2 answers
2
Questions
2 answers
Lindsey Pritchett
Project Manager - Network Integration & Product Development
10
Answers
Updated
Lindsey’s Answer
Honestly, any job in sports is a long road to success unless you have the great fortune of starting as a star athlete. The sports industry tends to take advantage of the "star power" associated with working with the different teams so they underpay dramatically.
I work as a project manager in technology now, but started my career looking to become a beat writer for the Baltimore Orioles. I spent two years working for free in the sports industry while having to work a combination of 3 part time jobs to afford my bills. I was working so much I became very unhappy and changed career paths. Sports, while being my passion, wound up not being the best career path for me. I do not say this to discourage you, I say this because hopefully, life will be a long & beautiful road for you & it's important to pursue your passions.
That's the beauty of whatever you set out to do: if it does not work out you can always change paths & that will work out completely ok BUT if this is something you are passionate about, it's important to give it a shot. It's easier to overcome failure than it is to overcome regret.
I highly recommend connecting with people to start off. I did not network and going into sports and this is a major reason why that journey didn't work out for me. It's important to make connections wherever you can with people in the jobs/careers you are interested in pursuing. If you can, look them up on Linked In and start reaching out to ask questions. The great thing about technology is you have a tremendous amount of resources in the form of people who have traveled this path before you that you can connect with on career focused networking sites like Linked In. Bonus: almost every person I've met in my career is willing to talk to you and answer any questions you have, but also potentially look out for you and try to give you a hand up. I cannot stress enough how important it is to make those connections and if you say you'll do something (like send someone a copy of your resume), don't wait to do it. Do it right away and include a personal note. It will set you apart because many people do not take the time to do this anymore.
I also recommend starting off while you're in school pursuing internships with local sports teams or internships in areas of sports you're interested in working. You can also partner with university teams in your area, another great place to start.
I wish you the best of luck in your journey!
I work as a project manager in technology now, but started my career looking to become a beat writer for the Baltimore Orioles. I spent two years working for free in the sports industry while having to work a combination of 3 part time jobs to afford my bills. I was working so much I became very unhappy and changed career paths. Sports, while being my passion, wound up not being the best career path for me. I do not say this to discourage you, I say this because hopefully, life will be a long & beautiful road for you & it's important to pursue your passions.
That's the beauty of whatever you set out to do: if it does not work out you can always change paths & that will work out completely ok BUT if this is something you are passionate about, it's important to give it a shot. It's easier to overcome failure than it is to overcome regret.
I highly recommend connecting with people to start off. I did not network and going into sports and this is a major reason why that journey didn't work out for me. It's important to make connections wherever you can with people in the jobs/careers you are interested in pursuing. If you can, look them up on Linked In and start reaching out to ask questions. The great thing about technology is you have a tremendous amount of resources in the form of people who have traveled this path before you that you can connect with on career focused networking sites like Linked In. Bonus: almost every person I've met in my career is willing to talk to you and answer any questions you have, but also potentially look out for you and try to give you a hand up. I cannot stress enough how important it is to make those connections and if you say you'll do something (like send someone a copy of your resume), don't wait to do it. Do it right away and include a personal note. It will set you apart because many people do not take the time to do this anymore.
I also recommend starting off while you're in school pursuing internships with local sports teams or internships in areas of sports you're interested in working. You can also partner with university teams in your area, another great place to start.
I wish you the best of luck in your journey!
Updated
M’s Answer
I agree with Lindsey. Anything you choose, sports or not, will take a while to get where you want to go. Look at Sean Kazmar of the Atlanta Braves. Play 18 games for the Padres almost 12-13 years ago and hasnt been back to the majors until last week. Whatever you do will take tremendous discipline, the right attitude, the right amount of effort, and tons of energy. Sports Management can open many doors- Broadcasting, Fundraising, team development and more. At this point.....continue networking every chance you get. Tell everyone you meet what you want to do and how you are going to get there
Good luck in your decision. There are some amazing colleges out there for Sports Management.
NETWORK
NETWORK
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and oh Network
Good luck in your decision. There are some amazing colleges out there for Sports Management.
M recommends the following next steps: