Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/975483
maltatoday, SUNDAY 29 APRIL 2018 VIII Careers Career guide: How to get a job in iGaming MALTA'S iGaming sector is posi- tively booming. Betting, gaming and digital companies are hiring more staff than ever. With top-tier salaries exceeding €200,000 and even cer- tain graduate roles topping €35,000, it's easy to see why iGaming remains one of Malta's most popular career paths. Want to get involved with the iGaming industry? There are numerous exciting job opportuni- ties in this fast-moving profession. Digital skills, sporting knowledge and entrepreneurship are all highly prized. With so much on offer, it's just a matter of finding the role that suits you perfectly. How, though, do you get started? What roles should you apply for? How do you make your application stand out? And what does it take to make it to the top in the iGaming industry? IGaming's biggest opportunities To get into iGaming, you'd first need to know a bit about the industry; where it's heading, and where it's growing fastest. The big picture? It's projected that the total gross gambling yield world- wide in 2019 will be a staggering US$495billion. Some key trends in iGaming include: • Compared to much of the digital sector, iGaming is now a 'mature' digital industry – the first online bet was placed way back in 1994 – yet innovation remains of critical importance • Analytics has become huge – companies want to know as much as possible about their customers to stay ahead. In fact, engagement with customers is fundamental to success, so those who can master CRM (Customer Relationship Management) do well. • Creativity is also rewarded, with operators competing for the best 'UX' (user-experience). In the gaming industry, creative talents are challenged and there's heavy investment in individuals' skillsets. • New recruits are welcomed from a wide variety of back- grounds. The industry rewards those with agile minds who are comfortable with innovation and keen to solve problems. 5 reasons to work in iGaming Still not sure whether iGaming is the career path for you? Here's some food for thought: 1 - It's fast paced No two days will ever be the same. iGaming businesses – particularly Sportsbooks – must react to new developments in the market. There is an exhilaration, a low hum of excitement, in the air at all times. 2 - It's inclusive Betting and gaming is one of those industries that feels like one big family. Particularly here in Malta, networks are powerful and there is a sense that every- body knows everybody else. 3 - It's progressive Technologically, you'll be at the cutting edge, and ahead of the curve. But iGaming companies also know they need to treat staff well to keep them. It's long been a leader in allow- ing flexible working, promoting diversity of opportunity and giv- ing staff well-equipped, modern offices to work in. 4 - It's fun Love sports or gaming? Imagine spending your working life focus- ing on your passion. Plus, most companies offer all sorts of perks, from trips to sporting events to holidays abroad, free beer Fridays and games consoles at work. 5 - It's well-paid …often very well-paid, in fact! Entry-level salaries generally exceed those offered by other in- dustries. But once you've worked in iGaming for just a few years, your value can skyrocket. Insider knowledge, client relationships and skillsets command a pre- mium! How to get hired Ready to get started with your iGaming career? Or keen to turn your 'job' into a 'profession', with all the salary benefits that go with it? Here's some tips to help you in your job search. The skill set • Digital skills, and any existing knowledge of gaming, sports or betting, are highly prized. Do your homework, or consider taking an introductory course to get ahead of the pack. • Be a fast learner. Whatever you know when you walk through the door, there will always be plenty more to take on board. This is a multi-faceted, ever-changing industry and it pays off if you can keep pace. • Confidence is a preference. Betting and gaming, because of its fast-paced, real-time nature, attracts strong characters – and engenders strong emotions and opinions. It's not ideal to be a shrinking violet in this environment. Applying for roles • Be strategic, and don't apply for every job. Instead, be honest with yourself and focus on job oppor- tunities that suit your abilities. It doesn't send a good message if you apply for nine jobs with the same hiring manager or recruiter. • Your CV isn't set in stone – you should tailor it to the role you're applying for. It's probably the first step in your campaign to get hired, so make your CV work as hard as possible. • Be persistent. Betting and gam- ing is a popular industry and, as a result, competition for positions can be intense. Don't be disheartened if your initial approaches are rebuffed; believe in yourself and keep trying. The Career Path • Getting your first job is really only the start. Your career path in iGaming can vary widely, as there are so many ways to move on up. One thing is for sure, you won't be sat in the same corner office for 20 years. • Keep learning. Learn everything you can – product, marketing, CRM, tech… - because every bit of knowledge makes you more valu- able. • Hit the big time in iGaming and the opportunities are limiteless. Those €200,000+ salaries could be yours sooner than you realise. Plus, successful iGaming executives have recently progressed to the biggest names in digital: Google, Amazon, Asos, Spotify. Read the full Career Guide: Gam- ing & Gambling Careers, including salary guides and advice from indus- try professionals, at Pentasia.com Pentasia is the world's largest recruitment agency for the iGaming and Digital sectors. Our Malta team are always happy to receive applica- tions from ambitious and talented individuals like you. Send your CV or apply for jobs at Pentasia.com