Landing a Dream Job in Sports: How I Did It
If you're serious about trying to work in sports, I can give you some advice no one told me; take it for what it's worth, and I hope it helps!
Whether you're just starting your career or looking to pivot into the sports industry, here are some practical real-life tips:
Research: Create Your Career Gameplan
Like many athletes, after my playing days were over I needed a career. I realized my passion for sports business and marketing could actually become a career. I researched different front office workers in all the sports jobs I would want (sales/marketing) to see how they got to where they were. I looked them up on team websites and then searched on LinkedIn for their careers/education/experience.
Most people are not former pro athletes with tons of connections. Depending on what job you're looking for, find people already doing it and try and blueprint a plan to get to where they're at (which is what worked for me). Reverse-engineer their career.
Stack Your Resume: Set Yourself Apart
The truth is that 1,000's people apply for each sports job opening, which is high demand for a minimal supply - the entire front office for most pro teams is only about 50 people TOTAL.
You have to set yourself apart from the rest. The hardest part is getting that sports-related experience you need; I would spitball that 95% of my former co-workers have worked for free at some point, either as a volunteer or an intern.
I got my Bachelor's Degree, worked for a bit at a marketing firm, did some volunteer work related to sports where I could, went back for my Master's of Sport Management Degree, and then worked an UNPAID internship with the Grand Rapids Griffins. And I worked my ass off before I even landed my first interview.
The majority of coworkers that started with the Detroit Red Wings directly out of college began their career as volunteers/interns and then were hired on to a paid position after proving themselves.
Even helping with events like local golf outings or marathons/5K's - it doesn't matter what sport - can help you land your first internship, then your first job, etc.
I have a buddy who had an internship with Churchill Downs Horse Race Track, then got a better internship with the Columbus Crew MLS team, then got a ticket sales job with Western Michigan's Athletic Department, and now he works a group sales job for the Carolina Panthers.
The biggest thing to do is stack your resume with items in sports, anything that makes your resume look better, and regardless of the sport, it doesn't matter. Take any opportunity you can to get experience. It all adds up.
Network: Build Your Connections
Armed with your experience from your internships and after you've made a great impression on those people who you did business with, you should have made some connections to tap into. If not, reach out to those hosting organizations, sponsors, or local networking groups... whoever it takes to offer an opportunity. Go to job fairs. Look at who could give you an introduction on LinkedIn. Be creative. Get your foot in the door and sell yourself and the value you would bring to an organization.
Apply: Find The Right Opportunity
The website most pro teams and other related sports agencies/companies use to post their jobs is Teamwork Online. Make a profile and check it out. That's where I personally have found all of my jobs, including internships and volunteer jobs. Look for any opportunities, and again, be prepared to work for free if you're serious; it might be the only opening you'll find.
Follow Up: Be Professional and Leave a Good Impression
I was in the final interviews for two separate ticket sales job with the Grand Rapids Griffins within 6 months and lost out on both. The team liked me and I left a good impression, enough to be considered a 2nd time, but I lost out to people who had more ticket sales experience.
Three months later, a sponsorship internship became available with the Griffins. I reached out to the ticket sales manager who met with me, and he helped me get the sponsorship interview. If I hadn't left a good impression (twice), I wouldn't have gotten that internship, and I might not be here dropping knowledge about a sports business career spanning more than a decade. It just goes to show that you never know what can happen with hard work, a solid game plan, and a little luck.
In Conclusion
Looking back, my journey has had its share of challenges and victories. But every step of the way, my passion for sports marketing has been the motivating factor for me to keep working toward my goals.
If you're considering a career in sports, I encourage you to pursue it wholeheartedly and shoot your shot. A dream will stay a dream until you turn it into a goal.