UBI -NEWBIE
Over the years, I've been drawn to (relatively) small independent studios. Even the now-giant Epic Games had fewer than 100 people when I left. Small companies, with their promises of adventure and untold riches, can resemble the Wild West as they navigate pipelines, culture, and team structures.
Moving to Ubisoft, a listed company with around 20,000 employees, was a significant change. Working for an organization of this size, with numerous concurrent projects, raised questions: How do they operate? How do they foster a healthy culture? What is the overall working structure like?
As a relative outsider, I've observed the gaming press taking a keen interest in Ubisoft. They often scrutinize even the slightest shifts in market share value or snippets of gossip. From my perspective, my experience has been remarkably positive and refreshing. Of course, there have been challenges where I felt overwhelmed by the amount of new information, but I wouldn't change things for the world right now (though I'd love to spend more time with family in the UK!)
For those who appreciate structure, this story unfolds in three parts:
Interview
Relocation process
First Impressions
When I began exploring new projects/companies and received initial interest, it had been over 13 years since my last interview. So, you could say I felt a bit rusty. The role of Art Director within a large multinational company carries different expectations. If you happen to read a job description for an Art Director, it's an exhaustive list of responsibilities – a "do everything and be everything" kind of role, and try to be awesome too!
Similar to a junior artist seeking their first role, I wasn't exempt from the mind gremlins that run wild. What questions will they ask? What kind of interviewers will they be? How intense will the grilling be? I vividly remember the hour before my interview, pacing in my kitchen, attempting to quell the nervous excitement/terror I felt.
Before my two interview calls, I had an initial screening with Ubisoft's internal recruitment department – a two-way exchange to understand their needs, my background, and aspirations. It's a straightforward process, and the recruiter was very welcoming.
Since I was applying to work at the new Sherbrooke studio, my first call was with the Studio Head and lasted over an hour. A few weeks later, I had a three-person interview with Sherbrooke's Senior Producer, an Art Director from the Assassin's Creed series, and an Assistant AD. Frankly, I can barely recall what was discussed or the questions asked. I know it lasted two hours, but that's about it.
I had interviewed with a few companies before this one. With one, I withdrew based on instinct, sensing it wouldn't be the right fit. With the second, I thought I had succeeded but was dropped swiftly. That's okay though, reflecting on it, I'm uncertain if WFH full-time remote team management would have suited me.
Even before the pandemic hit, I interviewed for a company in New Zealand. Another 2-hour call, serious in nature, as they had urgent tasks and tight deadlines. The lack of realization that it's the people who shape the company, not just the project, was a little bit astonishing. I clearly wasn't a good fit, and to complete the picture, I never received any further communication after the call. That, I believe, spoke volumes about how were’nt meant to be united.
On the closing of my Sherbrooke interview, the tone was casual and cool, it was hard to read, had it gone well? Did I miss anything important out? I was informed I'd receive a response in a few weeks. Argh!!! I was eager to move forward, to start embarking on my new journey, but some things simply can't be rushed.
As it turned out, I had no need to worry.
The following day, I received an email requesting a follow-up call, and in that same call, I received an offer. To say I was shocked would be an understatement. It checked all the boxes, and negotiation wasn't necessary; it seemed to encompass everything and more. I remember hanging up and telling my family that I'd received a job offer! This wild pipe dream was a reality. It was both thrilling and terrifying at once.
The ripple effects were significant – for my adult kids, family, wife, friends, and our house. This was it. We had sought an adventure, and now it was chasing us down!
(Coming soon Ubi-Newbie Part 2 - Relocation)