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Navigating contradictory expectations : challenges in preparing for the games, animation and VFX industries.


Description

The European games, animation and VFX industries, along with related educational institutions, are shifting towards sustainable practices due to growing awareness of workforce well-being, however, layoffs and increased interest in these fields has intensified competition in an already saturated job market. This has created contradictory expectations for prospective employees: the ideal employee, an adaptable team player, team-fit, with strong interpersonal skills; but also the ideal applicant, characterised as standout, highly skilled, competitive, and self-promoting. Using Study Demands-Resource Theory, this study examined how educational institutions and emerging talents navigate these contradicting demands. Thematic analyses highlighted the extreme nature of the overall industry, job market and academic demands placed on students, as well as how peer support, messages of reassurance, and well-meant advice can be both resources and stressors. Educational experts and students face critical decisions with significant implications for well-being and career prospects.


Part of project

    project

    PANEURAMA

    The PANEURAMA project aims to address the mismatches between the output of HEI/VETs and the needs of the industry in the fields of animation, computer games and VFX. It consists of a network of HEIs and VETs in Europe as well as field-relevant industry partners, and is supported by a range of strong associated partners. The hope is to better prepare students and graduates for the emerging needs of their prospective careers, and in doing so building resilience into the European animation, gaming, and media arts sectors.Societal IssueStudents that are insufficiently prepared for their working fields limit the creativity of the sector, are stressed in their workplaces, and create economic problems.Benefit to societyHealthier cultural and creative sectors are a sign of a strong society, with benefits for mental health, cultural harmony, and positive economic impacts.

    Ongoing