The Work in Sports Podcast - Insider Advice for Sports Careers

What if there was a way to use science to figure out the best career path for you? A way to narrow down the many options into a much more manageable choice. Well, Brian got a big hit of inspiration while watching Oppenheimer. He donned his lab coat and pocket protector, got out his calculator, and started testing. I picture Brian as more of a Bill Nye than an Einstein in the lab. Either way, he's giving you a new approach to finding what you are good at and what you will love and thrive in.Like any good science experiment, you'll have to break a few eggs to make the omelet; you won't always nail your first hypothesis. Still, Brian's idea revolves around eliminating false positives on your way to finding a satisfying line of work. But I'll let Brian explain his stroke of genius and prove that he is no mad scientist.

75% of resumes don't pass through ATS (applicant tracking systems). Recruiters spend an average of 7.6 seconds reading the ones that do. The sports industry is highly competitive because… well, sports.You need to take every advantage offered, and AI is the quickest way to get your resume into the right hands. Brian covers 21 ways —that's right, 21 ways—that you can ask Chat GPT, Gemini, Jasper, and all the other robots to not only make your job application materials shine but also do it faster than ever.Don't want to analyze job descriptions for keywords to stuff into your resume? Copy and paste that thing into a chatbot and ask it to give you a tailored resume. Can't think of any good follow-up questions to ask at the end of an interview? Get the machines to analyze the job description and research the company. They'll even write the questions for you! Feeling stuck in your job search? Skynet can scan your resume and suggest career paths you may have never considered.That's just a taste of the tips that Brian drops. He also covers how the need to use AI will continue after your job hunt; Brian's ideas will get you reps with the tools employers expect you to be comfortable with.Now, don't go nuts and start firing off fully AI-generated resumes and cover letters; it isn't that good… yet. But these tools can take so much off your plate and get you very close to a finished product. AI might even be able to write a pretty good podcast description. But not this one.

Get your portfolios, reels, and certificates ready… As Gangstarr put it, this episode is all about "skills, skills, skills." R.I.P. Guru. Skills-based hiring is trending in the sports industry, raising the question, "Do you really need a college degree to make it in the sports industry?"Join Brian as he breaks down the shift happening in sports job hunting. Is it a temporary trend or here to stay? Brian shares tips for job seekers to take advantage of the change, helping you win with employers who value what you can do over your alma mater. Don't assume that Brian is out here trashing associates and 4-year programs; he explores the advantages a degree can provide you, too. With the right approach, you can break into the sports industry in ways that weren't possible in the past.

Whether you're just starting out or seeking a promotion in the sports industry, Brian Clapp shares the top strategies for advancing your career during this week's WorkInSports Podcast. Calling upon his journey from the video editing room all the way to the director's chair for a sports network, Brian can provide first-hand experience of how to lock down promotions.It's not always a straight path in the sports biz, and there are simple steps you can take to get your foot in many doors without closing any behind you. From scripts you can use with your boss to general philosophies that put you on the path to advancement, Brian gives you everything you need to take your next step.

Everyone knows that networking is one of the keys to career success. YOU know you have to do it... but, like... HOW DO YOU DO IT? For real, what are you supposed to say? Networking is scary and awkward for many job seekers. Anyone can hit the "connect" button on LinkedIn, but the task is daunting after that.So Brian is laying out the exact blueprint for you to start building meaningful relationships. It's simple and repeatable, too! His tips aren't a magic pill to make networking suddenly easy, but he gives you exact instructions to make an immediate impact.How many of your connections do you actually talk to? Hopefully, that number will increase after hearing Brian's strategy.

Join Brian Clapp as he explores three indispensable attributes you need to develop for a thriving career in sports: curiosity, competitiveness, and coachability. Brian breaks down the significance of these traits in the sports industry and offers tips for job seekers aiming to showcase these qualities during the interview process. Discover how curiosity fuels continuous learning, why competitiveness shows employers that you will outwork others, and the pivotal role coachability plays in professional development. Whether you're an aspiring athlete, sports professional, or someone seeking a career in the industry, Brian's expertise provides actionable insights to propel you toward success in the competitive world of sports.

Sports internships are among the best ways to gain experience, connections, and skills as you build your career. In addition to providing an excellent training ground for you to apply your abilities, they also offer organic opportunities to build a network that can help you get a job. Getting varied experiences through multiple sports internships is one thing; taking advantage of the opportunities they present is another.Today's guest on the WorkInSports Podcast is Alana Meraz, MLB International Partnership Activation Coordinator. Meraz graduated from Arizona State University in 2019 with a Business Sports and Media degree. Meraz's proactive embrace of sports internships and building her network played a big role in getting her a job in MLB within three years of earning her degree.How to Get a Job in Professional SportsWith only four prominent leagues (MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL) comprising around 30 teams each, jobs in professional sports are highly competitive and, therefore, notoriously difficult to obtain. From 2017-20, Meraz took five internships to establish herself and form a community of professional advocates. Those experiences included:• Phoenix Rising (Community Relations/Sponsorship Activation Intern)• Arizona State Athletics (Game Day Intern)• Arizona Public Services (Events Intern)• Sports as a Job (Social Media Marketing Intern)• ISL (Sponsorship and Tours Coordinator)Additionally, Meraz spent a year as a part-time game operations assistant with the Arizona Diamondbacks. While the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 provided an obstacle to getting her career started in earnest due to canceled events, she founded Latinx in Sports to build a community of professionals looking to break into the industry, which she still runs today. Her efforts landed her a Fan Experience Coordinator position with the US Soccer Federation in 2021, and she has been with MLB since 2022. On today's episode, Meraz and VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp discuss:• How Meraz's sports internships set her up to get where she is now• What her day-to-day role as International Partnership Activation Coordinator consists of• Why Meraz founded Latinx in Sport• How important networking was for Meraz's career growth• What sports career advice she has for aspiring professionals looking to enter the industryEnjoy the full episode to learn how to get a job in professional sports. Also, subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice, and catch additional content on our YouTube Channel!

If you type “job search advice” into Google, you'll come up with nearly endless results that cover the gamut. But there is one aspect of the job searching process that is often overlooked – the toll it takes on mental health. Brian not only provides practical tips for managing the stress and exhaustion of job hunting but also empathizes with long-term job seekers. Job search fatigue is a real challenge, and it is ok to feel lost. Whether you're actively seeking employment or supporting someone in their job search, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the competitive landscape of the job market.

Emerging sports outside the big four of football, basketball, baseball, and hockey can face an uphill climb in gaining participants and a fan base. Leagues such as Fan Controlled Football and the World Surf League must get creative to find their niche among sports fans in a market saturated with options.However, when a sport catches on, it can grow rapidly. That's the case with pickleball, which entered 2023 enjoying a three-year stretch as America's fastest-growing sport. A 2022 survey by the Association of Pickleball Professionals estimates that there are 36.5 million pickleball players in the US, making it the third-most popular sport/activity in the country behind only biking and running and ahead of established stalwarts like basketball, baseball, and soccer. Moreover, the sport is popular across age brackets and even has a multi-year distribution deal with streaming giant Amazon Prime, which will broadcast four tournaments per year.Today's guest on the WorkInSports Podcast, USA Pickleball Director of Communications and Content Melissa Zhang, joined the organization in late 2022 and is channeling the sport's explosive growth in popularity. Zhang specialized in growing Olympic sports through her time with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (stints in 2018– 19 and 2020– 21) and USA Handball (2019– 21). She also spent a year doing internal communications with PointsBet (2022) during its growth period after sports betting became legal in more states. On today's episode, Zhang and WorkInSports VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp discuss:• How Zhang got into the sports industry as a political science/psychology double major at UCLA• How she approaches USA Pickleball's content strategy to continue the sport's growth• How she has grown as a leader in her Director role• How aspiring sports professionals can forge their path in the sports industryEnjoy the full episode for all of Zhang's sports career advice, and subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast to catch every episode when it gets published. You can also check out additional content on our YouTube channel!

