In this article, we will discuss how Vadim Golovkov and Anton Gritsai, VFX specialists at Plarium, created an internship for their department. The search for candidates, development of the curriculum, and organization of classes were all implemented by the guys in collaboration with the HR department.
Reasons for Creation
The Plarium office in Krasnodar had several VFX department vacancies that had remained unfilled for two years. The company couldn't find not only mid-level and senior specialists but also juniors. The workload in the department was increasing, and something needed to be done.
The situation was as follows: all VFX specialists in Krasnodar were already employees of Plarium. The scenario was not much better in other cities. Suitable candidates mostly worked in film, which has a different VFX focus compared to gaming. Moreover, recruiting a candidate from another city posed a risk. The individual might simply dislike the new place of residence and leave.
The HR department suggested growing specialists in-house. The art department had no prior experience with this, but the benefits were clear. The company could secure young employees living in Krasnodar and train them according to its standards. The course was planned to be conducted offline to specifically seek local talent and interact personally with interns.
Everyone agreed that the idea was promising. The implementation, with support from the HR department, was taken on by Vadim Golovkov and Anton Gritsai from the VFX department.
Searching for Candidates
They decided to look in local universities. VFX is at the intersection of technical and artistic fields, so the company was primarily interested in candidates studying technical disciplines and possessing artistic skills.
The work was carried out with three universities: Kuban State University, Kuban State Technological University, and Kuban State Agrarian University. HR specialists negotiated with the management to hold presentations, where together with Anton or Vadim, they informed everyone interested about the profession and encouraged them to submit applications for internships. Applicants were asked to attach any work that could serve as a portfolio, as well as a short resume and cover letter. Professors and deans assisted in spreading the information: they informed promising students about the VFX courses. After several presentations, applications gradually began to arrive.
Selection
In total, the company received 61 applications. Particular attention was paid to the cover letters: it was important to understand what specifically interested the individual in the field and how motivated they were to learn. Most of the candidates had not heard about VFX, but many began to actively gather information after the presentations. In their letters, they shared their goals in the field, sometimes even using professional terms.
As a result of the initial selection, 37 interviews were scheduled. Each interview included either Vadim or Anton and an HR specialist. Unfortunately, not all candidates knew what VFX was. Some mentioned that it was related to music or the creation of 3D models. However, there were also those who quoted articles from future mentors, which certainly impressed them. Following the interviews, a group of 8 interns was formed.
Curriculum
Vadim already had a ready curriculum for the online course, designed for one session a week over three months. They took it as a basis, but reduced the training time to two months. The number of sessions, on the contrary, was increased, with two planned each week. Additionally, they wanted to include more practical sessions under the guidance of mentors. Practicing in the presence of an instructor would allow the students to receive feedback directly during the work process. This could save time and guide them immediately in the right direction.
It was expected that each session would take 3–4 hours. Everyone understood that the course would be a significant load for both the instructors and the interns. Anton and Vadim were supposed to spend personal time preparing for classes, as well as working 6 to 8 hours of overtime each week. In addition to their university studies, interns had to absorb a huge amount of information and come to Plarium twice a week. However, the result they aimed for was very important, so complete commitment was expected from the participants.
The course program was designed to teach the basic tools of Unity and the fundamental principles of creating visual effects. Thus, after completing the training, each intern had the opportunity to further develop their skills, even if Plarium decided not to offer them a job. When the vacancy reopens, the individual could come and try again—with new knowledge.
Organization of Training
A hall was allocated for classes on the studio premises. Computers and necessary software were purchased for the interns, and workspaces were equipped for them. Each intern was signed to a temporary employment contract for a duration of 2 months, and in addition to that, the guys signed an NDA. They were to be accompanied by mentors or HR staff on the office premises.
Vadim and Anton immediately drew the interns' attention to corporate culture because business ethics holds a special place at Plarium. The interns were informed that the company would not be able to hire everyone, but an important indicator in assessing their skills would be the ability to help their peers and maintain friendly relationships within the study group. The interns never behaved antagonistically toward one another. On the contrary, it was clear that they had bonded and were actively communicating with each other. A friendly atmosphere was preserved throughout the course.
