5 Things To Think About Before Working In Sports

Working a job in sports can be completely different than working a typical 9 to 5 in Corporate America. The sports industry often requires unique skill sets or tolerances that aren’t always necessary in other professions. Some people find out the sports industry isn’t for them soon after landing their first gig.

In your quest to land that dream sports job, you might want to consider if any of the below are deal breakers for you before continue your job hunt.

1. You’re Not Easily Star Struck

Working in sports can afford you the opportunity to be in the circle of major celebrities. This includes athletes, actors, musicians, politicians, etc. While you might find yourself in arms reach of some big names from time to time, you have to be able to keep your cool and act like you’ve been here before. Your longtime hero could become your coworker or client, so refrain from acting like a fan, asking for autographs and #usies.

2. You Get Shit Done

Most ball clubs (especially minor leagues), agencies, papers, etc. are made up of small teams, which means if you get a chance to come on board you’re going to have to do a little bit of everything.That could result in doing things you’ve never done before and learning how to get it done on your own. You’ll need to have a “get shit done by any means necessary” type of attitude if you want to make an impact and move up the ladder.

3. You’re Here to Work

Working in sports means just that… Working. Not watching. Most people get careers in sports because they love the game. Unfortunately, several careers in the industry don’t lend much time for spectating, unless you’re in media. Odds are you’ll be way too busy working with clients, customers, or fans keeping them entertained, instead of keeping track of the score.

4. You’re Cool Without a 9 to 5

Getting a college degree to land a nice job, with normal work hours might be the goal for most. If you’re planning on working in sports, you can throw the 9 to 5 schedule out the window. Typically games are at night or on the weekend, which allows all the other people with regular working hours to attend. This leaves you to working the night shift for their entertainment.

If you’re employed by an ad agency or are a part of the media you can guarantee that deadlines will have you putting in late hours, so it’s safe to say you’ll miss a few happy hours as well.

5. You’re a Game Changer

Sometimes working in sports can feel like being a magician performing the same trick day in and day out, all while hoping to get an amazed reaction every time. For example, a reporter has to find creative spins on stories they’ve written hundreds of times before over the years, with the only difference being lead characters and stats.

Can you imagine how challenging it is working as an anchor at ESPN, covering a story that has been broadcasted on SportsCenter, FirstTake, His & Hers, etc., etc. before your show is aired? You have to creatively change your approach to a story to keep things interesting, while maintaining your integrity of not fabricating the truth. Not an easy task… If you’re talented enough to do that, you’re definitely a game changer.

If none of this phases you, you might be headed down the right path. Just keep pushing out those resumes and great things will happen. Good luck!

Photo credit: David J. Phillip