Six short months ago, we started the Frag Doll Cadette Academy as a way to bring more awesome girl gamers into our family despite having only limited space on the core team. We created the program as a way to get to know some of our potential future Frag Dolls while also giving them the opportunity to learn more about our team and the publishing side of the game industry. We have also aimed to support these girls in reaching some of their competitive or professional goals. Even though this first term had some of the bumps and bruises of a beta test, we all learned a lot and hopefully our Cadettes have gotten something positive out of the experience.

We are nearing the conclusion of our first Cadette term, and we’re sad that it’s almost over because this group of girls has seriously rocked our socks off! We knew it would be fun to have them around for a couple of events, but we ended up getting to do a lot more fun stuff with them than anticipated. We simply couldn’t have asked for a better first class.

Now it’s time to start the recruitment process for the second Cadette term. In order to make the instructions easier, I have written answers to some of the most common questions.

** Basic Cadette FAQ Application Information**

What is the Frag Doll Cadette Academy?

The Frag Doll Cadettes Academy is like an “internship” for female gamers who are interested in learning more about the video game industry and possibly going to some industry events. This program would also be useful for female gamers interested in learning more about competitive gaming sponsorships. In addition to the “internship” experience, we offer exposure and moral support for those female gamers looking to start a career in gaming or get into the hardcore competitive gaming circuits.

How are new Cadettes chosen?

We will pick the new Cadettes by lottery, meaning that we will pick names randomly from a pool of “approved applicants”. To be entered into this “approved applicant” pool, please follow the instructions listed under “How do I apply?” All applicants who submit complete applications will be admitted to the pool of “approved applicants” for the lottery drawing. If your application is incomplete or unsatisfactory, we will help you to correct the error before the deadline or for the next application period in August, 2010.

We will notify you when your application is received, and if you do not get any other emails from us after that, you can assume that your application was approved and submitted into the lottery.

How many Cadettes will you pick for the Spring 2010 class?

12 new Cadettes will be randomly chosen from the “approved applicant” pool to fill out the Spring 2010 Cadette class.

How long is each term?

Each class of Cadettes will be active for 6 months. Currently, we plan to run each Spring term from March through August, and the Fall terms from September through February.

HOW DO I APPLY TO BE A CADETTE?

You application package must include the following parts:

1) Resume: include work experience, school experience, and any other relevant points.
2) Gaming History: please mention some of your favorite games, what consoles you own and/or play the most, and whether or not you have any competitive gaming experience. Please do not exceed 2 pages, double-spaced.
3) VIDEO INTERVIEW: in a video no longer than 3 minutes, please answer ALL THREE of the following questions:
1- What is your favorite thing about playing video games?
2- What would make you a great Cadette?
3- What are your 5 year goals? In other words, what do you hope to be doing 5 years from now? (This does not have to be gaming related)

All application components should be emailed to fd-cadettes@ubisoft.com . Please include the phrase “Cadette Application” somewhere in the email subject. We recommend that you use yousendit.com to email your video files.

We will send a notification when we have received your application.

INCOMPLETE applications will not be admitted into the lottery. We will notify you if your application is incomplete and you will have until the deadline to submit all components.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is Friday, February 19th.

What are the basic requirements?

You must be female, 18 years of age or older, and be legally capable of working in the United States (US citizen, green card, work visa, etc.)

When will we know who got selected for the Spring 2010 class?

We will announce the 12 new Cadettes during the first week of March, 2010.

What if we don’t get chosen this time? Can we apply again?

If you do not get selected this time, your application will be automatically included in the Fall 2010 lottery. If again you are not selected, we will only require you to submit a new resume for your name to be kept in the “approved applicant” pool for future Cadette lotteries.

Can I reapply if I have already been a Cadette?

We are requiring those who have already been Cadettes to skip a term before resubmitting their name into the applicant pool. For example, the Fall 2009 Cadettes will be able to reapply for Fall 2010, but not Spring 2010.

What if I have more questions?

We will be happy to answer your questions in the forum thread attached to this blog!