University of Advancing Technology's Official Technology Blog

Alumni Insight: Tommy Leeds Returns to UAT

University of Advancing Technology (UAT) Student Chapter of the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) hosted an inspiring and insightful event last night, featuring UAT alumnus Tommy Leeds as a guest speaker. With a decade of experience in the game industry since his graduation, Tommy brought a wealth of knowledge and candid advice to current Game Development students.

From Classroom to Career: Real Talk from the Industry

Leeds captivated the audience with his honest reflections on navigating the industry, sharing both the triumphs and challenges of his career. Attendees appreciated his willingness to openly discuss his journey, offering real-world insights that bridged the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations.

Student Leaders Behind the Scenes

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Chairperson Trevor Baughn, Vice Chair Baylee Balsimo Ketelhut, and Treasurer Thomas Eyester, the event saw strong student turnout both in person and online via Zoom. Their commitment to creating valuable professional development opportunities was clearly reflected in the enthusiasm and engagement of the audience.

Career Advice That Sticks

From a Career Services perspective, one of the most impactful takeaways came from Tommy’s reflections on what has consistently helped him land roles throughout his career. He emphasized three core pillars: his education, his skillset, and his professional network. This message reinforced the importance of well-rounded preparation—not just mastering technical skills, but also building strong connections and staying grounded in the fundamentals learned during one’s academic journey.

The Power of Thoughtful Communication

On a more personal note, Tommy’s thoughtful approach to the Q&A segment stood out. Rather than rushing to respond, he frequently paused after being asked a question—taking a brief moment to collect his thoughts before delivering a clear and considered answer. This quiet confidence served as a subtle lesson in its own right, demonstrating the power of intentional communication, something that many students and professionals alike can learn from.

Bridging Students and the Industry

Events like this serve as a vital bridge between students and the industry they aspire to join, and the UAT IGDA Student Chapter continues to deliver on its mission of connecting learners with real-world experiences. A sincere thank you goes out to Tommy Leeds for generously sharing his time and insight, helping to inspire the next generation of game developers at UAT.

Want to level up your future in game development?

At UAT, you won’t just study game design—you’ll connect with industry pros, collaborate with passionate peers, and build the skills studios are hiring for. From student-led chapters like IGDA to hands-on game launches, your dev journey starts here.

👉 Explore our Game Development degrees or schedule a tour to see where your game-changing future begins.