Daily fantasy sports is booming. More customers = more money = more JOBS. The best part is that the competition for jobs in the industry is less fierce than in traditional sports because there is so much untapped potential.That's why we're speaking with our guest, Dylan Cooper, Senior VP of Revenue at PrizePicks, a rapidly growing daily fantasy platform. Dylan's unexpected journey into the industry started as a daily fantasy junkie, tracking every stat of every game like all good sports nerds do. While in college, he took on a side gig as a fantasy sportswriter that didn't break the bank, but it opened up relationships that helped steer his career.Dylan's current (very full-time) gig is a far stretch from his days as a fan and daily fantasy player. He started at PrizePicks in 2017 as an analyst when it was a true start-up. Dylan worked his way up through various roles as the company needed him to grow, and now, he's able to share his wisdom and strategies that can help others break into the fantasy sports field.

Travis Kelce has dominated the NFL on the field for nearly a decade, but he's exploded in the media over the past couple of years. Two big-time players in his growth are Aaron and Andre Eanes, the leaders of A&A Management Group. The Eanes twins aren't just financial guys; they are true day ones that have pushed their clients, like Travis, into life-changing opportunities.While we've only mentioned Travis Kelce (and no T Swift mentions... at least 'til now), A&A represent other big-time athletes and provide top-tier management that makes clients feel like they are part of the Eanes family.If you've dreamed of managing athletes, striking big money deals, or becoming an athlete, the Eanes are going to be so relatable. Aaron grew up playing Madden franchise mode with a career as a GM in mind. Andre carried his pro sports aspirations into college before discovering his passion for finance. As their vision evolved, they took well-informed and direct steps to achieve their goals. They are so down-to-earth as they share their stories, and you can glean actionable advice from listening to their experience.

When looking for a job, especially your first one in the sports industry, salary negotiation can take a back seat to getting a foot in the door and starting your career. However, starting at a lower salary leads to lost earning potential that you have to make up later. A pair of WorkInSports Podcast listeners are dealing with the nuances of negotiating salary in the sports industry and are looking for guidance:“Hey Brian, I'm a recent college grad who just got my first job offer! I'm stoked! The salary is a little lower than I had hoped. Should I negotiate or just accept and get cracking? I'm worried if I push too hard, they'll move on to someone else and withdraw the offer.”-Janice in Massachusetts“Hey Brian, I'm a 33-year-old dude who has been working in the sports industry for the last 12 years. I had been at one team this entire time. Now, I'm making the jump to a sports marketing agency. I'm excited, the salary is good, not great, and I really want to negotiate...what is your take on negotiating? I've never done it before, but I want to push this time around as I feel I have more leverage than I did as a recent grad last time I was in the market.”-Bill in PennsylvaniaSalary Negotiation in SportsAccording to Fidelity Investments, 58% of Americans accepted their initial job offer without negotiating salary or benefits. However, 85% of candidates who countered an offer got at least some of what they asked for. Additionally, a 2021 XpertHR survey found that 89% of companies are open to negotiating salary for some or all positions once they make a job offer.Here are a few keys to successfully negotiating salary in the sports industry:• Mind your Tone: Don't come off as entitled, demanding, or adversarial, or the employer may reject your counteroffer.• Be Timely: Don't ask for more than 48 hours to review an offer because hiring managers must move quickly to hire.• Do Research: Make sure you know what you can expect to earn in your profession in the sports industry so you can make an informed counteroffer.Catch the full episode for more salary negotiation tips, and subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice. You can also catch additional content on our YouTube channel!

Fundraising is the lifeblood of competitive college athletics. While TV contracts, ticket sales, and sponsorships make up a sizable portion of an athletic department's revenue stream, securing donations is the main catalyst for the capital projects, scholarship funding, and endowments that drive programs forward.Getting these projects off the ground takes dedicated workers in development offices who can appeal to donors' fandom and pride for their favorite programs. Today's guest on the WorkInSports Podcast, Nebraska Assistant AD of Annual Giving Mattie Fowler Burkhardt, does this work for the Huskers Athletic Fund. A former softball player at Nebraska, Burkhardt now tries to pay it forward to build an even better environment for current and future student-athletes in Lincoln. She joins VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp to talk about:How her experience as a student-athlete set her up for success in her current roleWhat drew her to a job with the Huskers Athletic FundThe importance of development/fundraising to becoming an athletic directorWhat skills are required to succeed in developmentEnjoy the full episode and subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice. You can also view additional content on our YouTube channel!

Making it to the national stage in sports broadcasting is a tall order. WorkInSports Podcast host Brian Clapp made it far in his career behind the scenes with CNN/Sports Illustrated and Fox Sports Northwest. However, doing so on camera is even more competitive, with fewer available jobs. To climb the ladder on air takes a lot of repetition to create an opportunity in the spotlight, potentially a bit of luck for said opportunity to materialize, and nerves of steel to take advantage of what could be your only chance to move up.Today's guest on the WorkInSports Podcast, Fox Sports Reporter/Host Jenny Taft, capitalized on her shot, and that translated into a meteoric rise from sideline reporter for the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx to a fixture on national College Football (and BattleBots) broadcasts. On this episode, Clapp and Taft discuss:• How her background as a standout athlete helps her connect with her interview guests• Her first gig as one of the FSN Girls with Fox Sports North• What working as a social media contributor for? the Minnesota Timberwolves, Twins, and Wild did to establish herself in the sports industry• How she maintains work-life balance in the sports industry• What advice she would give to a young woman looking to fill her shoes in sports broadcastingEnjoy the full episode for Taft's perspective and experience of telling sports stories to a national audience. Also, subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice and check out our YouTube channel for additional content!

With employers facing a shortage of skilled candidates, learning in-demand skills is one way to stand out in a competitive job market. That is what our guest, Director of Partnership Sales for the Pittsburgh Penguins Luke Mohamed, did.About the Pittsburgh Penguins' Luke MohamedMohamed cut his teeth working for the Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon for five years. He began as an intern, which required him to wear many hats on their small staff, and he learned to love the creative side of sales. That experience showed him a career path that interested him, and he decided his next step was grad school.After earning his MBA at South Florida, Mohamed spent five years working in corporate partnerships with MLS' DC United. He eventually became their Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships before landing his current position with the Penguins. Catch the full interview for some of Mohamed's sports career advice on topics like:• Why he decided to get a master's degree.• What working in sales entails.• What the most important skills are for partnership sales.Be sure to subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice. Also, subscribe to our YouTube channel for more content!

Pulling off a career change requires preparation as you highlight how the skills you built transfer to a new field. Today's question for the WorkInSports Podcast comes from Alex, an aspiring career changer looking to pivot into the sports industry:“I've listened to a lot of episodes where people don't know what they want to do in the sports industry, but I haven't been able to find one where it's someone with a lot of experience but none in sports who wants to change. I've owned a company and worked sales/key account management jobs. In December, I was laid off after working 100-hour weeks at a company and figured it was time for a change. I want to switch to either pro sports (maybe start in the minors) or go into college athletics and go online to get my master's. How can I do that?”Career Changes in SportsSuccessfully switching careers to the sports industry is an involved process, but it can be done by following these seven steps:1. Do an HONEST Self-Assessment: Figure out what you like and dislike about your current job, do a SWOT analysis of yourself, and lean into the strengths and skills you bring to the table.2. Explore the Possibilities: After you analyze yourself, take note of the career possibilities that emerge, then do your research (request informational interviews, attend conferences, read relevant articles, etc.).3. Get Specific: Seek out the job titles that appeal to you and narrow your search to obtaining one of those positions.4. Promote Transferable Skills: Show how the skills that made you valuable at your last job translate into a sports position.5. Be Realistic: It is likely that you will start in an entry-level role to establish yourself all over again.6. Paint a Picture for Employers: Storytelling is powerful, so think back to some of your top career moments and how you achieved your goals to give potential employers a chance to visualize you excelling in their organization.7. Be Extra: Showcase your skills in the interview phase by adding something more, such as a sample report or a KPI analysis.Enjoy the full episode of the WorkInSports Podcast for concrete ways to navigate a career change in sports. Also, subscribe to the show for more sports career advice and catch additional content on our YouTube channel.

