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A random kid asked Gabe Newell for a job at Valve. His response shows why he's always been a class act.

@oddsontechnology

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Why it worked

The video provides rare, humanizing insight into a high-profile tech figure, which appeals to the curiosity of the gaming community and reinforces a positive brand image for Valve.

Summary

Gabe Newell, the co-founder of Valve, sends a personal video response to a young fan who asked him for a job. He advises the student to focus on their education and developing skills before applying for a position at his company.

Structure

1Introduction of the situation
2Gabe Newell's direct response
3Advice on the importance of school
4Encouragement for the future

On-screen text

A random kid asked Gabe Newell for a job at Valve. His response shows why he's always been a class act. HI, KEVIN, I HEAR THAT YOU'RE INTERESTED IN INTERVIEWING WITH US AND POTENTIALLY GETTING A JOB. UH, ONE THING I WOULD LIKE TO SAY IS I KNOW IT CAN BE PRETTY CHALLENGING, BUT IT'S IMPORTANT TO DO WELL IN SCHOOL. THERE ARE A BUNCH OF SOCIALIZATION ISSUES, TECHNICAL ISSUES, SKILL THINGS THAT YOU CAN ALL ACQUIRE BY DOING WELL IN SCHOOL. THAT'S ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS YOU SHOULD BE FOCUSING ON FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS. AND I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR RESUME SOMEDAY.

Transcript

Hi, Kevin, I hear that you're interested in interviewing with us and potentially getting a job. Uh, one thing I would like to say is, I know it can be pretty challenging, but it's important to do well in school. There are a bunch of socialization issues, technical issues, skill things that you can all acquire by doing well in school. That's one of the most important things you should be focusing on for the next couple of years, and I look forward to seeing your resume someday.

Original caption

Follow us @oddsontechnology_ for more technology history and rare tech archives! A random kid asked Gabe Newell for a job at Valve. His response shows why he’s always been a class act. Most CEOs of billion-dollar companies would never see an email like this, let alone respond to it. But when a young fan reached out to Gabe Newell about someday working at Valve, the co-founder of Valve and creator of Steam took the time to send a personal video response. Instead of brushing him off, Newell encouraged the student to focus on school, develop technical skills, and take advantage of the opportunities that come from learning, collaborating, and growing alongside others. It wasn’t a life-changing speech or a secret formula for success. It was simple, honest advice from someone who genuinely cared enough to answer. Moments like this are a big reason why Gabe Newell remains one of the most respected figures in gaming. Long before Steam became the largest PC gaming platform in the world, he understood something many leaders forget: sometimes a few minutes of your time can mean everything to someone else. #gabenewell #valve #steam #pc #gaming