Winter Break

How many of you are taking advantage of your time over winter break? The time we all have off during the Holiday Season is a perfect time to be making new connections, networking, volunteering, or interning for a few weeks. Be proactive and learn what and who is around you. There may be people or organizations in your own home town that would be worth setting a meeting with. Do a little research and help yourself out. Who knows, maybe you could line yourself up for a summer internship!

Fulfill your responsibilities

There are countless volunteer opportunities for us as students of the sports industry. We are constantly being offered opportunities to play a role in sporting events, whether it be within our own college athletic departments, for outside local sports organizations or even for professional teams and leagues. We should, by all means, take advantage of these opportunities, as not only is it a resume builder but it is also a chance for us to see how sports operate and for us to continuously build our network with professionals in the field.

Therefore, we need to be sure we are representing ourselves in a positive manner, as volunteer opportunities can often lead to something bigger and better for us. Also important to note is the fact that we are most often also representing someone or something bigger than ourselves, such as our program and university or the person who invited us to participate.

As a volunteer you are fulfilling a very important role, as events would not be as successful without the help from volunteers. A few pieces of advice in regards to expectations when serving in the role as a volunteer:

• Arrive on time, wearing appropriate attire (ask before arriving if your contact does not tell you before hand)
• Make sure you know the answers to frequently asked questions (customer service is key)
• Be sure to serve in the specific role you were asked to serve (if you were asked to be an usher, watching the crowd and not the game - do just that)
• Be sure to eat before you arrive as often times a break for food is not scheduled into your working session
• Do not complain
• Be sure to thank your supervisor for the opportunity
• Do not expect to receive anything for free

Have fun!

Building Your Resume

For those who have never written a resume before, I suggest you start creating one now! It is so much better to start from scratch early on so that you can continually update and edit it as you progress in the sport industry. You will receive continuous feedback from peers, faculty, advisors, and other professionals on how to make it the best it can be. After all, this is the document that allows you to market yourself. This is the document which will distinguish you from your peers/competitors and is a snapshot of who you are for potential employers.

Everyone has their own ideas and preferences as far as resume writing goes, so you will receive conflicting feedback it all the time. Things like font size, structure, page number, references, what to include and what not to include, etc. Start out by including everything you think is necessary:

• Objective Statement (what you want to do)
  
• Education Information (university, major, GPA, expected graduation)
  
• Relevant Coursework (classes you have and/or are taking)
  
• Relevant Experience (work experience within sports)
• Employment (additional employment)
• Volunteer Work
• Honors and Awards
• List of References

By including all of this information, your resume may get pretty lengthy. But it's a great starting point. It will be easier to cut things down than it would be to try and add information. Start by loading your resume up with as much information as you think necessary and you can work [with someone] to cut it down to a more manageable and readable resume. Good luck!

Make a Good Impression

This past week I was in New York City assisting the New York Road Runners with the 2008 ING New York City Marathon. I have been lucky to have built a strong rapport with the Road Runners since working full time there and coming back to graduate school. I have been asked back the past 2 years and hope to continue this relationship. This year an undergraduate student from OU was invited to come along as well. As I mentioned in my previous posting, when I was a senior in undergrad I was invited to assist the Road Runners at the marathon - an opportunity that I am so glad I did not pass up!

I think this OU student had quite a similar experience as I had had a few years ago. Not only was he exposed to The World's Largest Marathon, but he was also exposed to some of the top running professionals in the industry and some of the most elite runners from around the world. He was quite brave to take on the opportunity - meeting new people, working in a city he had only been to once before, and doing it basically all on his own. The best part - everyone was so impressed by him! He did not complain once, did what was asked (and more), and took it all in as an invaluable learning experience.

The New York Road Runners will not forget him and will more than likely be asking for him back year after year (if of course they do not offer him a full time position before then - which would not surprise me!). I am proud of him and know that he learned the importance of making a good first impression.

Remember to...

When I was a senior in college, I was asked by a good friend of mine to assist him and the New York Road Runners during the week leading up to the ING New York City Marathon. He had made some great connections with individuals who were working full time for the New York Road Runners and had been asked several years in a row to come back to the city and help them out. There is so much that needs to be done during that week; the more hands they have to help, the easier it makes their lives and the event as a whole. However, as a senior in college and not having had much real experience with large-scale events like this one..I was nervous. I wanted to do a great job, not only for myself but for my friend, as I would be representing him - everyone would associate me with him and I had to prove that I was worthy of being there.