With technology like artificial intelligence emerging into the spotlight in 2023, making your resume stand out is becoming more difficult. In a 2023 survey, 78% of job seekers who used AI during their search landed an interview, and 59% got hired. As these advances creep into our office and job search, how important is your resume? That's what Uriel in Pennsylvania wants answers to these questions three from the WorkInSports Podcast:“Hi Brian, I am starting my junior year of college, studying sports management, and I feel my resume really needs some help. Three-part question: Are resumes still relevant, or has technology surpassed the need? Can I use Ai to generate my resume? And finally, what are some of the best practices to make sure I nail this?”Resume Advice for the Sports IndustryThe resume is still relevant, probably more than before. Nearly every job you apply for requires you to submit a resume, and most companies use an applicant tracking system to weed out resumes that don't fit what the organization is looking for and ensure that only the most qualified candidates get their materials seen by a hiring manager. This is why you must put effort into crafting a resume tailored to the job you are applying for to ensure your application isn't cast aside.According to iHire's 2023 State of Online Recruiting Report, only 2.8% of job seekers used artificial intelligence during their search. Using AI to help polish your resume is acceptable, but you must be wary of letting a machine write it entirely. AI programs are best utilized as a starting point, not a final product.As for the best practices, here are a few tips:Make multiple versions of your resumePrioritize data and accomplishments over tasksHighlight the skills you bring to the table Enjoy the full episode for more resume tips, and subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice. You can also catch additional content on our YouTube channel.

While ‘Deflategate' put the Patriots' equipment staff under a microscope the profession tends to avoid, this overlooked aspect of football is of utmost importance to teams. An NFL team's equipment staff has numerous responsibilities, such as inflating footballs (properly), repairing and ordering equipment for the full roster, storing and cleaning jerseys, and packing/setting up gear on road trips. Along with a roster of 53 players and the coaching and support staff, equipment managers also need a ‘customer service' mentality to satisfy the needs of many people within their organization.On today's episode of the WorkInSports Podcast, VP of Content Brian Clapp chats with the Los Angeles Chargers' Chad Jessop. Jessop is the Chargers' Equipment Assistant and has spent 14 years handling football teams' equipment and locker room needs. He and Clapp discuss:How to become an equipment managerJessop's rise from the high school ranks to a training camp gig with the Dallas CowboysThe biggest challenges of working in his fieldHow important building relationships is in an NFL locker room environment

College is full of opportunities to form lasting memories and build the foundation of a fruitful career in the sports industry. Students have endless chances to create social bonds in all sorts of settings, but keeping your eye on why you are pursuing a degree in the first place is also important. Today's question for the WorkInSports Podcast comes from Jasmine, who is looking for strategies for launching her career after she graduates:"Hey Brian – I'm headed into my junior year of college, what should be my biggest focus this year to set myself up for my sports career?"Getting the right experience early on in college sets the tone for creating a dynamic sports resume upon graduating. If you wait until you are a junior to build that experience, you are already behind your peers for high-level internships and entry-level jobs. Your goal each college year is to build upon your credentials from the year before. Here are three things you should be doing each year to ensure you are a can't-miss candidate when you hit the job market:FreshmanFocus on finding your specific fit in the sports industry.Plan out your academic schedule with intention.Volunteer and network within your school's athletic department.SophomoreBuild an internship strategy by learning what is available, the requirements, and the application deadline.Continue networking by contacting alums in areas you are interested in and building your LinkedIn profile.Narrow your gaze to a specific area of the sports industry that appeals to you.JuniorRefine what you want to do in sports and pivot as necessary. Ensure your courses and internships are helping you gain the experience you need.Create a top-10 list of organizations you want to work for and start networking with people in those organizations.Practice interviewing to prepare for the real deal. Informational interviews are great for this.SeniorContinue interning and volunteering to push your resume over the top when applying.Keep networking and forming connections in the industry.Begin applying to jobs three months before graduating.Listen to the full episode to hear details from VP of Marketing Brian Clapp on successfully executing each step of your college journey. Also, subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast to catch more sports career advice, and catch additional content on our YouTube channel!

Despite the likelihood that you or your peers have claimed to be expert multitaskers, almost no one can multitask effectively. If you work in the sports industry, you WILL be asked to juggle many projects simultaneously, and managing time effectively will determine whether your career prospects sink or swim. Today's question for the WorkInSports Podcast comes from Justin in Atlanta, who wants to know how he can build his time management skills into an asset in his career:"Hey Brian – I'm having major trouble with time management lately -- I feel unorganized, scattered and stressed. Working in sports is hard, but I really think if I got better at time management, I could enjoy this a lot more. Can you help?"Time Management Skills in SportsThere are few better examples of time management skills at work than the day-to-day lives of collegiate student-athletes. Throughout their careers, student-athletes must manage the following:• Physical training• Practice• Travel• Competition• Rehabbing injuries• Classes• Homework• ExamsIf a student-athlete falls behind significantly in those areas, their career can end instantly. It takes discipline and dedication to juggle their expectations, and any lapse in judgment or performance is costly.Part of the thrill of working in the sports industry relative to others is that no two days are exactly alike. On a game day, you may be hosting a company party in corporate suites of an exciting home contest, and the next, you're catching up on emails about possible season ticket sales leads with no in-person interaction. The first part may be a lot of fun, but you won't last long if you can't buckle in and attend to the latter tasks and keep the revenue coming into the organization.Time management is about prioritizing where you spend your effort on the job and why, then creating a system that allows you to accomplish tasks efficiently. For VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp, that comes in organized lists. Here's a look at how his mind works:• Break down tasks into categories:• A1: Must be done today• A2: Finish these in 2-3 days• B: Important, but not time sensitive• C: Long-term goals (reading, skills exercises, and career development)• Spend 30 minutes every day reviewing these tasks and goals• Tackle the A1 list (no multitasking) in the first part of the day• Reset with a quick break• Visit the A2 list and start working on those tasks• Evaluate the remaining tasks and re-order assignments as necessaryEnjoy the full episode of the WorkInSports Podcast to learn more time management skills to apply to your day-to-day work. Subscribe for more sports career advice and catch additional content on our YouTube channel!

While sports brands are ubiquitous on all social media platforms and snark is popular with many well-known company feeds, that wasn't always the case. During their 2012 surprise Stanley Cup championship run, the Los Angeles Kings made waves with their Twitter account. They pushed the envelope and established a unique voice that drew humongous engagement from their fan base and opposing fans. Over a decade later, the Vegas Golden Knights refined that approach during their 2023 Stanley Cup journey.While social media content is a significant and visible part of sports communications jobs today, these roles contain numerous other responsibilities, such as coordinating availability for players and coaches, pitching stories to media members, and breaking news to reporters. On today's episode of the WorkInSports Podcast, VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp dives into what a modern sports communications job entails with Nate Ewell, Vegas Golden Knights' VP of Communications and Content. The two discuss:• How the demands of sports communications jobs have changed between his time as the Washington Capitals' VP of Communications and his current role in Vegas• What his stint as College Hockey Inc.'s Deputy Executive Director taught him about cultivating a niche fan base• The strategies he employed to further an already popular brand in Vegas when he arrived in 2021• How he makes hiring decisions when looking at resumesCatch Nate Ewell's perspective by listening to the full episode, and subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice. You can view additional content on our YouTube channel.

When VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp speaks with recruiters in the sports industry, they say without hesitation that partnership sales jobs are the hardest to fill. With TV contracts providing a dependable income stream and ticket sales having a built-in cap of seating capacity, corporate partnerships represent a spot to continue growing revenue within professional and college sports. Previous WorkInSports Podcast guests making their name in this area include the Pittsburgh Penguins' Luke Mohamed, the Vegas Golden Knights' Alain Monroy, and today's guest, the San Francisco 49ers' Riley Danford.Danford, the 49ers' Sr. Manager of Partnership Sales, followed the roadmap Brian preaches. He volunteered in his athletic department during college and gained diverse experience. During his undergraduate at Oregon, Danford served as a student intern in UO's athletic communications department for four years, spent three years as a television broadcast assistant, and was the athletic communications contact for the Ducks' men's and women's tennis programs as a senior.While his experience was in communications and broadcasting as a student, Danford transferred those external skills into a job with the San Diego Padres right out of college as an Account Executive (Membership Development). He was part of a team that earned accolades from the Sports Business Journal as MLB's top-ranked season ticket sales staff. After two years with the Padres, Danford spent a year with the 49ers in Business Development for the newly opened Levi's Stadium before shifting into partnerships with the San Jose Sharks. Three years later, he completed the professional sports career cycle (working for teams in MLB, NFL, NHL, and NBA) when he returned to Oregon as the Portland Trail Blazers' Sales Manager for Corporate Partnerships. On today's podcast episode, Danford speaks with Clapp about:How his undergraduate experience led to getting hired by an MLB franchise right after graduating.What the differences and similarities are working in sales across four different sports.What hiring managers look for when looking for talent in partnership sales.How vital teamwork is to succeed in partnership sales jobs.

