Top 10 Things to Do to Get a Job in Sports

1. Get an internship. Now.

2. Get another internship. Then you can start thinking about getting a paying job in sports.

• http://www.geocities.com/athens/atrium/6333/RJ-sports.html
• www.onlinesports.com
• Contact your athletic department for opportunities to do during the term.

3. Attend the annual league meetings.

4. Access league and team job openings.

• Baseball: go to www.mlb.com and then to specific team sites under contact/help. http://www.milb.com/events/jobfair/
• NBA: http://www.nba.com/help/jobs.html ; http://nbateamjobs.teamworkonline.com/teamwork/jobs/default.cfm
• NFL: http://footballjobs.teamworkonline.com/teamwork/jobs/default.cfm
• NHL: http://hockeyjobs.nhl.com/teamwork/jobs/default.cfm

5. Best bet: Find someone that knows somebody.

• Major Pro Sports teams receive, on average, 50 resumes a week. (50 x 50 = 2500). The odds that your resume gets picked up increases dramatically if you already know someone there.

6. Consider sports-related jobs that put you into contact with sports teams.

• In Europe (see job descriptions): http://www.sponsorshipcareers.com/
• Contact major companies who supply or sponsor sports teams (Coke, Fedex, Nestle, Nike, Rawlings, Aramark, Sportservice, Volume Services, etc.)

7. Join any sports career network organization in your university or community.

• Baylor Sports Career Network (First meeting is on Monday (9-30) at 8 p.m. in Castellaw room 245)

8. Consider interning or working for sports commissions.

• DFW Sports Commission (see volunteer)
• Harris County (Houston)Sports Authority
• Other major sports commissions in the U.S.

9. Contact someone who is currently doing the job you would like to have.

• Ask them about their responsibilities and the nature of the job. For instance, most jobs in team sports mean long hours.
• And it's not always glamourous; especially during the season where you may be rolling up the tarp in the rain and living off hot dogs and nachos.
• Ask him/her what s/he did to get the job and any other advice they have.

10. Find the decision-maker. Be persistent. Be polite.

• Place a phone call to find out who is making the hiring decision for the position for which you are applying. Follow up your application with a phone call regarding its status. Visit the individual in person if at all possible. Exhibit good social skills!