Ex-Amazon Helps Gamers Find Jobs
Hello! Today, I've brought this incredible topic to you that truly embodies the spirit of giving back and making a profound impact in a time of need. We're diving into the inspiring story of an ex-Amazon employee who leveraged his unique career journey to help thousands of laid-off workers find new opportunities!
☆ The Gaming Industry's Unfortunate Challenge
The video game industry, a sector often seen as booming and innovative, has unfortunately faced significant turbulence recently. Since 2022, an estimated 37,600 jobs have been shed across various companies, including giants like Xbox maker Microsoft and publisher Electronic Arts. This wave of layoffs, largely attributed to pandemic-era overhiring and escalating production/marketing costs, left countless talented individuals adrift. Imagine being passionate about creating virtual worlds, only to find yourself without a role. It's a tough situation for anyone in a creative field.
☆ Amir Satvat: The Accidental Career Guru and His Philanthropic Vision
Enter Amir Satvat, a former Amazon employee with a deep love for gaming. When he saw his new peers in the gaming industry facing mass layoffs, he didn't just sympathize – he acted. In late 2022, Amir embarked on what he describes as a "purely philanthropic side hustle" by creating a free website: amirsatvat.com.
His vision? To build "the most comprehensive job listing site ever" for the gaming industry. But it's more than just a list! Amir's platform includes:
- Constantly growing job postings: A centralized hub for new opportunities.
- A network of support: Contact information for hundreds of volunteers offering crucial help like résumé reviews and mock interviews.
- A thriving community: A Discord group where users can connect, share insights, and support each other.
- Access to events: He even partners with organizers to give away thousands of tickets to industry events, facilitating vital networking.
Thanks to his tireless efforts, Amir's initiative has reportedly helped around 3,900 ousted game-industry workers find new jobs! This incredible feat earned him the inaugural Game Changer award at last year's annual Game Awards and this year's Giving Award from Games for Change. It's a testament to the power of one person's dedication.
☆ From Corporate Ladders to Gaming Dreams: Amir's Personal Journey
What makes Amir uniquely suited to be this "de facto career guru"? His own winding career path. A gamer since childhood, Amir knew he wanted to work in the industry but couldn't find suitable roles near his family on the East Coast after earning his business degrees. He spent years in business development outside gaming, including a remote role at Amazon's cloud-computing unit.
Then, a serendipitous connection in late 2020 changed everything. A colleague at Amazon introduced him to Ethan Evans, a leader in the company's gaming division. Amir's deep knowledge and passion for franchises like "World of Warcraft" and "The Legend of Zelda" shone through, landing him his dream job in gaming at the age of 38.
Though he later reluctantly resigned from Amazon due to in-office mandates, he quickly landed a remote business-development role at Chinese game giant Tencent. Interestingly, the person who previously held the Tencent role reached out to Amir via LinkedIn, having found him through mutual connections and being aware of his career site! This full-circle moment highlights the power of the very thing Amir now champions.
☆ Amir's Golden Rule for Job Seekers: Network, Network, Network!
Now 43, married, and a father of three, Amir continues to dedicate 15-20 hours a week to his career site, supported by about 20 volunteers who share his mission of "empowering gamers at every stage of their career."
When asked for his best advice for job seekers, especially those looking to change industries, Amir's answer is simple and profound: old-fashioned networking.
He puts it succinctly: "Spend all your time meeting people. Every single job I've gotten has been through a relationship."
This powerful advice is not just theoretical; it's the lived experience of someone who successfully pivoted his career and is now helping thousands do the same. So, whether you're in gaming, tech, or any other field, remember: your next opportunity might just be a conversation away!
☆ Questions
Q1. Approximately how many laid-off workers has Amir Satvat's initiative helped find new jobs?
A. Around 3,900 laid-off video game industry workers have reportedly found new jobs through his efforts.
Q2. What is Amir Satvat's most crucial advice for job seekers, especially those looking to change industries?
A. His most crucial advice is to focus on networking and building relationships, as every job he's ever gotten has been through a connection.
☆ Conclusion
Amir Satvat's story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of widespread industry challenges, one person's dedication and innovation can create immense positive change. By building a free, comprehensive resource and fostering a supportive community, he has become a beacon of hope for thousands. His emphasis on the timeless power of networking offers a valuable lesson for all of us navigating our careers. What an inspiring individual!