Sports management programs have grown at colleges across the country. According to Georgetown University, sports management occupations are projected to grow 7% through 2029. While sports management degrees are commonplace now, not every university offers one. WorkInSports Podcast listener Joyce goes to one of those colleges and is looking for advice on how to break into sports without a sports management degree:The sports industry has numerous roles within it. For example, say you want to work for a professional team. The organization will need employees in:• Business and Finance• Marketing and Communications• Event and Facilities Management• Administration and Front Office• Sales and SponsorshipWhatever subset of the sports industry interests you should influence your academic path. If working behind the scenes in media relations and marketing is appealing, go into marketing or public relations. A business major transfers into the sports industry for anyone who wants to manage an organization's day-to-day operations.The major attached to your degree is a small part of preparing for a career in the sports industry. As VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp constantly says, internships and volunteering are the ticket to building your experience and carry more weight on your resume than the specific degree you obtained. Focusing on honing your skills via gaining relevant experience is important, and the major you choose, even if sports management isn't available, will support your credentials upon graduating.Enjoy the full episode for detailed advice on what to do if a sports management degree isn't available. Also, subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice, and catch additional content on our YouTube channel!

There are many benefits to working in minor league sports. The WorkInSports Podcast chats with Zack Raab about possible career paths in the minors.One of the most effective ways to set yourself up for a long career in the sports industry is by gaining the right experience as soon as possible. While internships are a great way to get your feet wet in the business, how do you find your fit in sports? One area that can help you narrow your focus is minor league sports.One of the many benefits of working in minor league sports is the relatively small size of the staff compared to the demands of the business. The small teams require workers to merge job duties and get involved in many departments, such as ticketing, marketing, public relations, equipment, and partnerships. In the minor leagues, employees need to wear a lot of hats, making it a perfect atmosphere to learn what aspects of the industry you are most passionate about pursuing.Today's guest on the WorkInSports Podcast is Major League Baseball's Zack Raab, Minor League Baseball Club Services Coordinator. Raab is a liaison between every minor league baseball team and the specialists that enhance their marketing and fan engagement efforts. He took a circuitous path to landing in minor league baseball, doing freelance gigs and traveling to Israel to work with the Israel Association of Baseball before landing his current role. He discusses the following with VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp:• What drew him to working in baseball• What he did to stand out and land his position• The benefits of working in minor league sportsListen to the full episode and subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice. Additional content can be found on our YouTube channel!

Promoting college athletics requires workers to know about different sports, as student-athletes from all university programs deserve support. The athletic calendar is usually active year-round, with Division I schools offering at least 14 sports.Sports marketing is one way to generate student-athlete support for their day-to-day college experience, and externally through fan attendance and community engagement. While established winning programs at the Power 5 level can generally draw legions of fans to any home event, smaller schools and struggling teams must get creative to keep their supporters engaged and grow their fanbase.Today's guest on the WorkInSports Podcast is University of Colorado Associate Athletic Director Ricky Zum Mallen, who joined the Buffaloes' athletic department in the fall of 2022. Excluding the 2020 COVID-shortened season, Colorado's football program hasn't had a winning season since 2016. Despite the struggles, Colorado's hiring of Deion Sanders generated buzz in Boulder, with CU selling out its season tickets in April, the first time that season tickets sold out since 1996. In this episode, Zum Mallen and VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp discuss:• How the award-winning sports marketing campaigns he produced at Eastern Michigan were conceived• What goes into optimizing a huge marketing moment like hiring Deion Sanders• Why being willing to move (Zum Mallen worked at six schools in 10 years) helps you climb the ladder for college athletics jobs• What the path to working in a Power 5 athletic department looks likeEnjoy the full episode to learn more about sports marketing in college athletics. Also, subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice. You can also access additional content on our YouTube channel.

Leadership skills manifest in different ways in all forms of organizations. In sports, some lead by example while exuding confidence, like hockey legend Mark Messier when he scored three goals in a game he guaranteed the New York Rangers would win en route to a Stanley Cup. For others, like Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame safety Troy Polamalu, it's about the quiet consistency of showing up for your teammates as he continued attending optional offseason practices to mentor young players.Leaders aren't always team captains or rank atop an organizational chart, but building leadership skills is essential to giving your career upside in the sports industry. Today's guest on the WorkInSports Podcast is Casey Katofsky, co-owner of three minor league teams (Northern Colorado Owlz, Northern Colorado Hailstorm, and the Grand Junction Jackalopes).Katofsky is also the Executive Director of Operations for the newly opened Future Legends Sports Complex, a 118-acre sports complex with a professional stadium, multiple baseball diamonds, multi-purpose fields, an indoor bubble sports arena, lodging, and retail in Windsor, Colorado, that is set to become a mecca for sports tournaments (and the commerce that follows it). He talks with VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp about:How to become a leader regardless of your role in an organizationHow he built his leadership skillsThe role of influential MLB players such as Ryan Spilborghs, Torii Hunter, and Carlos Gonzalez in making the Future Legends Sports Complex a realityWhat traits he looks for when deciding whom to hire on his staff

Content creation is a growing profession, as 30% of 18- to 24-year-olds and 40% of 25- to 34-year-olds consider themselves content creators. The social media/digital influencer industry closed 2022 valued at $16.4 billion. On the one hand, creating content on your own is easier than ever. Still, on the other, the explosion of social media's popularity in the past two decades developed a noisy space that can be difficult to stand out in.While still serving as leaders in sports content creation, legacy entities such as Fox Sports and ESPN are always changing with the market to find new ways to connect with sports fans. Over-the-air studio shows are produced with a mind for generating soundbites tailor-made for spreading throughout social media and keeping fans glued to their websites.Today's guest on the WorkInSports Podcast is Fox Sports Digital Sr. VP Michael Bucklin. Bucklin landed a job with ESPN shortly after graduating from the University of Georgia in 2006 and spent 10 years in Bristol, Connecticut, becoming a senior manager (and eventually producer) for social production in 2013 before joining Fox Sports in 2016. He and WorkInSports VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp discuss:• How ESPN began integrating social media into its strategy in 2006• Why he moved to Fox Sports• How he measures success with Fox Sports' digital content• What the career path looks like for sports content jobs today• What he looks for when hiring his staffCatch Bucklin's perspective by listening to the full episode, and subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice. In addition, you can view additional content on our YouTube channel!

There are many directions you can take a career in sports management, but those options can be overwhelming when deciding where your passion lies in the industry. That is the case for Nasheen in Minnesota, who is looking for career clarity from the WorkInSports Podcast:“Hey Brian, I am just finishing up my junior year of college, and I feel like I am having a bit of a panic attack. I still don't know what I want to do with my career, and life is right around the corner. I listen to the experts on your podcast and think – how did they even know Partnership Activation or Sponsorship Sales was a thing to pursue? I'm feeling lost – any guidance you can provide?”Finding the Right Sports Management Career Path for YouWorkInSports is all about making your passion your career. Not every aspect of the sports business will appeal to you, and that's okay. One effective method Brian has found is to conduct a self-analysis of your traits and look at career options that are a natural fit. For Brian, those traits are extroversion and being comfortable speaking to people, and he ended up working as a sports TV producer (and now hosts this podcast!). Since loving sports is why you listen to the podcast and visit WorkInSports, see if your qualities and interests align with categories such as:CoachingFitness/RecreationSales/Business DevelopmentMedia/CreativeMarketing/CommunicationsTechnology/Data Analysis Someone extroverted may be more inclined towards sports jobs in sales or communications, while an introverted type can find their niche in data analysis.Listen to the full episode to learn more about how to find a job in sports that's right for you. Also, subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice. You can catch additional content on our YouTube channel.

