The interview went well, but there are some improvements that could have been done. I practiced for the interview a week before the interview and the day before the interview I made sure to relax. 2 hours before the interview I went through all the questions quickly just to warm up. With the practice I did, I feel like I was able to think about my answers quickly.

The answers were specific, honest, and really good from the feedback. Using the STAR model was helpful, the method helped me speak about the relevant stuff. I was able to finish each sentence positively, it will give a great soft skill and show that I'm positive. This was the area I was mostly concerned about, forgetting my answers during the interview leading to "uhm" and silence. But taking advice from Chris, always say yes when the recruiters offer me water. Having water on the side can be helpful, if I need time to think through my answer, I can take a sip of water instead of sitting there awkwardly figuring out my answer.

But as every presentation or interview I had, I tend to get nervous which makes me speak too quick. I should make sure to take a breath and slow down, take my time and perhaps drink water to calm down and take a short pause in between. Another mistake was that I had a gum in my mouth, this was mostly to prevent myself from getting thirsty during the interview. But in the future, I will avoid this as it can be disrespectful.

Overall, I'm satisfied how the interview went. It went better than expected but there could be improvements such as speak slower, avoid gum, and take a breath. I was mature and reflective throughout the whole interview and smiled a lot. When practicing alone, I can find it quite difficult to smile since I'm technically talking to myself. The "recruiter" smiled a lot which automatically made me smile, I feel like this comes out naturally and feels a lot more welcoming.

• Where was I 5 years ago and where did I think I would be now?

Five year ago I was in secondary school studying Information and media technology - Game design. Back then, I thought I would be somewhere north in Sweden studying for Game Art.

• Where am I now and where do I see myself in 5 years?

Today I am studying aboard at University of Worcester, United Kingdom. It was never planned; it was pretty much 3-4 months before starting University. I could have studied in Sweden but decided to study abroad for more experience and develop myself.

In five year, I see myself working for either a small or large studio. Although, I wish it will be a large studio such as Ubisoft. If it's a small studio I will consider working, there for 2-3 year depending on the job. And large studio a bit longer. I don't want to get too comfortable; I want to keep growing.

• Disucss future direction of work and aspirations:

I want to keep gaining experience through internships or jobs. Also work on personal project during my free time, and make sure to have a good portfolio. If I don't get a job or internship, I will be working on the side and work on my own stuff. I will try to network and take feedback so I know what I need to improve. Eventually, after a few months I re-apply and hopefully there will be a higher chance.

• Current experience:

My current experience is only through class- and group projects. I don't have any experience when it comes to job or internship. However, with my experience at University I I have quickly been able to learn new software. I work well both independently and in teams, with that experience I have learnt problem solving, adapted to new pipeline and improved my communication skills whilst working in group projects allowing me to take criticism and give feedback to my peers.

• Reflect skills audit

There are software's I’m lacking skills in, as I'm writing this, I would say Unreal Engine. But I am currently learning the software as it's required for the job role I have been looking at. I consider my skills audit intermediate; I wouldn't say I’m advanced as I don't have enough experience with the software as there are always new updates and something new to learn. The best way for me to develop my skills audit is to watch tutorials and guides during my free time and work on personal projects.

• What do you love doing?

I love to work with 3D modelling and environment overall.

• Why do you love doing it?

The whole process is fun and learning, the process I enjoy the most would be the production part and see how everything goes together. It's so cool to be able to create 3D objects and make them look realistic without people being able to tell them apart.

• How can you do it uniquely?

I would say the details, if it's the whole baking process, texturing etc. I pay attention to details, which is what I can do uniquely I would say. If I'm not happy with it, I will continue until I'm satisfied.

• How can you prove it?

I assume I could prove it by showing my process and images. Or showcase it online such as sketchfab or marmoset.

What can you offer us that someone else can not?

With my experience I'm a good problem solver, working with differnt modules have teached me different ways to problem solve. But also through group project experiences, I will be able to work with other people such as coders, school clients as example and I'm good sticking to my day to day task. People who works for the company shows they have put the time and effort to get here, being a part of the team would be such a good experience, learning and inspiring.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills - STAR Technique

• Situation - What scenario were you in when you used a specific skill? Brief outline

I would say it would be during a presentation back ni secondary school

• Task - What were you tasked to do in this scenario?

Do a presentation about some subject, I don't remember what exactly

• Action - Outline the key behavious/things you did that demonstrate how you used this skill.

Pretty much the same when doing an interview; Preparation and presentation. Every day I practiced on my presentation until I was confident enough. And wrote down key words on paper.

• Result - What was the outcome of this scenario/task

The outcome was good, it was well prepared, and I had everything organized.

• Reflection - What you learnt from the experience?

