Gaming Economic Development Promises to Boost Employment

Many prospective gaming economic development employers will low ball recruits, so be sure to go in asking for a good compensation package

“Don’t forget to talk about vacation time, which is an essential component of any gaming economic development industry interview,” says Dentino Tien, HR director of Chantell Grenko Brothers Firm, “If you want to make a big paycheck realize that you’ll have a more stressful life. As a result, make sure that you have time to relax each year, be it one long vacation, or shorter breaks throughout the year.” Also, dressing to impress is key. In most gaming economic development business settings, formal attire is required. So, don’t show up to your interview in casual slacks and a short sleave shirt. Intsead, wear a modest business suit and tie, that are neat and pressed. This sends an immediate signal to your prosective gaming economic development HR director that you care about what you’re doing and want to make the best impression possible. Then, after about 5-6 years of successful performance in the gaming economic development business, one can expect a major promotion to the management level. “I worked for just over five years in marketing,” reports Myklebust Swimmer, “and then was promoted to Senior Sales associate. I worked this position for another year before moving to the Executive Marketing position I currently hold.” Cher Hynes, a gaming economic development industry veteran salesperson, suggests starting as a sales associate before moving upward into the Executive gaming economic development sales division. Cher Hynes believes taking on too much too soon will be counterproductive: “I’ve seen many hot shots try to hit home runs with little experience without learning to simply get base hits and doubles first. Success comes with small steps and knowledge, not one great play - no matter how memorable.” “Adcock Route, an gaming economic development industry veteran was our top choice for Vice President of Sales and Marketing,” said Brandon Delozier, CEO of Berndt Kettler INC., “and we recruited heavily for this position. Basically, we wanted someone with a lot of experience and sales experience.” Swiatkowski Mulberry, who just finished university with a degree in the gaming economic development field, is looking to get involved on the ground floor. Though starting out at the bottom has its challenges, as one moves upward, salaries and compensation packages become more generous - and loyalty is rewarded. On average, most entry level positions in the gaming economic development market are competitive, with only about 5-10% of all applicants accepted. These numbers are further reduced whe one considers the attrition rate after successfully gaining the desired position: almost 1/2 drop out within the first year. Accordingly, it pays to do your homework, show off during interviews, and be well prepared for an intense introduction to the business. Other HR diretors, like Limehouse Bueter of the Katzner Greenwood and Steffanie Burkland Firm, suggest intensive interview practice sessions, where a friend or gaming economic development industry mentor poses standard interview questions. “Having you game together before you go for an interview is absolutely key to making it out in one piece. If your top choice is Company A, do some practice interviews at Companies B and C before attempting your top job choice,” replies Naill Bledsoe, HR and Hiring director. Bley Hagins, author if the best selling essay ‘How to make a buck in the gaming economic development market’ suggests asking for as much monetary compensation as possible during the interview stage. “Look, if they can get you for less, they will offer you less. The object of any negotiation is to settle on terms that are parties agree upon, and when it comes to remuneration, don’t sell yourself short!”