How did you figure out what you wanted to do within the sports field?

Don't worry about which job is right. Find an opportunity in the industry and get the experience. If even if you're not working directly on something you planned for, you'll get exposure to different jobs and can identify a field you like.

Since the first time I walked into Wrigley Field, I knew I wanted to work in the sports broadcasting industry. Prior to my internship, I thought I was going to be a photojournalist however during my internship I had the opportunity to spend some time with the engineering staff and really fell in love with technology and all of the broadcast systems. That's the beauty of internship, you discover what you like, what you don't like, and what you want to funnel your attention to. Best advice is explore what I call your "second level love" is...obviously, your first level love is sports and your second level love could be sales, marketing, engineering...just don't limit yourself.

Most of all, be sure you love what you do...because I know I love what I do!!

John Stadnick

Hi! I was very similar in that I had no idea what I wanted to do, but I knew I enjoyed sports. I think that the more experience you can get in sports related fields, the better. For instance, in my first sports media internship I realized what I loved, what I hated, and what I was intrigued by. This helped me be able to take my next steps in finding a career or even just another internship or volunteer opportunity.

Hi Fin.

When I graduated college 17 years ago I too wanted to work in sports. At a career fair I handed my resume to someone at ESPN and I've been here ever since. I graduated with a marketing degree but my first job was an assistant to an account executive in sales. It was a great entry point and a great way for me to learn from the bottom up about the media industry. I've had several jobs throughout my tenure and the sports environment is still exciting and fast-paced and makes it fun to come to work.
My advice would be to apply for an internship or an entry level job and just start networking as soon as you can. Think about your likes and where your skill sets are most valued and let others know your interests. Good luck!

I thought I wanted to be a sports beat writer when I went off to college so I started writing for the school newspaper. Not long after, I realized that wasn't what I wanted at all. By volunteering and interning in my school's athletics department, then for a minor league baseball team, I realized Media Relations was really what I wanted to do. My advice: volunteer/intern/work in an area you think you are interested in. Don't turn down any opportunity that comes your way and you will find what is best for you.

I think it comes down to two different aspects of sports employment.
1. Do you want to work in a specific sport?
2. Do you want to work in a specific capacity within sports?

I wasn't too concerned about sport specific and was able to transition from one professional sports ticket office to being a Stadium Operations Manager for a minor league baseball team, also working the Spring Training for the associated MLB Team. Each position had their own perks and benefits as well as trials and tribulations to work through.

However, because I was working in an industry I loved, nothing was ever too tough to handle.

Start with a broad focus in your education path. While working to persue your niche. I would say get internships. Follow people who do different jobs and see what interests you. Work hard, be engaged and inquisitive with people, and look for mentors. I wanted to be a photographer or work in tv. I found the TV route was easier for me. I did some news videographer work and worked as a studio manager/floor director for many years. I then got into commercial production and found I really enjoyed being able to take my time versus slapping stuff together on deadline for news. The rest was focused on learning the craft.

Hi Fin,

Cool name! =)

I found out the old fashion way by trying all media mediums during my high school and college years. I wrote for school newspapers, interned at radio and tv stations and learned and tried different roles to see what I enjoyed the most. I landed on production.

I tried writing and it wasn't for me. I voiced radio things and tried on camera stuff and it didn't really fit for me. What I really enjoyed was story telling through visuals and that's what led me to where I am.

When it comes to this profession, my best advice for you is to try all the different roles for yourself, see what feels right and go for it! When you are young, career talk always feels like forever, but nothing is set in stone. Experience as much as you can and find your passion. You can do it! Best of luck!

Fin,

I always knew that I wanted to work in sports since a very young age. The one thing I can't stress enough is to align your career path with what you are most passionate about. You obviously love sports, but what else peeks your interest? If you love you something, you'll be more invested work and the end product of your work will reflect that. Whether it be business, management, development, media, numbers, etc. there's something waiting for you in the sports industry.

If there are more than one areas that you find interesting, never cease to take an opportunity to learn more about it. Gain as diverse of experiences as you possibly can to make yourself more well-rounded, then you can specialize and find that one or combination of things you're most passionate about. Good luck!

Caleb Surly