Any ideas of how to get into the Sports Industry?

[UT-Longhorn]

Hey everyone, first off ive got to say i havent been here in the forum more than a couple of months, but I cant seem to stay away from it more than a few hours and dont think ive gone a day straight without getting on here and posting something---so thanks to everyone for making it a great forum.

Next, in regard to my post topic, I was wondering how a person (such as myself) would get into the sports industry for employment? Im only 24, single, just finished college, with no commitments anywhere, and was wondering what the best way to get employment in the sports industry would be? (any sport MLB, NFL, NBA) I know you cant walk in and apply for a sportscasters job, but heck, id do just about anything just to get my foot in the door. (ie- camera man, laundry guy, rake the fields, paint the stripes, etc) Ive worked a number of jobs, and I just love the sports industry and would love to work in it. So if anyone has any suggestions of how to possibly get any kind of job in the majors. Thanks all.......

 

[wondo]

As far as MLB goes, every club has internship positions. They vary greatly in the job description but are available for the 'baseball guys' and the 'non baseball guys.' Some things include setting up schedules for personnel higher up in the food chain, transcribing game reports and leaving voice mail, etc. There's a ton more that they do but I can't think of them off the top of my head.

Not really sure how you apply, I'd go get yourself a copy of the Baseball America Annual Directory ($15.95) and maybe contact one of the AAs in the baseball operations department.

As for the other stuff, like painting and groundscrew and stuff with stadiums, that is less through the big league club and more through the GMs of each minor league affiliate. Groundskeepers usually have a schooling background in evironmental science or something like that and work their way up from being assistants to headgroundskeepers and then up from A to AA on up and stuff. It's probably easier to get into stadium operations and I'd probably put a call into the GM or Director of Stadium Op. at any of the parks close to you. Those guys/girls are also listed in the Baseball America Directory.

It might be a little bit of a down time for MLB stuff because there were alot of cutbacks because of the potential strike, but I would think that clubs would start hiring again over the next few months, so it might turn out to be a decent time after all.

Oh, and btw, you'll work your tail off for peanuts.

 

[UT-Longhorn]

thanks for the info wondo. any thoughts about the NFL?

 

[wondo]

Don't have much definitive info on the NFL, but I would assume it's very similar if not the same. Only know two current/former GM's and actually they both went through internship programs with NFL clubs. A lot of people are in the same boat as you, myself included. And while I don't pretend to have any of the answers, I would go as far as saying that you need to go 'balls to the wall' right now and hope that the cards fall in your favor, no matter what sport it is. It's a tough business to break into, but if you enjoy the sport you're involved with, there's no better occupation. If you're really serious about the whole thing, and interested in baseball, drop me an email and I will try to give you a heads up on any openings that I hear about.

 

[UT-Longhorn]

Thanks for all the helpful info. I tried emailing you, but couldnt access your address--so if you wouldnt mind, shoot me a quick email this address-- uthustler@yahoo.com

and ill email you back from my main address.

thanks again........

 

[wondo]

i sent you an email

 

[AR182]

If you cant throw a baseball 95 mph,I would look into the the sports agent field to get into.To me that seems where the bucks are.I would also recommend for you to get a college degree geared to your chosen field.I'm sure the sports field is very competitive & you have to do something that separates you from the field.

Good Luck