2024 US Summer Internship - SPARX Internship

Key Skills

Aartificial intelligence, C++, Confluence, CSS, Data Analytics, Data science techniques, HTML, Java Programming, JavaScript, JIRA, Linux Operating system, Machine learning techniques, Microsoft-Excel, NoSQL, PHP Programming, Product Management, Project management, Python Programming, Scrum Agile Methodology, SQL, UI design, UX design

Job Description

SPARX is an ABK placement-based Internship opportunity dedicated to students early in their education. In addition to their internship, SPARX Interns participate in an accelerated program of learning and professional development sessions to gain exposure to multiple business operating areas in the gaming industry. This program is designed to aid students in sparking career interests and setting them up for future success in the gaming industry. 

Player Profile

• Must currently be in the second year of an undergraduate degree program; with an anticipated graduation date between Dec 2025 – August 2026.

• Flexibility and ability to changing organizational needs
• Passion towards learning how to be a successful professional employee in the video game industry.
• Exhibits learning agility; has the ability to think differently, and/or grasp and apply new skills and concepts 
• Approaches problems in a clear, well-organized, and solutions-oriented manner 
• Works well with others and contributes to team tasks 

• Able to effectively communicate problems, solutions, needs, or priorities 
• Is engaged, seeks to learn, and is able to manage time effectively 
• Candidates must apply with a resume that includes contact information, intended major, and expected graduation date. Please also include a list of current, relevant courses within the body of your resume.
• Finalists will be selected based on eligibility and proven interest in the gaming industry. 

Your Internship Opportunities:

All internships will be conducted in-person. Hosting managers will determine when and how often interns work in the office Monday-Friday (relocation services and living stipend provided to all interns).

Potential internship location(s): Los Angeles, CA; Irvine, CA; Albany, NY; Boston, MA; & Austin, TX 

These are the potential areas of opportunity students may be placed in based on skills and team availability.

Art/Animation: Use your artistic talent to see how visuals are created in video games. From concept art to gameplay animation, you will help bring characters, environments, and objects to life in a game's environment. We have opportunities in Cinematic Animation, Gameplay Animation, Character Art, and Environment Art. 

• Demonstrate strong key-frame animation skills.

• Knowledge of and ability to learn 3D software packages like Maya or Max. 
• Skilled digital sculptor in Zbrush or equivalent. 
• Strong understanding of anatomy. 
• Willingness to participate in the critique process and complete feedback.
• Portfolio samples that reflect an understanding of the visual style of Activision Blizzard games: 

• World of Warcraft (MMORPG): Fantasy, stylized, hand-painted, colorful 
• Overwatch (First-Person Shooter): Stylized realism, strong shape reads, bold color 
• Diablo (Action RPG): Dark fantasy grounded in realism, gothic 
• Call of Duty (First-Person Shooter): Hyper realistic 

VFX: Work with 3D packages and in-game FX systems to create a wide range of VFX (fire, smoke, magic, electricity, explosions, etc.) to communicate gameplay.

• Experience with crafting eye-catching, real-time effects using Photoshop, Maya, and in-game FX systems. 
• Experience with FumeFX, Houdini, Thinking Particles, Maya fluids, and rigid body dynamics are a plus. 
• Portfolio samples that reflect an understanding of the visual style of Activision Blizzard games: 

• World of Warcraft (MMORPG): Fantasy, stylized, hand-painted, colorful 

• Overwatch (First-Person Shooter): Stylized realism, strong shape reads, bold color 
• Diablo (Action RPG): Dark fantasy grounded in realism, gothic 
• Call of Duty (First-Person Shooter): Hyper realistic 

Software Engineering: Challenge your coding by learning the ins and outs of how the game code works. We have opportunities in front-end development, back-end development, and UX/UI.

• For front-end, an understanding of (CSS, HTML, JavaScript, Etc.) languages. For back-end, an understanding of C++ and Java.
• Experience with engineering tools and methods (GitHub, unit testing, continuous integration, etc.). 
• Experience with SQL/NoSQL. 
• An interest in desktop and/or mobile applications. 

