In the latest episode of the Poker Face podcast, Ivonne Montealegre, SiGMA Poker Tour Operations Manager, spoke with Cordelia Morgan Cooper, founder of CMS Consulting and an iGaming recruitment expert. Cooper, also a vocal advocate for women in gaming, offered an in-depth perspective on entering and succeeding in the iGaming industry, providing advice relevant to both newcomers and seasoned professionals.
Building your personal brand
Cooper emphasised the critical role of personal branding in recruitment. “Focus on your personal brand, whether it’s LinkedIn, attending conferences, or networking events. Many roles are never advertised and rely on word of mouth,” she said. Candidates are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, connect with industry leaders, and showcase their skills proactively. In a competitive market, visibility and credibility can often outweigh formal qualifications.
Career entry points and upskilling
Talking about how career opportunities have changed, Cooper stressed that before AI and automated processes, entry-level positions, such as a cashier in iGaming, provided an easy progression to an operations or management position within the company. For new graduates, Cooper recommends focusing on upskilling, finding internships, and building relationships with recruiters as a way to gain exposure to iGaming companies and the iGaming Industry. “A recruiter can get your CV put directly in front of a client, but it’s important also to establish a relationship with the recruiter so that they can help you with long-term success in your career,” says Cooper.
Market shifts and resilience
The podcast discusses how candidates are now in charge of negotiations for things like pay and remote work post-COVID. The market has changed; now the client is in control. Cooper stated that candidates should learn to adapt to this situation and manage their expectations while focusing on jobs that align with their career goals. “When you go into interviews, you should feel good about yourself knowing that from the company’s perspective, it would be a privilege to have you as an employee,” she said.
When a candidate doesn’t receive an offer after several job applications, it doesn’t mean they aren’t qualified. Cooper encouraged candidates to “customise their approach to job hunting, focus on meaningful job opportunities, and develop professional relationships with leaders in their industry.”
Mentorship and networking
A key part of looking for a career in iGaming is having a senior person provide mentorship. Cooper urges candidates to ask for mentorship opportunities from senior people in the industry as a way to gain resilience and insight about the industry. She told them that she had pursued a job at Katina Media through many touchpoints with leadership until one worked out. “It takes perseverance and creating true relationships for you to open doors,” Cooper said.
Glamour and emerging roles
While some roles in iGaming offer visible glamour, such as executive assistants attending high-profile events, Cooper highlighted that any position can become rewarding with the right approach. She also discussed emerging roles like Chief Visionary and Human Experience Manager. These positions, while sometimes seen as trendy, reflect a growing emphasis on professionalising employee experiences throughout their lifecycle in a company.
Navigating toxic environments
Addressing workplace challenges, Cooper compared toxic environments to complex relationships. She advised employees to set boundaries and, when necessary, step away to preserve well-being. “Sometimes taking a sabbatical or pausing to regroup can help you present your best self in future opportunities,” she noted. Cooper emphasised the importance of balancing professionalism with personal limits, particularly in high-pressure sectors like iGaming.
Interview preparation and salary negotiation
Cooper stated that providing tips on being successful in an interview, preparation is the biggest failure of candidates. A candidate needs to conduct research on the company they applied to work for, have an understanding of the position, and provide a valid reason as to why they want to be part of the organisation. When it comes to discussions on salary, Cooper advises using the ability to be transparent and also considering the timing that will provide the best possible outcomes.
Throughout Cooper’s conversation with us, he continues to emphasise the importance of having resilience, having proactive networking abilities, and being open to learning as very significant tools for enhancing your career as the iGaming Sector continues to change.
For professionals looking for guidance regarding their careers and/or opportunities to work within the gaming industry, Cooper’s advice can provide you with a path to follow so you can be successful in a very competitive and ever-evolving environment.
To learn more about iGaming Careers as well as Recruitment Strategies, please visit SiGMA’s website: https://www.sigma.world
