10 Women Rising in Gaming
Jess Chambers
Company, position: Penn Entertainment, VP Hospitality, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
Years of experience in the gaming industry: 22
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
What do you like about working in gaming? What is it about the industry that keeps you engaged? What is unique about it?
There are never two days that are the same. You can walk in every morning with an idea of how your day will play out and end up working on something totally different. The diversity of the projects I can work on keeps me engaged. One day I could be training a Penn Women session and the next I can be working on the capital budget – the variety of responsibilities make our industry quite unique!
What advice do you have for women seeking careers in gaming?
If you are someone who thrives in an environment of organized chaos, Do It! There are so many opportunities under one roof, no matter your area of expertise. You can truly be anything that you want to be if you have a positive attitude and a curious mind. Ask questions, be someone that others can rely on and always pull someone up who is climbing behind you.
Do you think there is a personality type that’s well suited for this industry? What personality traits do you possess that help you in this industry?
You must be nimble to be in this business. A willingness to pivot and move in a different direction in order to produce better results is key. Looking for opportunities to continue learning is important. When you understand the responsibilities of other departments, you’re more of a valuable team player. Be a person that people want to work with! There are a lot of moving parts in our business and having a strong network can be a huge asset when it comes to getting things done.
What do you wish you would have known starting out in gaming?
How important building your “personal board of directors” is. I have been fortunate to have some amazing mentors over the years, but forming a core group of people to lean on for advice and support is so important. I wish I had focused more on recruiting those people earlier in my career. GGW has played an important part in being able to make those meaningful connections. Take time to learn lessons from those who have walked before you.
How do/did you overcome adversity in the industry?
This industry is tough, we work when everyone else is having fun. Having a support system at home who understands that and is willing to support you through it is key. My kids learned early on that I might not be able to make every football game or chorus concert. We may not have our Thanksgiving dinner on the third Thursday of November, but we make an effort to create our own traditions that are now our “normal”. Finding balance when you can is important.
