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?