Hello world!

As a soon to be Master of Entertainment Business/Sports Management I think it is only fitting to introduce myself to the world and to declare myself open for recruitment.  I am most interested in Community/Public Relations within the Sports Entertainment industry, so it should be pretty easy to get into because there’s not much competition. Ha…just kidding, the Sports industry is one of the hardest to get into, but everyone says the same thing: “Once you get your foot in the door, you’re in”. So how do you get that foot in, or at least a toe in the door?

Well, first you have to figure out which field you are most interested in and then start your research.  Find out what opportunities are available in that field and which positions are best for entry-level professionals.  The next thing is to get involved as much as you can.  This means volunteering for local sporting events, interning, basically doing anything that will give you some form of experience.  These opportunities are great ways to gain experience and network within different sport organizations. 

Now, it’s time to start applying for jobs with your well-prepared cover letters and resume.  If the powers that be like what they see you will probably get a pre-screen phone call within the next couple of weeks.  This call will most likely catch to off guard so always be prepared. On this call you will answer basic questions about yourself and you will get more information about the position for which you applied.  If all goes well, you will get another call to schedule and interview with the person in charge of hiring for the position.  After this interview the process gets easier, you send a thank you card, cross your fingers, and hope for the best.

I know the whole process sounds very exhausting and crazy; working long hours for free in some industries is unheard of…but, not in the Sports Industry. Lucky for us young professionals that there are other ways to get ourselves noticed by way of digital media. 

Most people think of Facebook and Twitter as a way to keep in touch with friends and family, but they have become a great way to interact with businesses you may be interested in working with.  LinkedIn is also a great networking site for professionals that actually allows you to browse jobs, some of which are exclusively placed on the site by the person in charge of hiring.  On a larger scale, creating a website is a way to really show your versatility and creativity, while showcasing your resume.  A friend of mine used her online portfolio to land her a great job in Design. Having a website will allow you to share projects and experiences that you cannot show in a resume. 

Another way to get your name out there is to send a mass e-mail; sounds weird, I know.  First you have to get the e-mail addresses of people in the industry, this can be done by calling around or searching the Internet.  After you have the addresses, just send a message to introduce yourself, show interest in the industry, and to invite them to check out your website.  Some will delete it, some will pass it on, some will love it and want to meet you; either way, what do you have to lose. 

Well, now that I have introduced myself, I have to go.  I have to search for more sports jobs in my area.  Anybody out there know some Sports Industry professionals in Orlando? If you do just tell them I am ready for hire, haha…no really I’m ready.