Cyber Security: Learn what it takes to protect our games. We have opportunities in Games and Global Information Security. 

• Solid understanding of scripting languages such as Python, PHP and Javascript. 
• Knowledge of application security, cryptography and related domains. 
• Experience cheating and reverse engineering cheats for games. 
• Must be actively involved with capture the flag and/or other security competitions. Please have these competitions outlined on your resume.

• Basic security, networking, and operating system (Windows, Linux, Solaris, OS X) knowledge. 
• Basic IT troubleshooting. 

Analytics: Contribute to the goal of understanding and improving consumer/player experiences. We have opportunities in Machine Learning, Data Science, and Data Analytics. 

• Understanding of data structures, data modeling and software architecture. 

• Knowledge of math, probability, statistics and algorithms. 
• Ability to write code in Python. 
• Experience in querying with SQL.
• Excited about quantitative methods – finding the truth and narrative in the data.

Game Design: Come do the combination of creativity and technicality by designing the atmosphere, story, and aesthetics of the video game; or the technical side of game mechanics, balancing, and a little bit of programming and math. We have opportunities in World/Level, AI, Core Gameplay, Systems, UX, Audio, and Narrative Design.

• Familiarity with Activision Blizzard games. 
• Knowledge of game engines (Unreal and/or Unity). 
• Programming/scripting experience in C/C++, Lua, or other languages is a plus. 

Product/Project Management: Support our games in real time with your problem solving. We have opportunities in production, project management and product management. 

• Experience with project management showcased through school projects. 
• Basic knowledge of planning and tracking tools such as Smartsheets, Project, JIRA, Confluence or Excel.
• Familiar with Waterfall and Agile project management methodologies, specifically Scrum. 
• Skills for breaking down complex problems into manageable tasks.

We love hearing from anyone who is enthusiastic about changing the games industry. Not sure you meet all the qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! At Activision Blizzard, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply. 

Your Platform

We are looking for talented and innovative students to join our team for the 2024 summer. All interns will receive a meaningful project and an unparalleled experience. We’ll provide the tools and resources you need to learn new skills/technology while you collaborate with some of the best in the gaming industry. The challenging and creative work you do throughout your internship will directly impact the team you are contributing on. In addition to your day-to-day work, you’ll participate in intern exclusive Learning & Development and social events (virtual and in-person). 

All internships will be conducted in-person. Hosting managers will determine when and how often interns work in the office Monday-Friday. All interns will have the option to opt into relocation services (flights, trains, or car mileage reimbursement). Additionally, all interns will be provided a living stipend to supplement housing, utility, commuting, and miscellaneous costs. 

Our World

Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI), is one of the world's largest and most successful interactive entertainment companies and is at the intersection of media, technology and entertainment. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty®, World of Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, Candy Crush™ and Bubble Witch™. Our combined entertainment network delights hundreds of millions of monthly active users in 196 countries, making us the largest gaming network on the planet! 

Our ability to build immersive and innovate worlds is only enhanced by diverse teams working in an inclusive environment. We aspire to have a culture where everyone can thrive in order to connect and engage the world through epic entertainment. We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for ‘Every World’ - we’ve got our employees covered! 

The videogame industry and therefore our business is fast-paced and will continue to evolve. As such, the duties and responsibilities of this role may be changed as directed by the Company at any time to promote and support our business and relationships with industry partners. 

Activision Blizzard is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. 

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable assistance to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you are a disabled individual requiring an accommodation to apply for an open position, please email your request to accommodationrequests@activisionblizzard.com General employment questions cannot be accepted or processed here. Thank you for your interest.

Rewards

We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for ‘Every World’ - we’ve got our employees covered! Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:

• Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;
• 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;
• Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;
• Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;
• If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.

Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company. You can learn more by visiting https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com/.

In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $20.00 - $50.00 Hourly. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this role’s range details for your local geography during the hiring process. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed.