Meet Karen Kinsella from Keywords Studios in Dublin!
Staff Spotlight – To kick off our series on Keywords Colleagues in Dublin, we recently caught up with Studio Operations Manager Karen Kinsella to discuss her journey into video games as well as diversity and inclusion in the gaming industry.
What inspired your journey to Keywords Studios and the video games industry as a whole?
I was ready for a change in my career and felt I needed to move on to continue to grow. When I heard about the position in Keywords in Dublin, I thought it would be a fantastic fit! Combining my love for video gaming and my drive to expand my learning.
Keywords Studios supports Diversity & Inclusion and being partnered with Women in Games portrayed a strong and progressive company to me. I wanted to work somewhere that I could be an ally and help create a positive impact in the industry.
Describe a typical day at Keywords in Dublin so far.
No two days in Keywords have been the same so far! It’s a fast-paced work environment that always keeps you on your toes, from client visits to ice cream deliveries! The company culture is amazing and getting to know the teams has been fantastic from sharing hobbies to chatting about games and working together.
What excites you about your day-to-day role at Keywords?
I find the critical thinking and problem-solving challenges the most exciting, but also getting to know everyone and having the opportunity to work with people on a global level is incredible. Being in a company that is already so established but still growing and being part of that journey is such an exciting opportunity for me.
The video games industry worldwide is placing increased value on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, what role can Keywords play in making progress in this area?
Keywords has a strong stance on DEIB progression. I believe that as the company continues to move forward, we will continue to pave the way for better DEIB practices within the industry. Keywords can lead by example by showing through its own organisational demographic that everyone is welcome in this industry and that historically underrepresented talent worldwide has a place here.
What are some of the challenges that come with managing a studio as big as Dublin’s?
Some of the challenges faced can range from ensuring you reach everyone with news and updated communications, to being able to manage many various tasks in progress at any one time, sometimes within a very tight schedule.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself!
I have a Titanium plate in my wrist due to a Roller-Skating injury so may not give the best high fives.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone considering a career in the gaming industry?
Keep at it! Be passionate and don’t be afraid to fail, your hard work and dedication will get you to where you want to be. You’ve got this!
If you are interested in a role at Keywords Studios, search for open positions on our Careers page.
