• Loading stock data...
Friday, November 1, 2024
The Best Employers in Sports survey is open through Nov. 6 Learn More

Finding Your Way

By: Jeremy M. Evans, @JeremyMEvansESQ


Houston, we’ve had a problem here.” Been hearing those words in your head lately? Are you tired of not working in a job that you love and finding yourself contemplating that the sports and entertainment industry is a difficult one to make a good name? For many, the answer to the above questions is yes.

In the last article with Front Office Sports, we discussed some ways to get into the industry. Here, we will expand on that in terms of practical steps you can take to get experience, learn from your mistakes, and finding your way while doing it.

1. Get an education. This could be your formal or informal education. Some of the most successful people in the world dropped out of school, high school, college, or otherwise, with an idea, passion, and great work ethic. You do not need to graduate from the best institutions to be a success, but it can give you a head start to a wonderful career. Informal education can come from experiences, friends, mentors, family, your pastor, or a teacher. Ideally, you would want to get your informal and formal education at the same time as they can benefit the other. Informal education is really learning about relationships, people, and learning from your mistakes. Keep the following in mind: you learn more from your mistakes because not everything went right as planned. Be encouraged when things go wrong because it means that you are doing something right (working for a goal) and you have the opportunity to learn from it (the failed experiment). What does this mean? Try something new. Be bold. Keep trying. Keep learning.

2. Serve in leadership roles with volunteer organizations and specifically sports organizations. Be service minded. Every opportunity comes from being involved. Personal experience has shown that people provide opportunities. Why is that? It is because companies and ideas come from people and people in turn have the opportunity to provide others (you) with opportunities to succeed. However, you must be involved to see the fruition here. You cannot sit on the sidelines and expect a call or email. The sports and entertainment industry, unlike and more so than any other industry, requires personal attention and appearances. You must make the effort. You must challenge yourself to become and stay involved, consistently.

3. Be genuine and network. Related to point two above, being genuine means taking a real and sincere interest in other people. It means asking questions that matter to the other person. (Note: in a non-threatening fashion, you may and should do your research before meeting someone you want to meet). In a related fashion, networking means (1) showing up to events, and (2) being genuine at those events and in your actions in general. One rule of thumb to remember: being there is everything. However, while “being there” and being genuine, you should not be asking for an internship or a job before meeting someone in person or when meeting or talking with the person for the first time. It does not mean sending random messages or emails asking for jobs or internships. What it is does mean is looking for a formal introduction to the person you want to meet, introducing yourself, and then forming a genuine relationship. You will come to find that asking questions that matter, leads to answers that matter. Knowing someone is hiring can be very helpful information, but let the other person volunteer that information. Similar to dating, you must be patient and wait. You cannot force a good friendship.

4. Work in internships. Get experience. Many times the question has been asked: “I have an internship (or job) offer, but it is not in sports or entertainment field. Should I take it?” Absolutely. One of the beautiful things about the sports and entertainment field is that it compliments and encompasses many different areas of the law and business. For example, the sports law field encompasses employment and labor law through contracts, unions, and collectively bargained agreements. If you are an agent or talent manager, managing the personal affairs of others can include all different kinds of business or otherwise. The possibilities are truly endless. In taking an internship or a job, you are agreeing to learn from experiences and mentors. You are agreeing to learn what you do not know. You are also agreeing to meet new people. New people means new ideas, relationships, and then opportunities. People often change their major in college, so the same goes for people wanting to practice in a certain area of the law or another area of employment. Do not let your presuppositions about life, experiences, wants, and likes, determine where you end up in life. Let your experiences and your passions determine your path.

In closing, to find your way, you must make your way through experiences, mistakes, meeting people, and establishing genuine relationships.

Next steps: When attending your next event, make sure to attempt to meet everyone. Focus on meeting people, not one specific person (takes the pressure off you).

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Emmanuel Acho Set To Land Solo Show on Fox Sports

Rising star Emmanuel Acho is poised to land his own solo show at Fox Sports, say sources. He currently co-hosts FS1’s ‘Speak for Yourself.’
Sponsored

Varsity Partners Steps Up the Sponsorship Game with TBT Teams

TBT has thrived on innovation and forward thinking through its seven year existence —including being the first indoor U.S. sporting event to return to action during the pandemic with a 24 team bubble in Columbus,Ohio —brand sponsorships for teams was the next opportunity for growth.
Sponsored

Executive Roundtable: Putting Employees First

Best Employers in Sports, Charlotte Hornets, Miami Dolphins, remote work, diversity, inclusion, COVID-19, leadership, career development
Sponsored

Putting Fans At The Center of Your Data Strategy Post-COVID

The Portland Trail Blazers are one example of an organization offering a more personalized customer experience thanks to data.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Ripken on World Series, Team Ownership and Soto Pursuit

0:00

Featured Today

The Untapped Revenue ‘Powder Keg’ of Women’s NFL Fandom

There’s a “boatload” of money at stake for brands and the league.
Oct 19, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) shakes hands while entering the locker room after a game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
October 28, 2024

NIL Director Is the Trendy New Job in College Sports. But the Role Is Chaos

Athletic departments nationwide are hiring for what’s become their most important position.
FuboTV signage
opinion
October 26, 2024

Fubo’s Fight Against Streaming Giants Feels Futile

Fubo notched a legal win, but subs and stock still slump.
October 25, 2024

Inside The Wall at L.A. Clippers’ New $2B Home

FOS went inside the “contagious” energy at the L.A. Clippers’ Intuit Dome.
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

Networking With Purpose

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

World Series Delivers High-Demand Marquee Matchup

The hype around the World Series matchup drove ticket prices to record levels—but the Dodgers’ dominance quickly quieted the fervor.
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

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.