Athens, Ga. – The University of Georgia Career Center has received a national award for its newly created Angry Dawgs game for iPhone and iPad.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers gave the UGA Career Center the Technology Excellence Award at the June 2014 NACE annual conference in San Antonio, Texas. The award is presented for excellence in best practices using technology and/or social media outlets.
The award recognizes the outstanding achievements of college career services and human resources professionals and represents over 1,800 four-year and two-year colleges and more than 900 employers who hire college graduates.
Created to help promote the Career Center’s array of resources and services to UGA students and alumni, the Angry Dawgs game aims to inform as it entertains.
“One of our primary goals with this game is to inform our students of the services and resources the UGA Career Center can provide along with the value of taking advantage of these resources as early as possible,” said Scott Williams, executive director of the Career Center. “Angry Dawgs simultaneously provides students with what they want, a gaming app, while educating them about things they need, like career advice and information.”
Inspired by the popular Angry Birds game, Angry Dawgs allows players to defend the Career Center and other iconic campus locations from a horde of mutant mascots, using a football-firing, giant slingshot. After each completed level, a “Did You Know” or “Fast Fact” message is displayed presenting career advice, encouraging students to engage with their UGA career consultant or promoting Career Center services.
“The gameplay is familiar to students, so it’s easy to pick up,” said Darin Parker, a UGA Career Center staff member and game developer. “It’s never too early to begin exploring and developing career goals, and Angry Dawgs is a fun way for us to engage students and get them thinking about that process.”
The Angry Dawgs app has been well received by students.
“This game is fun, yet challenging. Plus, I love the quick facts and tips from the Career Center that have been integrated into it,” said Sierra Corbin a senior psychology major.
“Angry Dawgs is an entertaining way to learn about what the Career Center has to offer,” said Jackson Wearn, a senior majoring in computer science.
The UGA Career Center is part of UGA’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations.
For more information on Angry Dawgs, see http://www.angrydawgs.com or view in iTunes or YouTube.
