OK... I'm going to give the benefit of the doubt here. I get that some students want to understand how senior industry people got to where they are, but please do not constantly message us about it and about our background if we can't and don't respond. Be respectful.

My time is at a premium as we continually pivot with changed market realities; As a studio we've gotten busier, not less busy. I don't want to pull in one of my managers to handle sudden Q&A because we're all busy. This is common across the board for small game studio owners.

Instructors & program coordinators, I know it's hard to teach networking. But this is simple and crucial to teach: When a student demonstrates that they respect other people's time, they demonstrate that they are a team player, and they also have self-respect and self-confidence.

Students: I know the pandemic has really impacted you, and it's hard to find connections. You may be worried about your job prospects when so many things have been interrupted for you. Try to connect with your peers if you can. Try to ask prog coords for game devs to do talks.

A lot of networking is about building trust. It's not about getting your resume in the door the quickest. No company owner wants to be treated like a doormat for your resume. It's about asking good questions. And being aware, considerate, and to listen well to ask good questions.

Students, the relationship goes both ways. If whom you're talking to is not listening, or worse, shutting down your concerns, this should be an indication that this person may not embody the work culture that you want. It's important for you to discern your work boundaries.

Finally, please be forgiving of yourself and of others when networking. It can be a huge energy drain for some. People can make mistakes. They can have bad days, overwhelmed days.

If you make a mistake, apologize sincerely, & move on. You can build bridges & build connections.

Networking remotely can add even bigger barriers for some, including language proficiency, cultural and social cues and expectations, where to find networking opportunity in the first place. Platforms do not always enunciate who's here to work or who's just here to chill.

To all of this, be aware that conversation can shift between social and work, but you can't demand something that others don't want to give. No one owes you. Be patient and considerate to both yourself and to others.