How can esports provide an on-ramp for high-paying careers in STEM?

Although making it big as a gamer can feel like a one-in-a-million shot, there are thousands of other well-paying jobs in the growing esports industry.

“I think 70% of League of Legends players go on to seek a STEM degree in college, that is about the esports industry in general. But it’s beyond that,” said Bill Thomas, founding board member of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Esports Association (PIEA).

Thomas was among a handful of esports professionals who gathered Wednesday morning for a roundtable discussion with the state House Subcommittee on Progressive Policies for Working People. State Reps. Ryan Bizzarro and Danilo Burgos hosted the discussion at Nerd Street Gamers‘ Broad Street hub called The Block.

These pros shared a list of careers adjacent to or supporting the esports industry, including data management, software and web development, statistics and mathematics, coding and analytics.

“If you’re interested in esports and you’re in this lifestyle, you can be in those roles, but then that can apply to any corporation outside of esports,” Thomas said, noting that the skills are transferable.

Thomas’ organization provides a regulatory oversight approach to esports and emphasizes filling a current skill gap so there are people to help the esports industry grow.

The gaming industry is also lucrative for cities that have the infrastructure to support large-scale events. Nerd Street Gamers’ Chief of Staff and VP of Investor Relations Pete Powell said universities that make small investments in esports teams — whether it be through dedicated space, equipment, scholarships or programs — see huge returns on their investment.

“It’s a talent thing. Universities are investing money and resources into esports — not just competitive teams, but also club and rec teams,” Powell said. “I think that shows that they understand the ROI, even simply on an enrollment basis.”

Thomas emphasized that those working to support the growing esports industry must work “in partnership” with elected officials so that the industry can grow in a healthy way.

“Your viewpoint and your participation is going to be incredibly huge in esports sustainability and growth,” he told the representatives. “Particularly as we talked about the increase in people of color and for women’s careers. There is a direct link between esports and high-tech, high-wage jobs.”

This editorial article is a part of How to Get a Tech Job Month of Technical.ly’s editorial calendar.