Emerging sports outside the big four of football, basketball, baseball, and hockey can face an uphill climb in gaining participants and a fan base. Leagues such as Fan Controlled Football and the World Surf League must get creative to find their niche among sports fans in a market saturated with options.However, when a sport catches on, it can grow rapidly. That's the case with pickleball, which entered 2023 enjoying a three-year stretch as America's fastest-growing sport. A 2022 survey by the Association of Pickleball Professionals estimates that there are 36.5 million pickleball players in the US, making it the third-most popular sport/activity in the country behind only biking and running and ahead of established stalwarts like basketball, baseball, and soccer. Moreover, the sport is popular across age brackets and even has a multi-year distribution deal with streaming giant Amazon Prime, which will broadcast four tournaments per year.Today's guest on the WorkInSports Podcast, USA Pickleball Director of Communications and Content Melissa Zhang, joined the organization in late 2022 and is channeling the sport's explosive growth in popularity. Zhang specialized in growing Olympic sports through her time with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (stints in 2018– 19 and 2020– 21) and USA Handball (2019– 21). She also spent a year doing internal communications with PointsBet (2022) during its growth period after sports betting became legal in more states. On today's episode, Zhang and WorkInSports VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp discuss:• How Zhang got into the sports industry as a political science/psychology double major at UCLA• How she approaches USA Pickleball's content strategy to continue the sport's growth• How she has grown as a leader in her Director role• How aspiring sports professionals can forge their path in the sports industryEnjoy the full episode for all of Zhang's sports career advice, and subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast to catch every episode when it gets published. You can also check out additional content on our YouTube channel!

Every spring, millions of college students don their cap and gown, sit through keynote speeches, and grab a piece of paper that says they graduated from college. After that triumphant moment, the reality of finding a job hits. Since this process can take a long time (an average of 22.1 weeks in 2022), today's episode of the WorkInSports Podcast is dedicated entirely to how to find a job out of college in the sports industry.Make a PlanUntil you have an entry-level sports job, finding one IS your job. Assuming you secured at least one internship (hopefully multiple) as an undergrad, you should have enough relevant material for a well-tailored resume that will clear an organization's applicant tracking system. Here's what treating your search as your job looks like:Set time aside throughout the workweek for job search-related activities (browsing job boards, refining your resume, submitting applications, preparing for interviews, etc.)Establish goals and metrics for applications, informational interviews, skill building, and industry researchDevelop a 30-second elevator pitch for yourself that sells you to potential employersClean up your social media accounts to ensure you are presenting yourself professionallyLean On and Expand Your NetworkThe time you spend gaining experience and making connections through internships or volunteer work can help you find that first job if you nurture them. It is never too late to reconnect, even if you have lost touch with some of your former colleagues/peers. As long as you don't treat the relationship as transactional, your network is a great source for job leads and referrals.Determine Your PreferencesAre you willing to relocate? What are your salary expectations? Where do you want to work if you had the choice? Answering these questions will narrow your search so you aren't spraying and praying your resume to organizations that aren't a good fit, and help guide you when you reach the interview stage.

Championship sporting events are a huge draw, with the Super Bowl regularly drawing 70,000 fans, the 2022 World Series averaging over 43,000 fans, and the 2022 Stanley Cup Finals averaging 18,000 fans in their respective six-game series. Naturally, these fans spend big money to get a seat, with the average Super Bowl LVII ticket costing $8,000. When paying those prices, fans expect an experience of a lifetime, and that's where today's WorkInSports Podcast guest comes in.Claire Lessinger is the Vice President of Events for the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, where she has worked since 2012. In that time, the city of Tampa Bay has hosted the following professional sporting events:Super Bowl LV (won by the host Buccaneers)3 Stanley Cup Finals (2022 won by the Lightning)4 MLB Playoff Appearances by the Rays (who made the 2020 World Series that was played in Texas due to COVID)Lessinger played a major role in bringing Super Bowl LV to Tampa Bay, serving as Chief Operating Officer for the Super Bowl LV Committee. In addition to her duties with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, she is President of the Tampa Bay chapter of Women In Sports & Events (WISE). She talks with VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp about:How her time as a student-athlete at Florida prepared her for the professional worldWhat she learned about the sports business from her tenure as USF's volleyball coachHow she transitioned out of coaching into the Tampa Bay Sports CommissionWhat goes into putting together a compelling bid for the Super BowlWhy it's important to pay it forward to women in sports in organizations such as WISEWhat sports career advice she has for people trying to get established or move up in the industryEnjoy the full episode to learn from Claire's depth of experience, and subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice. Additional content can be found on our YouTube channel.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, the way people work has dramatically shifted, with companies increasingly offering some form of work-from-home jobs. While the sports industry is somewhat insulated from this trend, given the need to be present at events, remote sports jobs are available. Jared in Portland, Oregon, has enjoyed the shift to remote work and is looking for advice on finding work-from-home sports jobs from the WorkInSports Podcast:“Hey Brian – I love working remote. I know it doesn't work for everyone, but for me, it is a dream scenario. I know most of us HAD to do it during COVID, but now a lot of us WANT to do it. Is this an option in the sports industry, and if so, how do I find these jobs and get them?”Finding Remote Sports JobsAccording to a Stanford study, 13% of full-time employees had fully remote work-from-home jobs in January 2023. As of May 8, 497 (2.3%) of the 22,000 openings on WorkInSports were completely remote sports jobs nationwide, indicating an uphill climb in obtaining one compared to other industries. Bear in mind that most full-time roles in the sports industry require an on-site presence. However, organizations are increasingly allowing a hybrid setup to offer flexibility and recruit talent. Listen to the full episode to learn how to find remote sports jobs, and subscribe for more sports career advice from the WorkInSports Podcast. You can find additional content on our YouTube Channel!

Sales is the engine that drives every business. The amount of money coming in must clear what's going out, or an organization won't last long. Sales acumen is, therefore, a valuable skill that potentially provides a fast track to career advancement and high income in the sports industry. Today's guest on the WorkInSports Podcast is Cherie Cohen, Chief Revenue Officer for the World Surf League (WSL). Cohen established herself managing marketing and media campaigns after graduating from Rutgers, and later seamlessly transitioned into sales roles in the TV industry. She picked up her first in a series of sports sales jobs with ESPN in 2004, a company she spent nine years with, and eventually rose to VP of Multimedia Sales. After a six-year stint with NBCUniversal Media, where she climbed to Senior VP of Portfolio Sales and Client Partnerships, Cohen moved on to the WSL in 2019. She oversees global brand partnerships, media sales, and ticket sales for the WSL and speaks with VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp about:• Why sports sales jobs appealed to her• The cultural differences she observes between surfing and other sports• How important green sports initiatives and sustainability are to their business model• How the WSL got surfing into the 2024 Olympics• Why college students looking to work in sports should consider salesEnjoy the full episode to hear how lucrative sports sales jobs can be for the right candidate. Also, subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice. You can also access additional content on our YouTube channel!

Sports internships are among the best ways to gain experience, connections, and skills as you build your career. In addition to providing an excellent training ground for you to apply your abilities, they also offer organic opportunities to build a network that can help you get a job. Getting varied experiences through multiple sports internships is one thing; taking advantage of the opportunities they present is another.Today's guest on the WorkInSports Podcast is Alana Meraz, MLB International Partnership Activation Coordinator. Meraz graduated from Arizona State University in 2019 with a Business Sports and Media degree. Meraz's proactive embrace of sports internships and building her network played a big role in getting her a job in MLB within three years of earning her degree.How to Get a Job in Professional SportsWith only four prominent leagues (MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL) comprising around 30 teams each, jobs in professional sports are highly competitive and, therefore, notoriously difficult to obtain. From 2017-20, Meraz took five internships to establish herself and form a community of professional advocates. Those experiences included:• Phoenix Rising (Community Relations/Sponsorship Activation Intern)• Arizona State Athletics (Game Day Intern)• Arizona Public Services (Events Intern)• Sports as a Job (Social Media Marketing Intern)• ISL (Sponsorship and Tours Coordinator)Additionally, Meraz spent a year as a part-time game operations assistant with the Arizona Diamondbacks. While the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 provided an obstacle to getting her career started in earnest due to canceled events, she founded Latinx in Sports to build a community of professionals looking to break into the industry, which she still runs today. Her efforts landed her a Fan Experience Coordinator position with the US Soccer Federation in 2021, and she has been with MLB since 2022. On today's episode, Meraz and VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp discuss:• How Meraz's sports internships set her up to get where she is now• What her day-to-day role as International Partnership Activation Coordinator consists of• Why Meraz founded Latinx in Sport• How important networking was for Meraz's career growth• What sports career advice she has for aspiring professionals looking to enter the industryEnjoy the full episode to learn how to get a job in professional sports. Also, subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice, and catch additional content on our YouTube Channel!

