Friday, July 3, 2026

From Being an Intern to Catching Ninjavitis, How Some of the Best Got Their Start

By: Adam White, @FOSAdam


Ever wonder what your first job in sports may be? Do you want to be an agent? Or maybe a marketing executive? Regardless of what you want to do, there have been countless others before you with similar aspirations. Some of them went according to plan, some of them didn’t, but in sports your first job doesn’t define your career, it just begins it. So whether or not you have aspirations of becoming the next Leigh Steinberg or head of marketing for adidas, check out where some of the best and brightest in the industry today got their start.

Some Started as Interns…


https://twitter.com/morrisewhite3/status/725159369596264448


https://twitter.com/mdmccaine/status/724720444658458625
https://twitter.com/RailBirdRodney/status/724647239432335360

Some were Student Assistants…


https://twitter.com/mattwellsey/status/724782789560700930

Some Took On Sales…


https://twitter.com/ticketchick/status/724624570095796224

Some Worked for Food…

And Some Even Got Ninjavitis…

If you would like to join in on the conversation, use the #MyFirstSportsJob and tag us on Twitter!

You can find the rest of the responses to #MyFirstSportsJob here!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jun 30, 2026; London, United Kingdom; Serena Williams of the United States returns a shot during her match against Maya Joint of Australia on day two at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images

Serena Singles Return Draws Record Wimbledon Ratings for ESPN

Williams’s status for doubles remains in question.
Jun 24, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball while Phoenix Mercury guard Lexi Held (10) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Caitlin Clark Denounces Hate Following Alyssa Thomas Incident

The public comments marked Clark’s first since the June 24 incident.
July 1, 2026; Santa Clara, California, U.S.; Malik Tillman of the U.S. celebrates scoring their second goal. Mandatory Credit: Carlos Barria-Reuters via Imagn Images

USMNT’s World Cup Ratings Continue to Surge

Fox and Telemundo are setting soccer viewership records.
Feb 1, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket against New York Knicks guards Jalen Brunson (11) and Landry Shamet (44) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Rich Paul: LeBron Would Have Joined Knicks If Not for Title Win

Paul revealed the Knicks have checked in on James’s free agency.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/3/26 – USMNT Round of 16 Ticket Frenzy, NBA Tests New Free Throw Rule, Ovechkin Returns, Country Roads Takes Over

0:00

Featured Today

ATLANTA, GA - September 05: Georgia Lottery fireworks after the game against the Seattle Mariners at Truist Park on Friday, September 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Inside the Spectacle and Science of MLB Fireworks

Postgame fireworks are lighting up baseball for America250.
Kansas City Chiefs
July 1, 2026

NFL Teams Push to Turn Futbol Fans Into Football Devotees

NFL teams are courting international soccer fans during their World Cup visits.
June 26, 2026

What We Saw Traveling the U.S. for the World Cup Group Stage

The knockout stage begins Sunday.
June 26, 2026

In an Era of $1,000 Tickets, $10 Watch Parties Bring Fans Together

Stadium watch parties now rival home-game experiences.
June 25, 2026

Italian Americans Have Severe World Cup FOMO

Bars and restaurants in Boston, Philly, and beyond are missing the Azzurri.
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

Josh Childress: Why Now Is the Time for NBA Expansion

Josh Childress on why he invested in the Portland Thorns, the case for NBA expansion, and donating to Stanford NIL.
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.