• Loading stock data...
Saturday, October 12, 2024
The Best Employers in Sports survey is now open! Take the survey

5 Tips for Better Professional Development

This post is part of the #YPSportsChat Blog Series! This series will give young professionals an inside look at the intricacies of the sports business world and advice on how to navigate it.

By Jamie Rogalski, @JamieRog10

When it comes to networking and professional development, you can always get better at it. Image via Amplify

When it comes to networking and professional development, you can always get better at it. Image via Amplify

For young professionals in the sport industry, making connections is key. You’ve probably heard that world of athletics is small even when it may not seem like it. Well, this is true, and making these connections and networking could help launch your career.

However, it is more than just the intentional interactions you have at conventions, in your department, or at your institution. You never know where these important interactions will take place and whether they will be in formal or informal settings.

For example, just a few weeks ago, I was at the airport (at 5:30 a.m.!) and started talking to the woman sitting next to me. Turned out that she works in college athletics, too! We had a great conversation and ended with us exchanging business cards.

Again, you never know when meaningful interactions will occur, so be prepared to make a good first impression everywhere you go.

The following are a few helpful professional development tips for young professionals.

1. Conduct informational interviews. These can be in person or over the phone, someone within your area of athletics or someone taking a different path. I always find it interesting to hear about other professionals’ career paths and what programs or ideas other institutions are implementing.

2. Practice giving your “elevator pitch” and interacting with others at career-based events. If you are a student, attend career fairs or networking events on campus. Even if they may not be in your desired career area, speak with employers to get comfortable networking and presenting yourself in a professional manner. Networking might not always feel comfortable, so the more practice you have, the better!

Want more great content like this? Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter!

3. Follow up! You’ve probably heard this before and will definitely hear it again. If you make a meaningful connection, conduct an informational interview, or have a great guest speaker in class, following up is key. Thank them for their time, remind them of yourself and your career plans or next steps, and state that you would like to keep in touch. These individuals can then serve as resources when you need someone to run ideas past or are looking for your next position in athletics.

4. More than who you know, it’s about who knows you. I’ve seen people collect countless business cards, but that means nothing if you do not plan to build relationships with these individuals. You need individuals in your life who are aware of your career plans and goals and will recommend you for positions because you’ve spent time getting to know them and have really invested in the relationship.

5. Volunteer! If you see that any events or championships are being held in your area, reach out and ask to volunteer. Not only is this great experience working in an event setting, but it also shows that you want to learn and help out in any way. Volunteering will also help you meet individuals from the host institution, other event staff, and even conference (or national) staff.

Lastly, I encourage everyone to make a new connection each month. This could be someone at your institution, a professional you have been wanting to speak to, or someone in a mentor’s network. Making a small step by reaching out to these individuals could go a long way.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sponsored

Women in Sports are Leveling Up

Three graduates of Ohio University’s Professional Master of Sports Administration shared their sports business success stories on FOS Fundamentals.

Celebrating 10 years of the Ohio University PMSA

The Professional Master of Sports Administration provides current, and aspiring, sports business executives a world class educational experience designed to accelerate their careers in today’s sport business marketplace.
Sponsored

Networking With Purpose

Investing in the Ohio University PMSA unlocks access to one of the largest sports business alumni networks in the world.
Sponsored

New Resource Helps Ticket Sales Pros Share Ideas

Ticket Playbook by Spinzo launched earlier this summer to help the world of ticket sales navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

The FOS Interview: Golden State Valkyries Coach Natalie Nakase

0:00

Featured Today

Sep 21, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) walks through Buff Walk before the game against the Baylor Bears at Folsom Field.
opinion

The NIL Era Is a Wild West. Is Anyone Surprised?

Amateurism is dead and college athletes are professionals. How’s that working out?
October 11, 2024

‘We’re Ready for FBS’: Sacramento State Is Serious About the Jump

How the Hornets got themselves on the short list of potential call-ups.
Duante' Abercrombie News Ch.4 interview
October 9, 2024

Tennessee State’s Ambitious Plan to Launch an HBCU Hockey Program

TSU has big plans, but the university is facing an existential dilemma.
October 8, 2024

Ryan Smith Sees Salt Lake City As Next Vegas-Like Sports Town

Utah Hockey Club’s owner says all the pieces are falling into place.
Sponsored

Temple Takes Your Sports Career to the Next Level

If you want to break through to the C-Suite , Temple University’s Executive Master of Science in Sport Business can help you up your game and accelerate your career. 
Sponsored

UMass, McCormack Department of Sport Management Introduce Groundbreaking Women in Business Course

UMass’s Mark H. McCormack Department of Sport Management has announced the addition of a Women in Business course launching Spring 2021.
Sponsored

University of San Francisco Is Your Ticket to the Game

Rated the No. 1 Sports Management program in California, USF has been a leader in educating industry professionals for more than 30 years.
Sponsored

Rivalries Reign Across Red River and the Beltway, London Calling

According to data from TickPick, renewed battles between bitter foes are spiking ticket prices.
Sponsored

Sacred Heart University Gives Athletes and Students Hands-On Learning Opportunities

Professor Matthew F. Moran is training the industry’s next generation of exercise scientists at Sacred Heart University.
Sponsored

Ohio University PMSA Prepares Sports Professionals For New Normal

Two alumni of the Ohio University Professional Master of Sports Administration explain how they feel prepared for the future of sports.
Sponsored

Temple’s Sports Business Master’s Program Gives a Sports Media Pro Unique Perspective

Temple’s School of Sport, Tourism & Hospitality Management gave Sean Hanrahan the tools to elevate his career even after 30 years in the business.
Sponsored

Ohio University PMSA Virtually Prepares Alums For Industry Challenges

The Ohio University PMSA program offers flexibility and a sense of community ideal for the modern sports administration grad student.