University of Advancing Technology's Official Technology Blog

Erik’s path wasn’t linear, fast, or predictable — and that’s exactly why it matters for students researching careers in game design, animation, and emerging technology.

UAT Alumni Erik Link and His Work on Avatar

After graduating from UAT, Erik built a career that spans games, film, and live entertainment. His work in motion capture and performance capture sits at the intersection of multiple industries, showing how game-focused skills can translate well beyond traditional game studios.

Students interested in similar pathways often begin by exploring UAT’s Game Studies degrees, which include programs in:

→ Game Art & Animation
→ Game Design
→ Game Programming
→ Game Production (MS)

From Game Design Student to Working on Avatar

When Erik enrolled at UAT, he didn’t set out to work in film. Like many students, he simply loved games and wanted to build them. Over time, that interest evolved into a specialization in motion capture — a discipline now central to games, film, and virtual production.

That crossover ultimately led him to work on Avatar, a franchise known for pushing the boundaries of technology and production workflows. Erik’s career reflects a common reality in technology fields: skills often open doors to opportunities students didn’t originally anticipate.

The Reality of Careers in Game Design and Motion Capture

Despite the prestige of his credits, Erik’s career path was not immediate or linear.

After graduating from UAT, it took several years for him to land his first industry role. Even with a degree, he had to learn how to position himself professionally, build a portfolio, and consistently demonstrate his skills to employers.

For students researching game design careers, this is an important takeaway: persistence, adaptability, and continuous improvement matter more than instant results.

Skills That Matter in the Game and Film Industry

Across both games and film, Erik consistently points to foundational skills that mattered most:

• Hands-on technical experience in motion capture and animation

• Project-based learning and iteration

• Problem-solving and troubleshooting when systems break

• Collaboration within multidisciplinary teams

• Adaptability as tools, engines, and pipelines evolve

These skills are reinforced through UAT’s project-based learning model and applied experiences like the Student Innovation Project (SIP), where students work on real-world problems in team-based environments.

How UAT Prepares Students for Industry Work

At UAT, Erik gained early access to motion capture technology and coursework designed to mirror professional workflows. This hands-on exposure helped him secure an internship with the THQ motion capture team, providing real-world experience while still a student.

This combination of academic fundamentals and applied projects helps students bridge the gap between education and employment — a key reason many alumni are able to move between industries as technology evolves.

What Erik’s Career Path Means for Current Students

Erik’s experience highlights several realities prospective students should understand early:

• Career paths in game and technology fields are often nonlinear

• Internships and real-world projects matter as much as coursework

• Portfolios and demonstrable skills are essential

• Persistence and adaptability are part of the process

How Career Services Supports Students at UAT

Building skills is only part of the journey. Students also need guidance on how to present their work, connect with employers, and navigate the transition from school to industry.

UAT Career Services supports students before and after graduation, helping them translate projects, portfolios, and experience into meaningful career opportunities. 

Students who want to speak with an admissions team member or receive additional details can also request more information about UAT.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a game design degree lead to work in film or other industries?

In some cases, yes. Skills developed in game design — such as motion capture, animation, and virtual production — can be applied in games, film, and related fields, depending on a graduate’s focus and experience.

How long does it take to get a job after graduating from UAT?

Timelines vary. Some graduates secure roles quickly, while others take longer to break into the industry. Persistence, portfolio development, internships, and career support all play a role.

What skills do employers look for in game design graduates?

Employers value hands-on experience, problem-solving ability, collaboration skills, and strong portfolios that demonstrate real-world projects.

Does UAT help students get internships?

Yes. UAT provides access to hands-on projects, industry-aligned coursework, and Career Services support to help students prepare for and pursue internships.

What support does UAT offer after graduation?

UAT Career Services continues to support alumni with career guidance, employer connections, and professional development resources beyond graduation.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Explore UAT’s Game Studies suite of degree programs, or, if you’re ready to move forward, apply to UAT.