Reflecting on an ‘EA SPORTS Summer’ with Interns Angelina and Ahad

At EA SPORTS™, we’re passionate about supporting those interested in starting their careers in the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), sports and gaming industries. And one of the key ways we foster early career talent is through our internship and co-op opportunities – which help current students and recent graduates gain hands-on experience and contribute to the games we make for millions of sports fans all around the world. 

To share more insight into our EA SPORTS internships, we sat down with Angelina, a User Experience (UX) Design Co-Op student on the EA SPORTS FC™ team in Vancouver, Canada, and Ahad, a Database Software Engineering intern on the EA SPORTS Madden NFL team in Orlando, USA, as they reflected on their ‘EA SPORTS Summer.’ 

Keep reading to get to know Angelina and Ahad and see what they had to say about the projects they worked on, skills they developed, their experience working on their teams, and how their internship has contributed to their future career goals.

Angelina [Left], a UX Design Co-Op, and Ahad [Right], a Database Software Engineering Intern.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what made you want to ‘Get in the Game’ as an EA SPORTS intern? 

Angelina: I’m entering my fourth year of the Cognitive Systems program at the University of British Columbia. Video games have always been an integral part of bringing me comfort and connection, and I have also always known EA SPORTS to be behind some of the world's greatest sports games. Additionally, I saw that EA SPORTS – and Electronic Arts (EA) more broadly –  is committed to building a positive work environment that welcomes diversity, creativity, and innovation. Reading and hearing about different people's experiences as a part of EA SPORTS made it clear that I had to ‘get in the game’ as an intern.

Ahad: I’m in my third year at The Georgia Institute of Technology as a computer science major pursuing a Masters in Computing Systems. Gaming is what got me interested in computer science, and I have always wanted to use my skills to be a part of a team like this that is passionate about what they create. 

What did you work on during your internship at EA SPORTS?

Angelina: My team is responsible for understanding player expectations to create intuitive and consistent experiences shared across modes such as player profile, settings, navigation, and avatar customization within EA SPORTS FC. In simpler terms given to me from a team member, if a player doesn’t have to work hard to process the visual layout or where to find things, we’re doing our job right!

Ahad:  As a Database Software Engineering Intern, I was tasked with improving the process on when real-time game changes are being exported to SQL or JSON. Throughout my time here, I was able to learn a lot about the many different softwares and technologies that are used in exporting things like rosters, stadiums, player gear and more into the game!

What are some technical skills you learned and/or developed while working as an intern at EA SPORTS?

Angelina: Being a part of EA SPORTS has helped me learn and develop a range of technical skills that apply both inside and outside of game development. For example, I’ve grown in my understanding of the design process and how to effectively design intuitive and engaging user interfaces. I have also grown in my understanding of player experiences and how we use user research and testing to make informed design decisions consistent with player expectations.

Ahad: This summer I learned the popular programming language C#, as well as several software development processes that are used here at EA SPORTS – including how to create, edit, review and submit code files. I also had many opportunities to meet with other interns and EA and EA SPORTS leaders, further developing my communication skills.

Angelina at the EA Vancouver studio with her colleagues Austin [Left] and Celine [Right].

What did you like best about the EA/EA SPORTS culture? 

Angelina:  I’d be lying if I didn’t say the perks and exclusive merchandise is an awesome addition to being a part of EA, but there is a lot more about culture that makes it especially unique. One of my standout experiences was our EA SPORTS intern dinner in the city – where I met senior leaders, team members, other interns, and managers from other teams in a more casual setting. On a day-to-day basis, I have felt fortunate enough to be a part of an incredibly talented and supportive team who cares about my experience, my growth as a designer, and my overall well-being. Without their constant support, I don’t think my experience would’ve felt nearly as connected and memorable.

Ahad: Besides the free EA games I received (obviously the best perk!), I loved the flexibility of the hybrid model and being able to work both remotely and at the EA Orlando studio. I also loved our in-person onboarding orientation at EA Redwood Shores, since that got me really excited for what's to come! That said, the best part about working at EA SPORTS has been my team and the people. I met with various engineers on other teams and projects and each one was always so passionate about their work and open to answering questions. I could tell that this is an organization where everyone is excited to play their part in making great games. 

How did joining the team at EA SPORTS contribute to your goals and/or plans for your career?

Angelina: Prior to my time at EA SPORTS, I had no hands-on industry experience. However, it has always been my goal to have a career working on the games I love. My time on the EA SPORTS FC team has allowed me to work on a globally recognized brand, while also gaining hands-on experience in a fast-paced, high-impact environment. I truly believe that there is no experience quite like it, and I know that it sets me up well for my future career goals and plans.

Ahad: EA SPORTS is my first internship at a major company and I am very grateful to have interned here. I realized that being part of a passionate culture is very important to me and I would love to work in a place that is as excited to create as everyone is here. EA SPORTS has also helped me build my necessary networking skills, and the biggest lesson I’ll apply to my career moving forward is to reach out to the people I want to learn from. One of the most rewarding parts of my internship was being able to speak with people from all across EA, and I want to continue this throughout my career. 

 
Angelina, Ahad, and the rest of our interns presented projects addressing real business challenges at the EA Summer Intern Fair.

At the end of your term, you presented at the EA Summer Intern Fair. What was your experience like? 

Angelina: When I first heard about the Summer Intern Fair, I didn’t expect it to be very engaging or exciting – but I couldn’t have been more wrong. I was overwhelmed by the support I received from individuals both inside and outside of EA SPORTS FC. People came to me with genuine curiosity and interest about my experience and thoughts. I made new connections and friends along the way and, ultimately, I felt recognized and proud of the progress I had made in four months.

Ahad: The Summer Intern Fair was a great experience! I was given the opportunity to create a presentation highlighting my project and the overall journey I had this summer. Afterwards, there was a Q&A session with my team where I was able to answer questions and connect with employees. I loved the intern fair and I believe every company should offer something like this.

How would you sum up your intern experience in three words?

Angelina: Insightful, engaging, rewarding. 

Ahad: Challenging, educational, exciting.

And finally, what advice would you give to someone starting out in their career and is interested in getting in the game with EA SPORTS?

Angelina: In a time where technology is exponentially growing and innovating, there is truly no better time to be a part of a company that leverages tech to create incredible game experiences for their players. If I had told myself a year ago where I’d be now, I probably would’ve laughed and thought I was being delusional. But if I had let my fear in my abilities affect my choice to apply, I wouldn’t be where I am today. 

Ahad: Whether or not you play video games, being a part of this team will show you what it’s like to be a part of a passionate company culture. You will develop a unique technical skill set here that is hard to find anywhere else.

Angelina: And if you’re waiting for a sign, consider me waving one in front of you right now – and it says “GET IN THE GAME!”

Learn more about how we foster early career talent and explore open roles across EA SPORTS today!