Mike Orlando

Full Name: Mike Orlando

Grad Year: 2021

Track (MPP or MPPA): MPP

Current Title: Associate Social Media Manager

Current Employer: 2K Games

Job Summary (One sentence job description): I create and implement the global social media marketing strategy for Firaxis Games titles (Sid Meier's Civilization VI, Marvel's Midnight Suns) at 2K.

How did you find your current position? (Specifics encouraged - i.e. referral, job board, internship, etc): Referral

Favorite part of your job? Getting to meet fans of our video games. As a fan myself, it's energizing to build connections with and create content for our passionate communities worldwide.

What have you worked on lately that is exciting? (Specifics encouraged - i.e. working with the public, special events, etc.): One project I enjoyed taking part in recently was attending my first video game convention as an employee. My earliest hopes to work in the video game industry stemmed from watching conventions like Comic-Con on television when I was growing up. Having the opportunity to be a part of one myself was emotional--definitely a dream come true.

How did SPP prepare you for this role and career?: I owe so much of where I am today from the things I learned at SPP, and UMass in general. The SPP curriculum offers flexibility, allowing students to dig into specialized topics like social media reform and internet governance while pursuing your graduate degree. Courses like these helped me to carve out my professional passion and inspired me to set my sights on making the digital world a more inviting, inclusive, and responsible place.

What advice would you give to students considering a degree in public policy?: My journey was anything but typical, and that's ok. SPP encourages students to go after the change they want to be a part of in the world, whatever that may be. That commitment is evident from staff, to faculty, to fellow students. We're all coming from different places, in pursuit of different things. Own this moment, and don't be afraid to be a little unconventional!

What are your future plans?: I plan to relocate closer to work and remain an active part of the video games industry, where I'll continue working to build sustainable online communities and tell groundbreaking stories through games!

Posted October 2022