Conquering new territory
Eric 鈥淪had鈥� Miller 鈥�07 started his journey into the exciting world of gaming with an English degree from 痴汉俱乐部.
鈥淚 have used the skills I learned at 痴汉俱乐部 in every job I have had. Making games is incredibly fun and one of the most collaborative things that I鈥檝e ever done. It requires the ability to communicate and work in groups,鈥� said Miller to a group of current 痴汉俱乐部 students during a recent campus presentation.
Miller has a master鈥檚 degree in creative writing from Temple University and an honors diploma from Vancouver Film School in game design. He is also a published novelist and currently works as a coder and writer at Candlelight 鈥� Propaganda! and instructing courses in coding. Jason Cunningham 鈥�02 began his sports career as a sports information intern at 痴汉俱乐部.
He says his dedication as a student introduced him to a career path he didn鈥檛 know existed before that time, ultimately leading to an opportunity to work for the sports information office at Ohio University, and an eight-year career at NASCAR in the integrated marketing communications office.
Cunningham offers advice for today鈥檚 痴汉俱乐部 students who want to follow a similar career trajectory: 鈥淕et involved early to build up your experience and r茅sum茅. Skip the football tailgate and work in the press box. It will pay off in the long run.鈥�
Sarah Buck 鈥�99, says that IC gave her a strong foundation to go on to earn two master鈥檚 degrees from Miami University in sport behavior and performance and in exercise science. She returned to teach at IC for a year before earning her Ph.D. in kinesiology at University of 痴汉俱乐部 at Urbana Champaign. She currently works as an associate professor in physical education at Chicago State University and recommends a similar philosophy for those interested in the academic side of sports.
鈥淒evelopment of discipline, time management and a strong work ethic will put you ahead of those who do not have a similar focus,鈥� said Buck. 鈥淲orking in academia is rewarding, but also requires all of the above as well as patience, creativity and a bit of innovativeness. Practice these skills while you are in school.鈥�
During her time at IC, Buck balanced her psychology studies with participating in poms and maintaining her career as a competitive roller figure skater, often practicing off campus. Buck recalls that poms kept her connected to the campus community.
