Get into the Game

Congratulations on choosing a career path that can prove to be both exciting and rewarding. You may have chosen this path based on a long-held love of sports, either as an athlete or a fan. Or perhaps you chose this road as a way to apply your business background to a new arena. Then again, maybe you aspire to be in the action as a coach or manager. Whatever the road that brought you to this point, it is important to remember that success in the business of sport relies heavily on the same attributes that great players bring to the court or field, namely, an overarching desire to succeed, a laser-like focus on your goals, forthright confidence, team spirit, and without question-- superior skills. So what are some steps you can take to get into the game?

The Game Plan

(1) Start early.

Begin to develop your skills early, while you are still working on your degree. Seek out the best academic program you can find and then couple that with experiences that allow you to develop your skill set. Focus on your interests and start out with volunteer experiences both on and off-campus. There are typically numerous ways to get involved: student athletic boards, game day volunteer opportunities, student clubs, community events, fundraisers, and many more. This is an excellent way to contribute to the community while gaining valuable experience. Volunteer work provides the opportunity to practice skills at a more local level and is a great way to develop effective communication skills that will stay with you long after the volunteer experience has ended.

(2) Practice, practice, practice.

Just like athletes training on the field, it takes high-quality, consistent practice to develop superior skills. Obtain an internship—or two, or three—to cultivate a skill set that is adept and multifaceted. You can begin with small experiences to build your resume and then land more competitive internships in new environments that challenge you to reach beyond your comfort zone. Internships also provide an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in the field. There is no better way to develop your skill set than on-the-job training. Continue to expand your knowledge base and to enhance written and oral communication skills. Locate internship opportunities through your career center, online resources, personal contacts, and job fairs.

(3) Become a team captain.

Show initiative in all that you do. Employers are looking for candidates that are not afraid to step up to the plate and contribute. There is no such thing as “down time” at your internship or job. Use these opportunities to offer new ideas and assist others with team projects. Seek out leadership roles that encourage assertiveness and further develop your ability to work with others. Become a chair of a committee on campus or run for office through student government or a campus club. Don’t settle for sitting on the bench. Get involved and take pride in the accomplishments of the organization.

(4) Highlight your qualifications.

Demonstrate that you are the best candidate. If you want in the game, you need to give evidence that you are up to the task. Craft a professional, error-free, results-oriented resume that communicates your qualifications and indicates how you will contribute to the company. Couple the resume with a cover letter that indicates your experience, knowledge of the company, your “fit” within the organization, and provides concrete examples of your successes. Take time to learn what the company needs and how you can contribute within the framework of the organization. Research the company on the web and at your local library.

(5) Surround yourself with a great team.

Utilize the power of networking to connect with individuals that can assist you in your job search. Your network is made up of friends, family, professors, alumni, and professionals in the field. You may be pleasantly surprised by the interconnections that exist between people and groups. Connect with those in your existing network; establish new connections by researching companies and contacting professionals in the field. Communicate to them what you want and how they can help, and be sure to follow through on requests for your resume. Lastly, you should always follow-up to thank your contact for the referral. Your network will continue to grow as you progress in your career and you will have the opportunity to return the favor.

(6) Find a great coach.

Seek out a mentor to guide you through the process. Your mentor can provide advice, give constructive criticism, push you to set and attain goals, and be a trustworthy sounding board with which you can discuss issues. Having this support can make all the difference during your job search. Finding the right position takes time and effort; having a mentor to coach you through the process is invaluable.

About the Author

Dr. Susan Simmons is the Coordinator of Career Placement for the Department of Kinesiology at Indiana University. She assists students with career counseling, resume and cover letter preparation, interview preparation, and internship and job placement. Students within the department are preparing for careers in Sport Marketing and Management, Sport Communication, Exercise Science, Fitness Instruction, Athletic Training, and Teaching. Dr. Simmons received her Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology and also continues to teach including a course in Job Search Strategies for Kinesiology Students.