Full Sail Stories

In Just Launched, we talk to brand-new Full Sail grads about what’s next as they begin their professional journeys. From first jobs and internships to career goals and lessons learned, these stories celebrate the moments between graduation and what comes next.

Name: John Fernando Hoyos Tobar

Degree Program: Game Business & Esports

Graduation Date: October 31, 2025

Work before Full Sail: Before Full Sail, I built and ran my own esports brand called LeaveNoWitness, focusing on Latin American players. Between two of our Apex Legends rosters, we qualified to two international events in London and ranked among the top five South American teams. I had spent three years studying architecture while working full time in the aquatics industry, but it wasn’t fulfilling. After coming back from my second international event with the team, I knew I wanted to make a career in an industry that I had come to appreciate while working on my brand. It was the biggest gamble I’d ever taken in my life, but I sold my bed, desk, and computer, packed what I could, and moved to Florida to pursue an education that genuinely interested me, even if it meant starting over and working multiple jobs to make it happen.

Why get a formal education in Game Business: I wanted perspective and structure. Coming from the esports scene, I understood a lot through experience, but I needed a deeper understanding of how publishing, marketing, and operations come together. Education in this field can feel taboo, but the Game Business & Esports degree gave me credibility and helped me translate my passion for games into a career and move forward. It also taught me how to handle public perception, crisis management, and how to present myself and my work in the best possible light.

What you’ll be doing with Tribe Gaming: I’m interning in Tribe Gaming’s Esports & Talent Department, supporting both competitive rosters and content creators. Tribe specializes in mobile gaming titles, and my role focuses on creator operations – helping celebrate milestones, streamline communication, and provide extra support to a roster that’s grown beyond what one person can manage. It’s remote, three months to start, and I’m excited to learn from people who’ve been managing talent and scaling creator programs for years.

How your time at Full Sail prepared you: Everything tied together. Classes like Project & Portfolio V with Ivan Kako connected publishing and marketing deliverables, and Joe Delbridge’s courses gave real insight into talent management – exactly what I’ll be doing at Tribe. On campus, I filled a lot of roles including stage manager, caster, and observer, which built my adaptability. Working as an Armada officer and on the Apex Varsity team helped me understand community and competition from both sides. Mentors like Jacob Kaplan and Sari Kitelyn championed me, and Career Development helped me connect with Tribe.

What’s in store for the future: The esports industry changes constantly, so I’m keeping an open mind. Maybe I’ll build my own talent agency one day, or work in large-scale creator operations. Long term, I just want to keep learning, keep improving, and help talented people do work they’re proud of.

Advice: Say yes to the opportunities that stretch you. Get involved with events, build relationships with mentors, and don’t be afraid to start in a support role. Perspective is a superpower, so use it to assess your options, adapt, and move where you’re needed most.