Landing sports-industry based internships with little to no experience can be super stressful. By taking on the opportunities that are presented to you, you can obtain the experience you need in order to succeed.
The largest part of landing an internship in this day-in-age is networking. I cannot stress it enough. I honestly did not think I would like it, but it has grown my network/connections throughout my dream industry: the sports industry. Whether it be merchandising, marketing/advertising, ticketing/sales, make the connection! As most know, in today’s society, it’s all about who you know. Those potential connections may see the potential in you that you don’t see in yourself.
Alongside networking, even if you’re unsure of where to start looking, LinkedIn and TeamWork Online are AMAZING resources for those looking at internships and jobs in sports. Nearly all of your major sports leagues and conferences use TeamWork Online to attract or recruit potential employees. Prior to my practicum placement at the Delmarva Shorebirds as a Marketing Assistant, I was not looking in the sports world for post-graduation plans. I was set on going into the music business to be a tour manager or artist manager. Now, if it were not for that internship, I wouldn’t be where I am today in the sports world. It is where I want to be, specifically baseball.
Now, the sports realm is extremely male-dominated, so the percentage of women in sports is practically little to none. According to surveys, women in authoritative positions in sports is only about ten to twenty percent. This proves that women are a minority in all aspects of the industry, and the tables must turn. You can be the difference in the sports industry by breaking down all the stereotypes. In the wise words of Dani Fox, Marketing and Advertising Promotions Coordinator at the Bowie Baysox, Double-A Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, “Just always remember who you are and never let anyone in this industry walk over you, because they will actually try.”
As a woman in the sports industry, I know how hard it is to stick out to potential employers. Sports jobs are constantly searching for males to fulfill their positions. However, I’m here to prove that it is possible with some quick resume tips for sticking out in the job/internship process. First things first, keep your resume simplistic. I know – you see Canva or online templates that you REALLY like but they seem super busy with too much color, but that’s far from reality. The easier to read, and more simplistic, the better. On average, an employer spends about 15-30 seconds skimming over your resume. That’s minimal time to capture the attention of the potential employer. Only list your three most recent employers, and AT MOST, three bullet points that encapsulate what you did in each position/role. As for listing education, list any collegiate experience you have, and if you held any higher roles (i.e. chair member in a sorority/fraternity). It’s okay to list out certifications you may have obtained in college, but when you go in for the interview, bring the certificates. It will tell the employer that you are eager about the position.
Moving forward with interviews can be very nerve wracking. While going in for your interview or having it by phone, be ready to answer some common and not-so-common questions. You don’t want to sum up your resume when answering the infamous question “Tell me about yourself.” With that question, you’ll want to start out with about three words that describe yourself, such as “hard-working, team-oriented, and highly motivated, I am…” Moreover, if you go in person, dress professionally!! This will define how your potential employer looks at you as a person. Keep calm during the interview, and afterwards, follow up with an email thanking them for their time, or even writing them a personalized thank you and mail it to them.
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