A significant amount of resources and efforts were invested in preparing the interns. It was important that none of the interns dropped out halfway through the course. The mentors' efforts were not in vain: no one missed a session or delayed submitting their assignments. And since the training took place at the end of winter, it would have been easy to catch a cold; many of them just had finals.
Summary
The last two classes were dedicated to the control work. The task was to create a slash effect. The students had to apply all the theoretical and practical knowledge they had acquired and demonstrate results that met the project requirements. They needed to create a mesh, set up animations, develop their own shader… The work ahead was substantial.
However, this was not a pass-or-fail exam: pass — move on, fail — goodbye. The mentors evaluated not only the technical potential of the interns but also their soft skills. Throughout their training, it became clear who would fit well within the company and who could integrate into the team, so the final classes focused more on assessing the grasp of material. A good result could be an additional plus for the intern or a reason to consider their candidacy.
As a result of the training, the company made job offers to 3 out of 8 interns. Of course, after joining the VFX team and facing real tasks, the students realized they still had a lot to learn. But now they have successfully integrated into the team and are preparing to become true professionals.
Mentor's Experience
Vadim Golovkov: In addition to the mentoring skills, the course gave me the opportunity to communicate with those who are taking their first steps in the industry. I remember my feelings when I first entered the studio and saw game development from the inside. I was impressed! Over time, we all get used to it and start to see work as routine. But upon meeting these guys, I immediately remembered myself and my burning eyes.
Anton Gritsai: Some things repeat at work day after day and seem obvious. You start to doubt: are these really important skills? But when you prepare the educational program, you realize that the topic is complex. In those moments, you understand that what seems simple to you poses a real barrier for these guys. And then you see how grateful they are, and you realize what a useful job you’re doing. It energizes and inspires you.
Interns' Testimonials
Vitaly Zuev: One day, people from Plarium came to my university and explained what VFX is and who works in it. For me, it all was new. Until that moment, I had never thought about working with 3D, let alone effects specifically.
At the presentation, we were told that everyone could send applications for training and that examples of work would be a plus, not a necessity. That same evening, I began studying videos and articles, trying to find more information about VFX.
I liked everything about the training; there are probably no downsides to the course. The pace was comfortable, and the tasks were manageable. All the necessary information was presented during the classes. Moreover, we were taught how to do the homework, so all we needed to do was show up and listen carefully. The only thing lacking was the opportunity to review the material at home.
Alexandra Alikumova: When I heard that there would be a meeting with Plarium employees at the university, I initially couldn't believe it. At that time, I already knew about this company. I knew that their requirements for candidates were quite high and that previously Plarium hadn't conducted internships. Yet here were these guys saying they were ready to take students, teach VFX, and even hire the best. This was happening just before the New Year, so it seemed completely unreal!
I gathered and sent my works. Then I received a call, and here I am, nearly entering the game dev world, sitting and talking with Anton. I was very nervous before the interview, but after just five minutes, I forgot about it. I was struck by the energy of the guys. It was clear that they were doing what they loved.
During the training, the topics were presented in a way that instilled the basic principles of creating visual effects in our minds. If anyone was struggling, the instructor or classmates would come to help, and we would solve the problem together, so no one fell behind. We had classes in the evening and finished quite late. By the end of the class, everyone was usually tired, but despite that, we didn't lose our positive attitude.
Two months flew by very quickly. During this time, I learned a lot about VFX, acquired basic skills in creating effects, met some great people, and received a ton of positive emotions. So yes, it was worth it.
Nina Zozulya: It all started when people from Plarium came to our university and offered students free training. Before that, I hadn't purposefully engaged in VFX. I did some things based on guides, but only for my mini-projects. After completing the courses, I was hired.
Overall, everything was great. Classes ended late, of course, and taking the tram wasn’t always convenient, but that's a minor detail. The teaching was very good and clear.
Source: habr.com
