About the Company:
7 Generation Games creates educational adventure video games and interactive apps that teach students math, history, and language.
“We really wanted to create something that everybody would benefit from,” said Maria Burns Ortiz, one of three company co-founders.
The games focus on creating an inclusive, culturally relevant, and engaging way for students to learn by producing games in English and Spanish and by crafting games set in Native American and indigenous settings.
7 Generation Games used the SciTech Internship Program to find an intern for the summer. “We always knew we wanted to be able to pay our interns because the work they do has value,” said Burns Ortiz. SciTech provides a wage reimbursement of up to $2,500 to help companies fund STEM internships.
Meet the intern:
Anthony Kampa is a junior at the University of Minnesota – Crookston studying Software Engineering, and he is currently an intern at 7 Generation Games. He has spent the summer fixing bugs and venturing into video game development. When we spoke with him about his experience, it was very clear that he has a passion for software development and for making the world a better place.
“For me, it’s all about giving back,” said Kampa. He is an Eagle Scout, and he enjoys volunteering as a math peer tutor and in a retirement community. This focus on service and helping his community led him to apply to 7 Generation Games.
Kampa has always loved programming and developing and says it comes very naturally to him. “I’ve learned that I enjoy this a lot. It just makes sense to me.”
“If you want to get involved in this industry, show how passionate you are.”
Throughout our interview with Kampa, it was clear how much he loved his work. Here are some golden nuggets we learned from him:
- “Anthony asks the most questions” said Burns Ortiz. As an intern, it is vital to ask questions and continue to learn and grow.
- Communication is key! When interviewing for a position, make sure you practice your communication skills.
- “I always have 3 or 4 side projects going on at a time,” said Kampa. In addition to his internship, Anthony likes to work on programming in his spare time to increase his knowledge and practice his craft.
Get Involved:
If you are a STEM Student looking for an internship with a company like 7 Generation Games, get started today at SciTechMN.org. If you are a returning SciTech student, reactivate your account by sending your current academic transcript to SciTechMn@mntech.org.