Before we left, my friend (who had been in the work force for several years and has had a lot of experience in the sport industry) had a talk with me. This talk was not because he did not think I would do a good job or embarrass him (after all he did choose me of all people to come with him to the race), but just as a reminder of what his expectations were for me and what I needed to remember while working for the New York Road Runners. I will never forget those things he told me. A lot of these things may seem like common sense, but for most, they are things that are easy to forget. Whenever working or volunteering at an event or for an organization, remember these things:

• Never ask for SWAG (Stuff We Always Get): This is the free stuff that is given out at events that everyone always seems to want (i.e. t-shirts, hats, posters, etc). If you are working an event, don't ask to have those things. You never want to be known as the kid who constantly asked for the free stuff. If they offer it to you, by all means, take it and be thankful...but if they don't offer, don't assume you can take it and do not ask for it!
• Be on time: On time means 15 minutes early. If you are told to be somewhere at 9:30, get there no later than 9:15. This will definitely impress those you are working for.
• If there's nothing for you to do, ask: Often times when you are working/volunteering, there may not always be something for you to do or there may not be direction for you at all times. This is when you ask, "Is there something I can help with?" If they so no, that's ok, just wait. Don't look or act bored..just be available to help when help is needed.
• Never complain: Even when there is nothing to do, don't complain. Don't complain that you're tired or hungry. People will get annoyed VERY quickly and will not want to have you back. Be respectful and don't complain.
• Dress the part: Make sure you are aware of the attire expectations before getting to the event. You don't want to show up in jeans and a t-shirt when the organizers expect you to be in khaki slacks and a polo. Even if people around you are dressed down, that does not mean that you can "get away with it" too. Dress in a way that fits the part and keeps you looking professional and conscientious.
• Have fun: You don't have to take everything completely serious; make sure to have fun and make those around you know that you are enjoying what you are doing.

These are just a few tips on how to be your best, make the most positive impact, and produce good work when at any event no matter the size or scale. You are not only representing yourself and selling your own personal brand, but more often than not, you are representing someone or something else.

I will be heading to the 2008 ING New York City Marathon this week...representing myself, my former boss, and Ohio University. I will be sure to make a positive impact.

Internship Opportunities - Check Out these Websites!

As I've mentioned, there are countless opportunities available to sport management students who are seeking internships. One of the hardest parts is knowing where to look. Here are several sites I have come across that may be of interest to some. Many of these organizations offer Internship Programs where they hire a "class" of interns for the summer, 6 months, or even a full year. Check out the websites of each respective organization, as each will offer more detailed information about their particular programs, the positions available, and how to apply.

• National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA):
• www1.ncaa.org/membership.html
• Velocity Sports and Entertainment:
• teamvelocity.teamworkonline.com
  
• Octagon:
• www.octagon.com
  
• IMG:
• www.imgworld.com
  
• USOC (and affiliated National Governing Bodies):
• http://teamusa.org/content/index/1544
  
• Under Armour:
  
• http://www.uabiz.com/careers/interns.cfm
  
• Junior Golf Association:
  
• www.IJGA.org
  

Also, please continue to seek out the information on internships which are available via teamworkonline.com. You can sign up to receive email notifications when positions of your interest come available. It only takes a few moments and it's worth it !

How to Start the Job/Internship Search

One of the hardest parts of a new job or internship is actually finding it! How do you start looking? Where do you look? Who do you talk to?... There are so many opportunities out there, in so many different areas that it becomes overwhelming and you don't know where to begin.

Though it is hard to know exactly what you want to do, and many people don't figure that out until they are well into their careers, we've got to start somewhere, right? Here's a short list of websites that can help you along in your search process. Looking into some of these may help you understand what's out there and what you need to do to get there.

• workinsports.com
• jobsinsports.com
• teamworkonline.com
• sportscareers.com
• sportsbusinessjournal.com
• team and league websites (NBA.com, redsox.com)
  
• company/brand websites (Under Armour, Nike, Coca-Cola...)
  
• national governing bodies (United States Olympic Committee, USA Track & Field, etc.)
• Colleges/Universities websites
• Sports Agencies websites (Velocity, Octagon, IMG, GMR)
  

Though several of the websites require a subscription/membership to be granted full access to the sites, most of them still allow access to view the internship and job postings. It's definitely worth checking out!

Browse the sites, find out who you would need to talk to within that specific organization. Do they offer internship programs (Under Armour, Nike, and Velocity do, for example). How can you apply; is there information directly on the website?

Additionally, use your peers and faculty members as resources throughout this process. There may have been 6 other students from your program who have been at an organization before you. there may be an alum that currently works there. Take advantage of the people around you - they will be able to help!

Check Out These Sites!!

I encourage all of us to continually be researching and learning about the sports industry and how to be successful in it. One of the easiest ways for us to do so is to continually read about experiences and successes of others, what they are doing, researching, learning and saying about it. Three alum of Ohio University's Sports Administration program are also writing blogs about sports - how to be successful, what's going on in the industry, and what they are doing in the industry. Take some time and check out the following three sites:

www.sportsindustryinfo.com

• Advice and insight on how young professionals or students just entering the working world can help themselves out
• "What your sports management classes didn't teach you about working in the sports industry"
  

www.partnershipactivation.com

• Focuses on what brands and companies are doing to separate themselves from the sports marketing clutter that exists - tactics and strategies
• "The "think tank" for connecting brands with fans"
  

www.runningevents.blogspot.com

• Written by a running enthusiasts who currently has the opportunity to travel the country to various largest endurance events and activate sponsorships
• "A multi-dimensional best practices approach to enhance the endurance community"

Check them out!

