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"...