Regardless of what field you work in, job interviews can be a nerve-wracking experience. That nervousness can strike any candidate no matter how qualified they may be since they only get one chance to make a first impression with a hiring manager. Morgan from Miami is dealing with some job interview nerves and has these questions for the WorkInSports Podcast:"Hey Brian -- I've listened to so much of your advice over the years, and it has truly helped me with my confidence and approach. But I just went into an interview last week I was really excited about and the recruiter asked me a very basic question about ‘why I want to work here,' and I froze. Two-part question – how do you handle your nerves and recover from an early flop? And also, how should I answer that question – everything sounded really cliché in my head."Why Do You Want to Work Here?Morgan froze up at one of the most common job interview questions that hiring managers ask. Confidence is key to easing the tension in an interview setting, but interviewers will see through bravado quickly if there is nothing to back it up. One of the best ways to gain that confidence is by researching the company.When a hiring manager asks, "Why do you want to work here," they are finding out if you have taken the time to learn about them. Forty-seven percent of employers would reject candidates who knew little about the company. So don't skip this crucial step in your preparation. Here's what your research should include:Their social media presence (how they brand themselves externally)Their business model (how they make money)Their competitors (who the big players in their industry are)Their history (newsworthy accomplishments over the years)Their culture (what it's like working there)

The college athletics landscape has changed significantly since 2021, when the NCAA approved legislation allowing student-athletes to profit from their name,image, and likeness (NIL). That legislation opened revenue streams for student-athletes and sponsorship/branding opportunities for companies looking to invest in this space, including professional sports teams.With college athletic departments offering anywhere from 14 to over 30 sports, hundreds of athletes per school are eligible to earn money off their NIL rights. Overseeing NIL is a growing part of working in college sports, as keeping track of such a high level of potential sponsorship requires organization and personnel.Today's guest on the WorkInSports Podcast is Jamaal Walton, University of Washington Senior Associate Athletic Director for Sport Administration and Strategic Initiatives. Walton joined the Huskies' athletic department in 2021, when NIL legislation was passed, and now oversees its implementation for UW's student-athletes. He and WorkInSports VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp discuss:• How Walton's time as class president and football team captain at Virginia Military Institute built the foundation for his career.• What Walton expected NIL to affect in college sports when it was passed and what the reality of the legislation has been.• How Walton moved around the country to move up into his position at UW.• What advice Walton has for someone trying to get into the sports industry.Enjoy the full episode to learn of Walton's experience climbing the ladder while working in college sports. Also, subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice, and catch additional content on our YouTube channel!

Making good money in the sports industry early in your career can be challenging, given the typically high volume of applicants for each open position. Another challenge for job seekers is a lack of comfort in negotiating salary, which can lead to you earning less than you otherwise could have.On today's episode of the WorkInSports Podcast, VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp discusses salary negotiation. For job seekers and employees who don't know how to negotiate salary, here are seven mistakes to avoid:1. Accepting the first offer: Bypassing salary negotiation entirely potentially starts you off at a below-market wage. According to a 2022 Fidelity study, 85% of people who countered an offer got at least some of what they asked for.2. Revealing how much you would accept: Try to keep your minimum acceptable salary to yourself. If asked to provide your salary requirement on the application, leave the answer blank or state it's negotiable based on the total compensation package.3. Ignoring data: Whether you are countering an offer or asking for a raise, you must know what your job is worth on the market to gauge what to ask for (iHire's Salary Research Tool can help).4. Picking a bad time: Knowing when to negotiate salary is as important as knowing how. For a new position, you should wait until you get the official offer before countering. If you are seeking a raise, don't bring it up if the company isn't performing well, they laid people off, or you missed performance goals.5. Blindsiding your supervisor: Salary negotiation is best done in person and with some advance notice. Avoid emailing your supervisor out of the blue to start a negotiation and opt instead to set up a meeting in person (or on camera if working remotely) to broach the topic.6. Letting emotions/personal feelings take over: Discuss why you should make more based on market factors and your skills/accomplishments, not individual issues such as financial hardship or believing it's “your turn” to get a raise.7. Not considering other factors: If your request for a raise or higher offer is rejected, consider other benefits that can satisfy you (more PTO, flexible hours, remote/hybrid work, title change, etc.).Listen to the full episode of the WorkInSports Podcast to gain more confidence negotiating salary. Also, subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice, and catch additional content on our YouTube Channel!

Getting the right experience early in your sports industry career is critical to establishing yourself to future employers, and minor league sports is one of the best places to do so. Minor league organizations run on lean staffs and budgets but are expected to put on a major-league quality sporting event regardless. Those expectations lead to staff members wearing many hats and fulfilling various roles (ticket sales, marketing, fan engagement, media relations, and broadcasting) throughout each season. That versatile experience is why minor league sports should be part of everyone's sports internship strategy.Today's guest on the WorkInSports Podcast is Greg Kigar, Lansing Lugnuts' Assistant General Manager for Stadium Events and Operations. Kigar has spent nearly three decades working in minor league and college sports and has also taught aspiring sports professionals as an adjunct professor. Throughout his career managing stadiums and facilities, he has supervised hundreds of workers at countless sporting events and observed the traits of those who reach their career goals and those who fizzle out of the industry early. He and VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp discuss:• What a typical game night looks like in Minor League Baseball stadium operations• How Kigar identifies and develops talent for minor league sports jobs• How MiLB helps MLB evolve, and how else baseball can modernize itselfEnjoy the full episode to learn more about Kigar's experiences and who he looks for when hiring his staff each season. Also, subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice, and check out more content on our YouTube channel!

Sporting events are magical affairs that can spark a lifelong love of sports. Over 125 million fans attended games in the four US professional sports leagues (NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL) during the 2022-23 season(s). College football stadiums routinely pack 100,000 fans on gameday, while traditional college basketball powers such as Duke and Kentucky frequently fill out their 15,000-20,000 seat arenas. Television coverage allows fans to engage with their favorite teams and sports, with the 2023 Women's Final Four averaging 4.5 million viewers per game.While fans show up and tune in to see a spectacle, countless workers toil behind the scenes to put it all together. Today's guest on the WorkInSports Podcast is Stephanie Davis, University of Minnesota's Associate AD for Event Management, who oversees all aspects of game day for the Golden Gophers. Davis and VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp discuss:• Davis's early career in sports as an equipment manager at Florida• How she juggled her time between her work and pursuing her master's• The hours and demands of event management workers• How to build a career in sports event managementEnjoy the full episode to learn the ins and outs of working in event management, and subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast to catch more sports career advice. You can find additional content on our YouTube Channel!

One of the allures of pursuing careers in sports is the uniqueness and unpredictability of the day-to-day work within the industry. Between popular events, a variety of roles that bleed over into other departments, and recognizable athletes bringing recognition to the organization/sport, no two days are ever the same.WorkInSportshas helped aspiring sports professionals make their passion their career since 2000. Today's guests on the WorkInSports Podcast, WorkingNation's Joan Lynch and Melissa Panzer, are showing what that looks like in their “How to Make Money Doing What You Love” series. Lynch, a former Vice President and Executive Producer at ESPN, serves as Chief Content and Programming Officer at WorkingNation. Panzer is an Executive Producer for WorkingNation who also spent time creating content for ESPN. In this episode, the two talk about the future of work in the sports industry with Brian Clapp, with topics including:The inspiration behind the “How to Make Money Doing What You Love” seriesWhether the sports industry is facing a crisis in the way it operatesHow the sports world has changed for employees and what the future of work holds in the industryListen to the entire episode for Lynch and Panzer's perspectives from their experience at WorkingNation. Subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more advice on careers in sports, and check out additional content on our YouTube channel!

