Meet Ahsan

Name: Ahsan

Title: Director of Product Management

Organization: Technology

Team: EADP (EA Digital Platform)

Location: Vancouver

Background

I have been a gamer since playing on the Atari 2600, blowing desperately into a cartridge copy of Pole Position trying to get it to boot up for another race. Over time, I transitioned that interest into sports games like EA SPORTS FIFA & NHL, before taking up Online first-person shooter games at University while pretending to study. My last job before joining the video game industry was as a Manager for the games department at a local theme park. Little did I realize just how relevant that experience would be many years later!

Getting Your Start with EA

Studying Business Management at the University of Toronto, I had never considered a career in gaming, even though I spent an unhealthy amount of time playing FIFA & NHL games in our residence house. I was attending a conference one day in my senior year, and casually struck up a conversation about potential improvements for the artificial intelligence in NHL with someone who turned out to be an EA Recruiter. He was surprised at my passion for games and that I had yet to consider a career in gaming, simply because I wasn’t an Engineer. He encouraged me to apply to EA’s Development Director Onboarding Programing and I was thankfully accepted. I moved from Toronto to Vancouver within days of my last exam and never looked back. I even forgot to turn up to my graduation, as I was too busy working on my first game!

Working at EA

I’ve worked on projects big and small, rough and smooth, fun and tough, and everything in between. But I’ve always worked on them with teams made of amazing people that I’ll always call my friends. While the challenges can be daunting, you always feel like EA is one team, and it’s great to know you’re always facing those challenges with people who truly believe in what they’re doing and in doing it as a team.

EA’s Impact

EA is where I grew up. I have been able to take on new roles and responsibilities with almost every new year and new project. You don’t get to become stagnant here, and I’ve been lucky enough to challenge myself in a number of positions, while still continuing to level up and advance over the years. Each change comes as an exciting opportunity to work with a new team and to take on a new scope of challenges, while always getting to work with great people on great IP. If you’re willing to put in the work, EA will only encourage your development and allow you to fulfill your potential.

Any Thoughts to Those Seeking a Career at EA?

A passion for games, and a passion for lifelong learning will take you very far. This is a tough industry and change is always just around the corner. Passion will allow you to push forward.. Good luck!