Level Up Your Career: How to Apply for Blizzard Internships and Stand Out

Dreaming of a career in the gaming industry? Imagine contributing to the next epic title from the creators of World of Warcraft, Overwatch, or Diablo. For many aspiring game developers, artists, engineers, and business professionals, a Blizzard Entertainment internship is the ultimate stepping stone. But with such a coveted opportunity, how do you navigate the application process and truly make your mark?

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to apply for Blizzard internships, from understanding what they look for to acing your interview. Get ready to turn your passion into a profession!

Why Pursue a Blizzard Internship?

Blizzard Entertainment, often referred to as "Camp Blizzard," is a giant in the video game industry, known for producing some of the most iconic titles worldwide. An internship at Blizzard, affectionately called a "Blizzternship," offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain hands-on experience and work alongside talented professionals.

These paid, full-time programs, typically lasting 12 weeks over the summer, immerse students in the company's core values and dynamic atmosphere. You won't be fetching coffee; you'll be contributing to real projects and impacting the development cycles of major entertainment experiences. Beyond the practical experience, you'll build a strong professional network and receive mentorship and support from their Early Careers team, setting you up for future career growth.

Who is Blizzard Looking For? Understanding Eligibility and Opportunities

Blizzard's internship program is designed for active students who are looking to prepare for their future careers through hands-on participation.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a Blizzard internship, candidates generally must:

• Be currently enrolled in a college or university program (associate's, bachelor's, master's, or PhD).
• Be returning to school upon completion of the internship.
• Meet the minimum qualifications and skill requirements specific to the role they are applying for.
• Be eligible to work in the U.S. (international students with F-1 visas and necessary work authorization documents are welcome to apply).
• Be available to participate in a 12-week program, typically starting in late May or mid-June.

While a strong passion for gaming and familiarity with Blizzard's titles are beneficial, you don't necessarily have to be a hardcore gamer for all roles. Blizzard seeks diverse talent, including visionary creative minds and capable business professionals.

Types of Blizzard Internships

Blizzard offers a wide array of internship opportunities across various departments, extending beyond just game development. These can include:

• Game Development: 3D Art, Animation, Programming, Game Design, Production, Quality Assurance (QA).
• Business Operations: Analytics, Finance, Business Intelligence, Community, Human Resources, UI/UX, Cybersecurity, and more.

Internship opportunities vary yearly, so it's crucial to check their official careers website for the most up-to-date listings.

The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for a Blizzard internship is a structured process that requires careful preparation.

1. Scout Out Available Internships

The first step is to visit Blizzard's official careers website, specifically their "Early Careers" or "University Relations" section. Here, you'll find a complete listing of internship opportunities. Review each one to identify roles that align with your skills, interests, and career goals.

2. Understand Application Timelines

Blizzard's US internship application season typically runs from September to December every year for most positions. For art internships, applications might extend into January or February. Due to the high volume of applicants, they generally only accept applications during this open submission period. Summer internships usually run from May-September.

3. Prepare Your Application Materials

Your application will generally require a resume and a cover letter. For art and design roles, a portfolio is essential.

• Resume/CV: Tailor your resume to each specific role you apply for. Highlight significant skills, relevant coursework, personal projects, and any out-of-school experiences that demonstrate your abilities.
• Cover Letter: This is your chance to explain why you're interested in the specific internship and what unique skills and experiences you can bring to the role. It's strongly recommended to tailor your cover letter for each position you apply to, even if applying to multiple roles.
• Portfolio/Work Samples (for Art/Design): If you're applying for an art or design internship, a portfolio or demo reel showcasing your best work is mandatory. Focus on work most relevant to the role and the specific art style. A link to your website or online portfolio is preferred, though PDF samples may also be accepted. For technical roles, be sure to include personal projects, involvement in student group projects, or any other creative ways you've demonstrated your ability to produce quality content.

4. Submit Your Application

Once your materials are prepared, submit your application through Blizzard's online portal. You can apply for multiple opportunities, and it's even strongly recommended to do so, tailoring each application as advised.

5. The Interview Process

If your application meets the initial criteria, you may be invited for interviews. This process assesses your suitability for the internship. Blizzard aims to get to know you and your achievements.

• Be Prepared: Research the company, the team, and the specific role thoroughly. Be ready to discuss your personal hobbies, passions, and what drives you.
• Show Enthusiasm: Convey your excitement for the work you do and the prospect of working with Blizzard's talented teams.
• Technical Expertise: For technical roles, expect questions that test your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you approach problems and develop solutions.
• Behavioral Questions: You might encounter behavioral questions about past experiences, such as a time you made a mistake or had a disagreement with a manager. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is highly recommended for structuring your answers to provide a complete picture of your contributions.
• Ask Questions: Remember, an interview is a two-way street. Prepare your own questions to ask the interviewer about the organization, the position, and the team. This shows your curiosity and helps you evaluate if the opportunity is the right fit for you.

After applying, be patient. Recruiters will carefully review applications and reach out if there's a fit.

Tips for Standing Out

Given the competitive nature of Blizzard internships (67% of applicants find it "Very Difficult" to get an internship), how can you truly shine?

• Show Your Passion Through Projects: Beyond your academic work, demonstrate your initiative. Have you developed personal projects, participated in game jams, or contributed to open-source initiatives? Showcase these! Blizzard is interested in students who actively use their educational opportunities and networks to develop creative content related to their desired role.
• Tailor Everything: We can't stress this enough. Generic applications rarely succeed. Customize your resume, cover letter, and portfolio to directly address the requirements and spirit of each specific internship.
• Network (Where Appropriate): While not explicitly part of the application, engaging with the gaming community or attending industry events can broaden your understanding and potentially lead to insights that strengthen your application.
• Practice Your Interview Skills: Rehearse answers to common behavioral and technical questions. Be ready to articulate your contributions to projects clearly, using data where possible to show impact.
• Professionalism is Key: From your application materials to your interview attire (even for virtual interviews, dress well!), present yourself professionally. Timeliness and preparedness are crucial.

Conclusion

Securing a Blizzard internship is a challenging yet incredibly rewarding endeavor. It's a launchpad into the exciting world of gaming, offering invaluable hands-on experience, mentorship, and networking opportunities that can propel your career forward. By understanding the application process, tailoring your materials, and showcasing your passion and skills, you significantly increase your chances of becoming a "Blizztern."

Are you ready to embark on this epic quest? Start preparing your application today and take the first step toward crafting legendary entertainment experiences!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Are Blizzard internships paid?

Yes, Blizzard Entertainment offers paid internship programs, typically lasting 12 weeks during the summer.

Q2: Do I need to be a gamer to get a Blizzard internship?

While a passion for gaming and familiarity with Blizzard's titles can be beneficial, it's not strictly required for all roles. Blizzard seeks a diverse range of talent, including those in business operations, and believes that independence and different approaches are key to groundbreaking entertainment.

Q3: Where are Blizzard internships located?

Blizzard primarily offers internships at their headquarters in Irvine, California, and also at their Austin, TX, Albany, NY, and Boston, NY offices. They provide housing for non-local students.

Q4: Can international students apply for Blizzard internships?

Yes, Blizzard welcomes applications from international students who are eligible to work in the U.S., such as those on an F-1 visa with the necessary work authorization documents.