Bad company culture can ruin even the most exciting job in the sports industry. The most common reason workers gave for leaving their positions in the past year was being unhappy with their manager/supervisor, who are main drivers of employee experience in company culture. So how do you determine if a company will fit you well? That's what Joanna in Seattle wants to know from the WorkInSports Podcast:“Hey Brian, I'm 25, and I've worked at two different sports organizations so far in my career. Both were a mistake. I've spent some time thinking about what went wrong, and I think both times, there were cultural issues. It just wasn't a good work environment. I'm interviewing at a bunch of places now, and it's going well, but I'm really concerned about culture – how can I find out if any of these organizations are the right place for me?”How to Find a Company With a Good CultureBefore determining if a company is a good fit for you, you must look inward. That involves examining your values at work and analyzing potential employers to see if they match with what you find important.Once you have a concrete set of traits important to you in a work environment, it's time to research. If you apply for a job, potential employers will find as much as they can about you online. You should do the same for them. Here are a few places? to learn more about a company before you work for them:• Your Network: Find people who work or have worked for an organization and ask about their experience.• Google: Dive into a company's online profile (e.g., its website, news reports, its leadership staff, and employee review sites).• Social Media: Look for their social media accounts and analyze how they interact with the public.• Interviews: If you secure an interview, use the opportunity to inquire about their company culture.Enjoy the full episode for detailed tips on how to find a company with a good culture. For more sports career advice, subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast. You can find additional content on our YouTube channel!

Your resume is a living document that provides potential employers with a snapshot of what you bring to the table. It needs to be constantly tweaked to reflect your most up-to-date skills and experience, tailored to the job you are applying for, and demonstrate the impact you have made at each organization you have been with. So how long should it be, and how do you choose what stays and what goes? That's what Hannah from the University of Missouri-St. Louis wants to know from the WorkInSports Podcast:“Hey Brian – I have a 4-page resume. How do I get it down to a more reasonable range?”How Do I Shorten My Resume?While keeping your resume to one page is a good rule of thumb, your resume length can vary depending on your experience and how relevant the information you put in the document is to the job you are applying for. That said, if you are looking to condense your resume, here are 10 things worth dropping entirely for length or other considerations:1. Objective Statements and IntroductionsAn objective statement is a waste of space. If you are applying for a job, it's assumed that you want it. Replace this with a summary paragraph that explains the skills and qualities you bring to the table.2. Older Jobs With no RelevanceEmployers want to see what you have been doing recently and how that ties into your desired job with them. Therefore, if there is a relevant accomplishment from a long ago position, you may leave it in (or weave it into your summary paragraph). This can also protect you from age bias.3. Graduation YearThis won't save you a ton of space, but it's another way to avoid age discrimination if you obtained your degree more than 5-10 years ago.4. Unprofessional Email AddressAgain, not a space saver, but a consideration. A provocative or unprofessional email address allows employers to eliminate your resume from the pile quickly.5. Multiple Phone NumbersThis may be less of an issue as personal home landlines are nearly extinct, but if you have multiple phones for whatever reason, pick one number and stick to it so you don't confuse employers.6. Irrelevant Personal InformationYour resume should only include information that tells employers how to contact you and why you are fit for the job. While volunteer information may have a place in your document, hobbies and personal interests don't.7. HeadshotIncluding a headshot within your resume can be hard to read for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and open you up to possible discrimination. Employers will get a look at you if they are interested in interviewing. You don't

Sports internships are the gateway to getting your foot in the door in the sports industry, and the more of them you secure, the better your career prospects will be upon graduation. The WorkInSports Podcast host Brian Clapp spoke at a few college classes and got this insightful question from Matthias at the University of Missouri-St. Louis:"Internships are a big topic on your podcast. From your near decades of experience in executive & management level positions seeing interns come and go through your offices, what are some anecdotes/ qualities of the "best" and "worst" interns who have worked for you, whose mistakes (or triumphs) we can learn from?"How to Have a Successful InternshipAn internship is an opportunity to grow into the professional you want to be while learning what position you want to have. However, regardless of what career path you want to pursue, some universal behaviors will benefit your experience and reputation, and others will harm it.Do: Show CuriosityInternships are an extension of your classwork; therefore, you are there to learn. Curiosity will serve you well and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job if a permanent position opens up while you are there. Take advantage of your time with the people doing the job you are learning to do and ask questions.Don't: Be a Know-It-AllRegardless of how much you know, you can always learn more. However, coming off like you know everything is not endearing and risks making your peers see you as arrogant and unwilling to grow.Do: The Tasks You Are AssignedYou are going to wear a lot of hats in sports internships. Being proactive in doing tasks (and finding others) will put you in a good position for a possible referral and allow you to build your skills.Don't: Act Like a Job is Beneath YouEven if your assigned work isn't glamorous, it must be done to keep the office running smoothly. Acting like you are too good to do something your intern supervisor assigns is a fast way to face an early exit from your opportunity and build a bad reputation when pursuing more sports internships (or jobs) in the future.Enjoy the full episode to learn how to have a successful internship and subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice. Additional content is available on our YouTube channel!

Becoming a preferred candidate for any sports organization requires a mix of hard technical skills and soft skills, but which skills are valued most by employers? That's what Stephon in Dallas wants to know from the WorkInSports Podcast:“Hey Brian – I read an article recently that included a quote from a recruiter at Google saying that self-awareness and emotional intelligence is the number one things she looks for when hiring. BUT, they didn't explain why or how to convey this soft skill. Any ideas? Thanks, you're the best, and I trust you more than googling.”A study by Leadership IQ revealed that 89% of failed hires are due to attitude rather than a lack of technical skills. The biggest culprits of attitude problems were coachability (26%) and emotional intelligence (23%). People who are taught emotional intelligence and self-awareness have a better ability to reflect on their leadership skills and build a stronger sense of teamwork.Self-awareness is one of the most valuable soft skills at work and is the ability to be conscious of your strengths, weaknesses, actions, and presence. In addition, it requires a degree of vulnerability to help connect you to your co-workers, such as a willingness to admit mistakes (and learn from them).Hiring managers dig for self-awareness with behavioral interview questions, such as:• Tell me about a time you tried to do something and failed.• How have you responded to negative feedback from your boss?• What do co-workers find rewarding about working with you?• Have you ever needed to ask for help on a project?Here are a few ways to incorporate to handle these kinds of questions:• Be open about your weaknesses• Balance information about your strengths by discussing where you can improve• Explain clear plans for how you intend to improveListen to the full WorkInSports Podcast episode for an in-depth look at showing self-awareness in an interview, and subscribe for more sports career advice. You can view additional content on our YouTube Channel!

Job applications are time-consuming, but you must do additional work after you click submit to improve your chances of landing a job. Phil in Atlanta is tired of playing the waiting game on his applications and is looking for guidance from the WorkInSports Podcast:"Hey Brian – I'm a senior in college, which means I am actively looking to break into the industry. Reading the news is tough – layoffs, ghosting, inflation – it can make you feel pretty bleak. Your podcast has been a lift. You've provided a ton of great advice that has given me a plan I can execute on. But, I'll admit, applying for jobs and then just waiting for a response has not put me in a good headspace. I'm constantly worrying. Anything I can be doing right now to be more proactive?"Why Following Up Is ImportantUnless a job posting specifically says not to follow up on an application, the door is open to reach out. While it is easier to play the waiting game and hope you hear back from the hiring manager, there are a few compelling reasons to follow up and take matters into your own hands:1. It confirms that they received your materials2. It shows your genuine interest in the job3. It keeps your name at the top of the hiring manager's mind4. It provides you with a status update on your applicationHow to Follow Up on an ApplicationBefore following up on your application, you need to figure out the right strategy for touching base with a potential employer. When should you follow up? Are you going to send an email or make a phone call? What are you going to say?A good rule of thumb is to wait a week before following up on your application and don't do so more than once a week. Whether you follow up via email or phone, remember that your objective is not to force your way into a formal interview on the spot, but to get an update on the search process. With that in mind, here are questions you should ask in your follow-up emails or phone calls:• What is the time frame for filling the position?• Are interviews currently being scheduled?• Do they need additional information for your application?Listen to the full episode to learn a template for follow-up emails and phone calls to help with your job application. Also, subscribe to the podcast for more sports career advice, and catch additional content on our YouTube Channel.

