So you want to work in Sports?

Lately, a lot of individuals that I have met with have asked me how I became involved baseball. I certainly enjoy questions like these as it allows me the opportunity to ask the same questions. I like to hear the different backgrounds that people come from. It's quite interesting to me. So it sparked an idea for a blog.

So you like sports and want to become involved in it. I've interviewed about 150 potential interns in the last 5 years and many stand out compared to others. Let's start off with the basics.

When I was deciding on which colleges were right for me, I certainly had no idea what I wanted to do in the future. And that's ok. I would probably make a list of your interests and hobbies and apply those interests when applying to college. For example, I had a great desire to work in baseball, but I also had an affinity for history, in particular archaeology. So I applied to a school that had both a sport management and archaeology programs. I knew I wanted to do one or other. After a year at college, I officially changed my major to sport management. I was able to take general classes the first year that were required for both majors.

While in school, internships are ingrained in every student's brain. And you know what, teachers and professors are correct. Unfortunately, I started the internship train later than most students (Junior year), but it's never too late to gain experience. I firmly believe that real-world experience shapes most students. I know many situations are different; students would rather work part time and save money in the summer. That's great too as it shows responsibility, but employers won't ask about that part time job at the restaurant...unless you want to open up your own. I want to know about sport related work experiences, in particular baseball.

Internships are fairly easy to obtain; you just need to know where to look for them (there are plenty of sport job sites with internships listings being posted every day). If you walk into any business and ask if they would like free help, 9 out of 10 would say, "absolutely". And I can guarantee that 10th one is going out of business in the near future. It's recommended that you find an internship that compensates you for your work and time, as it certainly makes things a little easier. The experience alone is worth more than a few hundred bucks in your pocket in the summer. Remember, that internships and work experiences related to your potential career will separate you from your competition. Ultimately, that is what you want to do. Apply to internships that are relative to the field you want to work in. I've had finance majors email me and tell me they would be a perfect fit for our internship program with no prior sport experience. You think they would sign up to sweep peanuts off the grandstand? Internships are not supposed to be easy. You might have to travel far away from your friends and family, but employers will see that commitment.

There are many different types of sport organizations around the nation (professional, non-profits, amateur, marketing firms, agencies, associations, apparel companies, etc.). They all are looking for young and eager interns to help with their daily operations. And they all involve hard work and long hours. You want to make that impression so that you can use your boss as a reference. A teacher once told me, "If I am going to write a reference letter and signing my name to it, I am going to be 100% honest." So you want to make a good impression.

This is all pretty much common sense stuff, but it works and people do need to be told such things. While we are on common sense, please make sure all emails, cover letters, and especially resumes use correct grammar. I am as guilty as any on this blog, but this is not a job interview.

Everyone started off in the same place, at least 95% of the population. They all took the initiative and decided to better their lives and careers. Sports is about long hours and hard work. It's exciting to actually get paid to do something you love. I enjoy when fans come up to me and say they had a wonderful time at the game. That is the ultimate compliment. But it takes time. Most likely, you'll start off at the bottom of the ladder and will have to work your up. I promise, it will be worth it in the end.

None of this is groundbreaking information, but it's information that needs to be said time and time again. And it's information most everyone accepts after graduation. I didn't get into specific details, but it is certainly a start in the right direction.

***Sales experience and effective communication is key***