Milford Schools To Host 'Jobs Of The Future - Esports' Event

Information via Milford Schools

MILFORD, CT —Superintendent Dr. Anna Cutaia will be moderating a conversation with Mark Kilpatrick to discuss the potential of esports careers on April 5th in the morning with students followed by a parent session at 6 pm. Parents and children alike will have the chance to discover how esports can open up exciting new possibilities for their futures. The event will also include time for a Q&A session.

"This program is the first in a series of workforce sessions developed in tandem with Milford's Economic & Community Development Director, Julie Nash, and Dr. Cutaia," said Nash. "It's important for Dr. Cutaia and I to regularly engage with each other and the wider community to provide information to both students and parents on the rapidly evolving workforce and the opportunities available to them.

"Esports is rapidly becoming a mainstream industry, with revenue projected to reach $1.5 billion by 2023. While some parents may be hesitant to support their children's passion for gaming, there are several compelling reasons why pursuing esports and a future career within the industry should be taken seriously."

Firstly, the esports industry is growing rapidly and offers many opportunities for those who are interested in pursuing a career in this field. From game developers to event organizers, there are numerous roles available that cater to different skill sets.

Esports also requires a variety of transferable skills such as strategic thinking, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills are not only useful in the gaming industry but can also be applied to other areas of life, making esports a valuable learning experience for children.

In addition, many colleges and universities now offer degree programs and esports scholarships as part of a varsity athletics program, allowing students to pursue higher education while also pursuing their passion for gaming. Players and competitors are critical to the ecosystem and the “viewership” growth of the industry, but for many there is a desire to pursue one of the more than 200 different types of jobs available within the gaming and esports market (ref Hitmarker) that enable the games, teams, events, and players to thrive. Moreover, professional esports players have the potential to earn significant amounts of money through sponsorships, prize money, and salaries. Some of the top esports players have earned millions of dollars in their careers.

Esports can also provide opportunities for children to build social connections and participate in a supportive, accepting community. This is particularly beneficial for children who may struggle with social interactions in other contexts, oftentimes coming from the neurodivergent community. Esports and gaming provide all individuals, regardless of disability or background, to succeed among their peers and build these critical connections.

"Esports is not just about playing video games, it's a booming industry that offers many career paths and opportunities," said super entrepreneur Mark Kilpatrick. "I believe that esports will become a mainstream career choice for young people in the near future."

About Mark Kilpatrick: During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mark made his return to gaming after a decade-long sabbatical. He saw an opportunity to equip gamers of all generations and backgrounds with the access and tools to develop a well-rounded set of skills and experiences to take into the world. He founded Affinity Esports with his sights set on creating spaces for happier and healthier gaming across Connecticut. Originally trained in graphic design at Barry University, Mark blended his passion for creativity, business, and collaboration, creating a successful track record of building organizations, communities, and relationships.

An award-winning and published entrepreneur, Mark has been featured on Quora Sessions, Apple News, Inc., and Forbes. He has been recognized as a Distinguished Alumni by Barry University and by Forbes as a 30 Under 30. His previous venture, Urban FT, was placed on the Inc. 5000 two consecutive years (2020 and 2021).