There are many career options within the sports industry. You can choose to work in a myriad of departments, like sales, marketing, and broadcasting, to name a few. There are also many levels within the field, such as professional (major and minor league), college, high school, and youth/club sports. Finally, you need to find the sport you're most passionate about to build your career around.Today's guest on the WorkInSports Podcast found hockey to be his calling. Mike Snee is the Executive Director of College Hockey Inc, a marketing and promotions arm for NCAA Division I men's hockey. Growing up in a hockey-hotbed state like Minnesota, Snee graduated from the University of St. Thomas in 1991 amid his hometown Minnesota North Stars making an improbable run to the Stanley Cup Finals. However, he saw how quickly things could change in pro sports as the North Stars moved to Dallas two years later.When NHL hockey returned to Minnesota a few years later, Snee joined the Wild in 1998, a year before their inaugural season, as Director of Corporate Sales. He moved on to amateur hockey in 2008, serving as Minnesota Hockey's Executive Director before joining College Hockey Inc in 2012. On today's episode, Snee and VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp discuss:• What challenges he faced getting a new pro franchise off the ground• What drew him to transition to hockey's amateur levels• What advice he has for young sports professionals looking to find their fit in the industryEnjoy the full episode, and subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice. You can also catch additional content on our YouTube Channel!

Putting together a compelling resume is hard work, especially if you are following best practices like customizing your resume for each application after analyzing a job description. A good resume includes a mix of the hard skills you possess that align with the technical aspects of the job, and soft skills that reflect the kind of worker you will be on a day-to-day basis. Those soft skills are the topic of Jameel's question for the WorkInSports Podcast:“Hey Brian – I'm a college junior and a big fan of the show. I've been listening since my freshman year and have learned a ton from you. I'm a true super user, subscribed on YouTube, download every podcast episode, follow every social media channel AND I'm a member of WorkinSports.com. You're my guy. "I've got a question for you – my professors keep talking about showing off your soft skills, but I'm not sure I know how to do that. Can you explain? I feel like you explain things better than some of my profs.”How to Show Soft SkillsAs mentioned above, hard skills are the tangible abilities you have to do the job you are applying for. Showcasing those skills is pretty straightforward. If you want to be a graphic designer, you need to be proficient in Photoshop. Someone working in public relations needs to know how to write a press release. A business operations manager needs to know budgeting and finance.Soft skills, such as communication, leadership, and organization, are the traits that display how you work and learn. Since they are more nuanced skills, promoting them in a resume can be trickier than hard skills.Showcasing soft skills effectively requires checking job descriptions for what a company is searching for. If the description says they are looking for someone who can handle multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment, you need to showcase your ability to do so with a bullet in your resume (Ex: Published five time-sensitive articles within deadline per week).Your cover letter is an important place to elaborate on your soft skills as well?. If you were a student-athlete in college, you can go into detail showcasing your time management skills (Ex: I maintained a 3.5 GPA while juggling a rigorous practice/competitive schedule), or you can expand on how you've learned the value of teamwork from literally being on a team. Make sure the cover letter doesn't simply regurgitate your resume in paragraph form; it is another chance to sell yourself as the type of person an organization needs to hire.Learn more about soft skills by listening to the full podcast episode. Also, subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice. You can access additional content on our YouTube channel.

Sports social media content is the lifeblood of teams and organizations in today's digital landscape. Social media is where the next generation of supporters are, as 43% of Gen Z fans use social media platforms while watching sports. Creating digestible content that captures attention is critical in a competitive online space. This content is about generating hype for events, athletes, teams, franchises, and even the sport itself to create lifelong fans and brand advocates.Today's guest on the WorkInSports Podcast is Dylan “Mamba” Smith, NASCAR Chief Hype Officer. Born in Haiti, Smith moved to the US as a child and grew up in Vermont, where he gravitated toward motorsports. He began as a mechanic in Rev Racing's K&N Pro Series and continued working on race cars with different groups until landing a marketing and public relations specialist job with MDM Motorsports in 2017. He founded his own company, Mamba Media, in 2020 and secured his current position with NASCAR in 2021.Smith joins VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp to discuss:• The impact of Rev Racing's Drive for Diversity (D4D) team in helping him launch his career in motorsports• How he made an impression with NASCAR to earn his role as Chief Hype Officer• What a typical race weekend looks like from his job's perspectiveCatch Smith's entire perspective by listening to the full episode. Also, subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice. Additionally, you can find more content on our YouTube channel!

Sports broadcasting is one of the most popular (and competitive) aspirations for people looking to work in the sports industry. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, broadcasting/journalism degrees were the seventh- most common degrees awarded in 2018–19, with the career path expected to grow 6% this decade.How to Become a Sports BroadcasterWhile the expansion of sports betting media and teams creating more content themselves means more opportunities to thrive in the field, traditional play-by-play gigs at live events remain highly coveted and just as difficult to obtain at the highest level of professional sports. Generally, becoming a successful sports broadcaster involves calling games for high school or college sports part-time while working a full-time job elsewhere to pay the bills as you refine your craft and work your way up.Today's guest on the WorkInSports Podcast, Everett Fitzhugh, climbed that mountain and is currently excelling as a radio play-by-play announcer for the NHL's Seattle Kraken. Fitzhugh began honing his on-air chops as a student at Bowling Green State University, where he regularly called the Falcons' hockey games on the radio. However, his road to an NHL broadcasting booth took a detour when he stepped away from calling games and spent two seasons as the USHL's Manager of Communications.In 2014, Fitzhugh combined the two jobs with the Youngstown Phantoms, where he served as the club's Director of Media Relations and Broadcasting. A year later, he broke into professional hockey in a similar role with the ECHL's Cincinnati Cyclones, where he spent five years broadcasting games and executing the team's PR strategy. Next, he joined the Kraken before their inaugural 2021–22 season, becoming the first Black full-time team play-by-play announcer in NHL history. He joins VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp to discuss:• Where his enthusiasm for broadcasting the sport of hockey came from• How stepping into media relations helped him on his path to the NHL• Creating space in the NHL for minorities to thrive• What advice he has for aspiring sports broadcasters looking to create their breakEnjoy the full episode to catch Everett Fitzhugh's sports broadcasting journey. Also, subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice. Additional content is available on our YouTube channel.

To find a job in the sports industry, you need to gain experience in the form of internships, and volunteering before you earn your degree. Today's question for the WorkInSports Podcast addresses this topic:“Is it better while in college to get a lot of different types of experience or specific experiences?”Getting multiple sports internships is one of the most effective actions you can take to start your career on the right path. It is okay if you don't have a specific idea of where to focus your attention within the sports industry when you are a first- or second-year student, and taking a wide view of the industry can be useful. The first couple years of your undergraduate are the best time to figure out what specific career path is right for you, so pursue any internship or volunteer opportunity you can find that is somewhat related to the sports industry. If the experience doesn't resonate, you still have plenty of time to find something that better fits your skills and interests.If you go into these career opportunities with an open mind, you should better understand where to focus your efforts by the time you are a junior or senior.

When thinking about the history of the struggle for racial equality in America, prominent individuals such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, and Frederick Douglass often come to mind. However, sports have also been a vehicle to driving American society forward, with key moments including Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball, Muhammad Ali refusing to go to war in Vietnam, and Tommie Smith flashing the Black Power fist at the 1968 Olympics.These acts were met with vitriol at the time, but these athletes made their mark on and off the field by pushing society forward. When Colin Kaepernick began kneeling instead of standing for the national anthem to open a dialogue about Black people and policing in America in 2016, it also angered a significant portion of the NFL fanbase and franchise owners. Kaepernick has not played in the NFL since then, despite being 29 at the time, never officially retiring, and having made a Super Bowl appearance as a starting quarterback. Before Kaepernick, former NBA player Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf similarly sat for the national anthem as a silent protest for his religious beliefs. He was also met with derision and left the league two years later at age 28.On today's WorkInSports Podcast, we examine the societal impact of Black athletes throughout American history to contextualize today's climate of athlete activism. VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp speaks with Dr. Shaun Anderson, Associate Professor of Organizational Communication at Loyola Marymount and author of The Black Athlete Revolt. The two discuss:• Sports' role as a catalyst for bringing societal issues to light• The history of athletes, particularly Black athletes, using their voice to drive societal change and why that movement stopped in the 80s and early 90s• The price Black athletes like Abdul-Rauf and Kaepernick pay for speaking out• The effectiveness of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs in what specifically?Enjoy the full episode for an enlightening perspective on the impact of Black athletes on society. Subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice, and check out our YouTube channel for additional content!