## Personal Development Timeline

### Short-Term (Next 2 Years – Level 3 Qualification)

**Goal**: Complete a Level 3 qualification in esports, digital media, IT, or a related subject.

**Actions:**

* Focus on coursework and develop a strong portfolio of content (e.g. Twitch streams, edited gameplay videos).
* Attend school/college-run esports events or competitions to gain experience in event production or team management.
* Engage in enrichment activities such as digital media clubs or esports societies.

**Support Resources:**

* [National Careers Service](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/)
* [Traineeships and Work Experience via UCAS](https://www.ucas.com/alternatives-to-university/traineeships)


### Medium-Term (2 to 5 Years – Higher Education or Apprenticeship)

**Goal**: Obtain a higher-level qualification (e.g. degree or higher apprenticeship) related to your role.

**Options:**

* **Degree** in Esports Production, Broadcast Media, Digital Content Creation, or Games Development.
* **Higher Apprenticeship** in Media Production or Digital Marketing.

**Actions:**

* Apply for university via UCAS or apprenticeship providers.
* Gain experience through internships, freelancing, or volunteer media work at events.
* Create a showreel or online portfolio (e.g. YouTube channel, website).

**Useful Resources:**

* [ScreenSkills](https://www.screenskills.com/) – training and careers in screen industries.
* [UCAS Guide to Esports Degrees](https://www.ucas.com/ucas/after-gcses/find-career-ideas/explore-job-roles/esports-player)


### Long-Term (5 to 10 Years – Employment and Progression)

**Goal**: Secure a junior role in the esports or wider digital/media industry and progress within the field.

**Actions:**

* Start in entry-level roles such as Production Assistant, Social Media Coordinator, or Junior Editor.
* Network within the industry at events, expos, and via LinkedIn or Discord communities.
* Take further certifications (e.g. Adobe Certified Professional, AVID) to specialise.
* Develop expertise in a niche area like visual effects, live-stream overlay design, or esports event direction.


## Identifying Training, Education, and Experiential Aims

At each stage, the following should be considered:

| Timeframe | Training/Education | Experience |
| ----------- | -------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------- |
| Short-Term | L3 esports/digital media courses | Volunteering, team projects |
| Medium-Term | Degree/apprenticeship | Internships, freelance, personal branding |
| Long-Term | Professional certification, CPD | Paid employment, specialisation |


## Careers Guidance, Support and Educational Choices

There are numerous support options to help you navigate your development journey:

* **Careers Advisors** at school/college
* **The National Careers Service**: [https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/)
* **British Esports Student Championships and Events**: gain practical experience
* **Online Learning Platforms** such as [FutureLearn](https://www.futurelearn.com/), [Coursera](https://www.coursera.org/), [LinkedIn Learning](https://www.linkedin.com/learning/)
* **UCAS and DiscoverUni** for higher education options


## Career Development Action Plan (CDAP)

A CDAP is a working document that breaks down your journey into **manageable stages**.

### Example: Career Pathway – Broadcast Producer

| **Aims/Targets** | **Timescale** | **Milestones** | **Measures of Success** |
| --------------------------------- | ------------- | ---------------------------------------- | ------------------------------ |
| Complete Level 3 Esports course | 2 years | Year 1 distinction, Year 2 final project | Achieve D\*D or above |
| Build video production portfolio | Ongoing | Monthly uploads to YouTube | Reach 1,000 followers |
| Secure university place | 2–3 years | Complete UCAS application | Offer received and accepted |
| Gain freelance editing experience | 3–4 years | Produce event highlight reels | Paid client work completed |
| Progress to Assistant Producer | 5–7 years | Entry-level job secured | Annual reviews met or exceeded |


## Professional Development Activities

Ongoing development is crucial to staying competitive and evolving your expertise.

**Activities:**

* **Workshops and Masterclasses**: e.g. via [ScreenSkills](https://www.screenskills.com/training/)
* **Training Courses**: OBS, Adobe Premiere, After Effects
* **Job Shadowing**: Follow an esports producer or streamer to learn the tools of the trade
* **Online Communities**: Engage with forums (e.g. r/esports, Discord groups)
* **Self-Reflection**: Keep a career journal or development blog


## Strengths and Areas for Development

Use reflective tools (e.g. SWOT analysis or SMART goals) to monitor your growth. Continuously evaluate:

* What new skills you have acquired
* Where your confidence has improved
* Which industry trends or tools you need to learn next
* How your goals have evolved


## Final Thoughts

Planning personal development towards an esports career requires structured thinking, reflection, and active effort across education, experience, and personal growth. By identifying short-, medium-, and long-term goals and using resources like skills audits and CDAPs, you can navigate the esports industry with purpose and confidence.