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Saturday, June 14, 2025

10 Words of Advice for the Class of 2017

As you get ready to enter the world of sports business, professionals across the country offered up some advice for you.


Across the country, thousands of students will graduate in the coming weeks and months. Many of those graduates will venture out into the world of sports business on a quest to become agents, GMs, CEOs and team presidents, but before they are get to the corner office, current professionals across the country had some advice for them.


10. Don’t be afraid to start outside of sports

You can always find a way into sports. Don’t pass up similar experience waiting for a role that isn’t open yet.

9. Be coachable

We have heard this since our time in youth sports. People want to work with others who are willing to get better. Make sure you are one of those.

8. Be open to different roles

https://twitter.com/dduggs11/status/859952036456136704

From the minor leagues to college athletics, there are countless opportunities to find your way into the business. Don’t think you are too good to take a role that isn’t “sexy”.

7. Be patient


https://twitter.com/JamieMBlanchard/status/860115047250579458

You aren’t going to be the CEO on day one, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be by day 3,000. Good things take time, don’t stress.

6. Your first job doesn’t define you


https://twitter.com/cjdowney/status/859943862760091648

Sure, your first job may not pay much and you may have to work long hours, but that doesn’t mean that is where you will stay for your entire career. Use your first job to learn, soak up the industry and set yourself up for success moving forward.

5. Relationships > Connections

This industry is built on relationships. Whether it is your next job or your next B2B sale, it will most likely come from someone you have a relationship with. Don’t burn bridges.

4. Say “thank you”


https://twitter.com/cmatthews58/status/859948470710435844

Sometimes the simplest gestures are the most impactful. You can never go wrong with saying showing people you appreciate them or even writing a thank you card.

3. Just because it is not in your job description doesn’t mean it is not your job

In this industry, there is always something to do. Be the person who asks, “What else can I do?” and not “When can I go home?”

2. Take a deep breath every once and awhile

This industry can get overwhelming at times. Be sure to take a second and smell the roses.

1. Be intellectually curious

No matter what you do or where you go remember to stay curious. The world is going to change and the industry is going to change, make sure you are able to change with it.

Bonus: Just have fun


https://twitter.com/Richard_Immel/status/859955467971305472

We work in sports. I repeat…we work in sports. It is okay to have fun and enjoy your job.


Front Office Sports is a leading multi-platform publication and industry resource that covers the intersection of business and sports.

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