It's not that difficult to speak in front of people, it's just about having the confidence, prepare and perhaps not care what other people think. At the end of the day, I tend to overthink those scenarios which makes me nervous.

Goal

• What is my most important goal?

My most important goal is to get into the game industry right now, and build up my seniority. Alongside, build my confidence, soft skills and technical skills.

• What is my deepest motivation for realising this goal? (Zoom out)

My deepest motivation is to never give up and become more open, as cliche it sounds. But after contacting people from the industry, it's all about getting myself out there.

• What specific action can I take to honour this motivation? (Zoom in)

Keep working on my portfolio and ask for feedback from different game communities. With the feedback I can see what needs to be improved and skills I'm lacking.

• When, where and how are you willing to take this action? (Even more specific)

When - Now, I'm working towards my goal. Right now it's the time I have to work on it.

Where - Anywhere, I can do my work anywhere as long I have my laptop. It could be at home or public places.

How - Do 3D work etc, feedback from communities and continue to work and improve on it. Also in general, talking to other people will help with my soft skills. And perhaps networking.

• What is the biggest obstacle to taking this action?

My soft skills, since it's 50% soft skills when applying for game industries that will be my biggest challenge.

• What action will you take to prevent or overcome this obstacle?

To overcome this action, I just need to work on my confidence and soft skills. It doesn't come in just one day, it takes time and patience. To overcome it, I need to push myself.

• Having the skills is important in the industry, but what else is there I don’t know and how do I find out?

If I don't know, I can find out by asking employees working in the studio or look at their website. Something else could be look at glass door as example, this gives you different perspective of what people experienced.

What do I need to do to get the job I want?

Invest time and effort, this means hardwork.

Why do you create what you create?

If I worked in a studio I would have said: I want to create an enjoyable and creative game world to inspire and give the players a new experience. But also, to learn and do what I enjoy, other than that I create what I'm passionate about and the requirements for the job I'm going to apply for. Basically, to suit their games and requirement they are looking for.

Give an example of a time when you had to work in a team, how did you contribute to the team?

That time I worked in a time was with coders, school clients and game artist. We created a top down RPG game, the idea was from the school client. My taks were the UI, level design created with the team, props, simple coding, 2D/3D assets, particle effects and audio. The UI was already done in the first semester, this is were we implemented our UI's and sort of reskinned it. We had a lot of communication and helped each other if the other one struggled. Both the art and coding had to do art and programming. So, if the coder struggled with the art I would help them and the other way around.

• Tell me about a time when you overcame a big challenge?

It would be moving abroad to study Game Art, new environment, new people and language I wasn't confident in. Tihs has given me a good experience and would also conntect to my future jobs. If I have to relocate as example, I have the experience and it wouldn't be an issue. And sometimes, people get too comfortable in their own country which minimises the opportunities. So, this has been the biggest challenges and somethign I will have use of it the future.

• Tell me about a time when things didn't go to according to plan? How did you cope?

It was one of the modules I had in first year, it was December which means Christmas, family, friends and I flew back home. During that time, I didn't spend any time on my work at all. How I handled the situation was almost doing an all nighter for 3 days, huge mistake. It was first time it happened. From now on I have made sure to plan everything and make sure I have enough time to work on my projects. Just dealing with that level of stress is not for me, some people can do it, but I can't.

• What do you do when you have to work with someone you aren't compatible with?

I try to figure out what the issue is, as example how can I handle the situation better, I can control myself, I can’t control other person. Figuring what's working and not working, speak with my colleague about their problem with me and the other way around. Get to know your colleague, not just at work but hang with them on breaks. So, everything isn't surrounded by work all the time, this helps to create a better atmosphere and respect. If it doesn't work, I would have to speak with manager and discuss about the issue.

• What will you feel or experience if you achieve this goal? What will this mean to you in your life

I will be very proud of myself, as it's a lot of hardwork and not giving up. If I can acheive my goal, everyone can. During the journey I will change and become a better person, I will have better confidence, communcation and technical skills. I would consider this as a reward, as I will be disiplined and focused to reach the goal.

• What got you into art?

What got me into art was through video games, I have always had a big interest in games such as Ubisoft, EA, from software etc. It was basically games my parents used to play. And I eventually got curious how games were created. What's funny is that I used to create Minecraft skins for myself and friends, also create logos for other game clans. That became my hobby and I eventually worked my way up from 2D to 3D, that began in secondary school.

• What part of the process is your favorite? Least favorite?

My favorite part of the pipeline would be the production part, especially creating the 3D models. I get to analyze and follow reference images, this is where I create and learn about the object. My least favorite is probably UV-mapping, I can get confused sometimes, but by the time I have worked on more projects I'm starting to find my own method. So, either way, I don't hate it, but I don't like it either.