There's A Lot Out There

Do you know what area of the sport industry you want to work for? Could you put it down in words, or are you still searching? It's definitely okay not to know where you exactly you want to be long term. After all, we are all still learning what the sport industry is all about and what is even out there. Though it seems to be a trend for most students looking to enter the sports industry to want to work in a) some part of one of the 5 major sports (football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and soccer) or b) Collegiate athletics, it is important to understand that there is WAY more out there besides those top-of mind categories. We have all grown up being surrounded by the NBA, MLB, College football, etc. so it seems natural to want to work in one of those areas. But even though you may have grown up a fan of a specific football or baseball team, that does not necessarily mean working in that sport is where you will be the best you can be.

In speaking with several industry professionals (most of which are alumni of OU's Sport Administration master's program), I always ask what advice they have for me or for other students like me. One common theme in all of their responses is to "make sure you know what else is out there". There are so many emerging non-traditional sports (just look at the explosion of Mixed Martial Arts or Arena Football) and segments of all sports that are often overlooked. Just because these segments may not receive as much media attention, does not mean that there are not incredible opportunities available. Often times it is with those such segments that we, as entry level/internship seekers, can break in and gain some invaluable experience. Keep an open mind and do some digging - what are your strengths, what are your interests (aside from being a fan), and what areas have you never thought about pursuing?

Who You Know vs. What You Know

As frustrating as it may sound for some, often times who you know will get you the interview, but it's what you know that will get you the job (internship). Expanding your networking and meeting as many people in the field as possible will prove beneficial as these people will help you get your foot in the door for that initial interview. However, a mistake that is often made is relying on those personal resources to actually get you the job. That's where the "what you know" aspect comes into play. Your personal resources cannot interview for you, therefore it is your responsibility to "wow" your interviewers with what you know, what you've done (remember, experience is critical), and how you will add value to their company or organization. Just because you know the VP of Stadium Operations at the Boston Red Sox, for example, does not mean that you are a "shoe in" for an internship in the Marketing Department.

Take the time to get to know people in the industry, create strong relationships, and a valuable network. But please also make sure to gain experience and develop your skills and knowledge because those are the things that will get you the farthest in this industry.

Experience is Critical

Wondering how to get noticed by potential employers and beat out your competition? Experience! Relevant sports experience is critical for future success. I've always been encouraged to get involved with as much as I can...learn what there is around you and try to get involved. You can volunteer at a local sporting event, help out in your university's athletic department, talk to your advisors, peers, and mentors about upcoming events or other opportunities. Not only will it set you apart from your competition, but it will also expose you to various pieces of the sporting industry - applying what you learn in the classroom to real live events.

When applying for jobs and internships, the goal is to ultimately get your resume from the middle of the stack to the very top. Experience will get it there. Over the past 7 years since I entered the "sports business world" I've had the fortunate opportunities to be involved in some major events and organizations such as Disney's Wide World of Sports, the New York Road Runners and the ING New York City Marathon, the Grand Opening of the Basketball Hall of Fame, Event Marketing and Management International (Orlando, FL), Springfield College and Ohio University Athletics, Crocs AVP Beach Volleyball Tour, among many others. I served various roles in each of these events, from handing out water cups, to picking up trash, to distributing promotional items, but each was just as important as the next in order to get me where I am today. You've got to understand every piece before you can expect to know it all.

There are countless opportunities to get involved in your local community or school. Sometimes all you have to do is ask. Ask your coaches, professors, friends, mentors, or even check out opportunities online - Craigslist.com and even Google. It's a great way to earn extra cash or help out a good cause while gaining the experience that will put you a step ahead of the rest!

The Sports Industry 101 - Purpose of Blog

As a Sports Administration Graduate Student at Ohio University, I have the fortunate opportunity to serve as the Undergraduate Internship Coordinator, among many other opportunities I have been awarded as a part of this program. I will be taking full advantage of my role here to assist undergraduate sport management students as best as I can. I have had a couple of years of experience (specifically in Event Management) after graduating from Springfield College with a degree in Sport Management and am ready to offer what I can to best assist students who want to pursue a career in the sports industry.

As I've learned over the past few years, being a part of the sports industry is like drinking from a fire hose (as my mentor likes to describe it)...Drinking From the Fire Hose: (idiom) how you feel when introduced to the Sports Industry...you're standing at the fire hose; all this water's coming at you at warp speed; and all you're trying to do is catch as much water in your mouth as you can without falling over while the vast majority rushes right by you! - MW

My goal is to be a resource for advice, future opportunities, industry updates, and general sports business information. At times I will write about my own experiences and of others' close to me. In general, I hope this blog will be used as a quick informational resource. Feel free to provide feedback and comments, or ask questions as necessary. Thank you for investing your time in this blog! Stay tuned for - "Experience is Critical"...