2025 has been a year of significant development at Alchemy VFX. As we continue to innovate in real-time visual effects and expand our internal R&D capabilities, we made the strategic decision to welcome our first cohort of student employees through the DigiBC Work Placement Pilot Project.
We began by taking on one placement for the Summer 2025 term (Cohort 3), and following that success, we expanded to two placements for the Fall 2025 term (Cohort 4).
As a boutique studio, taking on our first intern employees was a new challenge, but the support from the DigiBC Work Placement Office (WPO) was invaluable. The WPO actively assisted with the heavy administrative load, posting job adverts on our behalf, and guiding us through funding applications with ICTC (Information and Communications Technology Council). Their support made the process of onboarding students smooth and efficient.
We were fortunate to welcome two brilliant students this year: Seth van der Zweep and Sophie Sianen. Their energy, enthusiasm, and high degree of professionalism brought a fresh dynamic to the studio. As the Fall placement comes to a close in December 2025, we are genuinely sad to see them go.
Developing New Skills: The Student Experience
Seth and Sophie contributed directly to the development of our upcoming creative technology initiatives, providing them with valuable career experience in a professional studio environment.
Working with Alchemy VFX has been perhaps the most pivotal moment in my career so far and has done more for my development than many of my classes… I have improved on my ability to model, rig and texture 3D models and have learned the vital skills of working as a part of a project team and working within an agile workflow. This Co-op position has without a doubt boosted my confidence and my qualifications for finding a job after graduation.
Seth van der Zweep, 3D Game Artist
Working with Alchemy VFX has been perhaps the most pivotal moment in my career so far and has done more for my development than many of my classes… I have improved on my ability to model, rig and texture 3D models and have learned the vital skills of working as a part of a project team and working within an agile workflow. This Co-op position has without a doubt boosted my confidence and my qualifications for finding a job after graduation.
My co-op term with Alchemy VFX provided the opportunity for me to work towards my goals while developing valuable technical and interpersonal skills… I am most proud of programming app functionality in Unity C# to support scene management, touch-based UI interactions, inventory systems, and user accounts… What I love the most about working with the team at Alchemy VFX is their shared passion and dedication to crafting high quality user experiences and educational products.
Sophie Sianen, University of Victoria – Computer Science
My co-op term with Alchemy VFX provided the opportunity for me to work towards my goals while developing valuable technical and interpersonal skills… I am most proud of programming app functionality in Unity C# to support scene management, touch-based UI interactions, inventory systems, and user accounts… What I love the most about working with the team at Alchemy VFX is their shared passion and dedication to crafting high quality user experiences and educational products.
Looking Ahead to 2026
We are thrilled to announce that a new student, Jasmine Wei, will be joining us for a placement in January 2026. This ongoing flow of talent makes a real difference for our company. We truly hope the DigiBC Work Placement Pilot turns into an ongoing program, as it creates essential pathways for students entering the creative technology workforce.
Learn more about the DigiBC Work Placement Pilot Program.
We are proud to foster the growth of aspiring creative technology professionals. If you are a student or recent graduate eager to gain experience in a professional, project-driven environment, we’d love to hear from you!
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