• Do you like to collaborate with other disciplines or are you a solitary artist?

I enjoy doing both, working both alone and with other people is always fun. Because it's gives me different varieties, it's enjoyable to be alone and listen to music while doing work. Working with other people is always fun as you get to know them better and work with them, this creates a good environment.

• Do you work on personal art?

I don't, but I have signed up for Search for a Star. I might or might not finish my artwork for the competition but decided to sign up anyways as it could be a good experience. The reason why I might not finish it is due to other class and group projects I'm currently working on. But I could use my class project and submit for the competition although it would be stressful as it's in January. However, it could be useful to get the feedback there.

• What projects have you enjoyed the most?

Currently, I like the Japanese Zen Garden. It was just different from what I have done before and I learnt new things such as baking which was my first time, and I really enjoyed it. Although, I found that making the trees and sand waves was a bit challenging. Since I wasn’t sure how to do it, as wasn’t able to find the tutorials I wanted. This was a part of the problem solving, this is where I learn the most which is fun.

• Do you know “X” software?

I do, but I don't have a lot of experience with X software. Although, I'm still working on it, trying to understand the software and improve my skills within that field, If I'm lacking the skill you guys are looking for, I will have no problem learning it.

• Why do you want to work here?

Why I want to work here is because I find that your company have the games I'm into and have played. It's the realism and genres such as shooting games and strategy games. I see this an an opportunity for me to grow knowledge, skills and contribute to the company working with other skilled people from different cultures that have the same interests as me. I definitely think I would enjoy working for your company as it's an area I have interest in and would be a good experience.

• What games are you playing?

Games I'm playing are the Tom Clancy's games such as Rainbow Six Siege, Ghost Recon Breakpoint, The division. Like I mentioned before, I'm into shooting and strategy games. What makes the player experience is the fact the quality of graphics of the game looks great. I would love to play the new game, Assassin's Creed Valhalla as I have seen a few gameplays. The fact you guys have taken different elements form other games and put them together which makes the game very enjoyable.

• What will you bring to the team? Why do we need you?

With my experience I can stay calm during stressful situations, adapt to new pipelines and stick to my task or any tasks. In a stressful situation is important to keep the rest of the team calm as well, this could be telling them examples of past experience when similar situation occurred. It can happen there will be changes with the game, adapting to new changes is important. This is where I tend to plan how to approach this differently.

• What's your biggest weakness? Or, if I hired you, what would I regret about it in six months?

It happens that I get overloaded with work, but throughout my experience I have found different methods to prevent that from happening. During these situations I create a checklist or trello list, also a time schedule to make sure I also take breaks here and then. By staying organized this way, I have been able to keep myself calm.

It's difficult to answer, what do you think I would regret in six months if I you hired me?

NOTES:

• Be friendly, body language, eye contact and smile

• Not too long answers, keep it short and relevant

• Tell them about my ambitions, why I made these choices

• Company’s history - French company, founded 1986 by Yves Guillemot. 40 game studios around the world, working with different nationalities which is inispring. Was founded by five brothers who had different skills and abilities to create video games.

• Other studios, such as Massive Entertainment in Malmö, Sweden. The studio has over 650 people working there from 50 different countries. Worked on games such as Tom Clancy's The Division 2.

• Other studios such as Leamington Spa used to be owen by Activision. Ubisofts studios focuses on differnt genres such as real time strategy.

• Games: Assassin's Creed, Tom Clancy's, Rainbow Six, Ghost Recon and Division as example. Ubisoft Montreal is the largest development studio in the world.

• Electronic Arts used to own a part of Ubisoft, although Ubisoft could still create their own video games. I'm pretty sure Origin (EA) and Uplay (Ubisoft) carry each other games today as well.

• Recent games and make notes about what you found interesting / not interesting - Been playing quite a lot of Tom Clancy's games such as Rainbow Six siege, the divison and Ghost Recon breakpoint. Really like the graphics and the quality of the environments.
  Their games aren't terrible, but if I have to be honest the games are repetitive and can be buggy. I don,t mind, but to improve it Ubisoft should come up with new ideas and have more single player games. But I have to say, Assassin's Creed Valhalla looks amazing. I like how they have taken different elements from different games and put them together, it makes the gameplay very enjoyable. Assasin's Creed would be the game that has caught everyone's attention, even people who don't play video games.
  

"Do you have any questions?"

1. How does the day to day job look like for you?

2. What do you like the best about working here?

3. Has it ever happened that two people didn't get along, what happened?

4. What was the companies recent achievemnst?

5. Do did I perform?

6. What qualities do you look for in a candidate?

7. What are the challenges face by this company?

8. If I'm hired, what is the next game I might work on? How much input would I have on that?

9. What exactly would my responsibilities be?