skills as an employee, but your personal development as an individual. If you’re looking to break into the games industry, whether it be as a developer or as a member of the wider team, considering joining the nDreams Academy. It’s a great place to learn!