VE helps former pro gamer further career

VE helps former pro gamer further career

Vocational Education student Marcus Raj has been travelling the world while competing professionally in his favourite card game.

Marcus Raj (centre) with colleagues from the Netherlands at the 2016 European International Pokémon Championships​. Marcus Raj (centre) with colleagues from the Netherlands at the 2016 European International Pokémon Championships​.

From the playground to the world stage, Marcus Raj is a pioneer of pro Pokémon gaming and says RMIT is helping him further his career.

The Advanced Diploma of Business (Public Relations) student was introduced to the popular franchise and its trading cards when he was 10-years-old.

“It was a steady escalation from loving the pictures into eventually travelling around the world to be involved with the game,” he said.

Marcus came second in his first National Championships in 2004.

“After that moment, I started to improve and become the player I’m known as today.”

Along with accolades came prize money and more than 10 paid trips around the world to compete in and help run major Pokémon shows.

Marcus stopped playing professionally in 2015 but now helps manage events for the industry.

He said his VE public relations studies is helping quantify event and community management skills gained during his Pokémon experiences.

“Experience in the industry is good but having a certification says: ‘Not only do I have experience but I studied it,’ which shows an application to the craft,” Marcus said.

“Even though I had tons of experience, I couldn't really break it down into detail or identify it until I undertook my current courses.”

Marcus has his future ahead of him and said he’s got his eye on some positions at various companies.

“Once I can put a qualification to my skills, I’m confident I’ll be able to gain a foothold in the gaming industry,” Marcus said.

Which Pokémon best describes you?

Mewtwo – a character who is tactical and works from behind-the-scenes to achieve his goals but is able to adapt to the front lines when required.

Story: Aeden Ratcliffe 

29 June 2018

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29 June 2018

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