by By Ellie Nees
If you’re anything like me, you understand how terrifying the idea of trying to make it big in the sports world is. I have to start considering my career goals now that I am a senior in college. Never have I been more terrified but also more excited about the possibility of working in the sports world. I wanted to look at the preparation I’ve been doing for a career in sports and the guidance that experts are offering, so I’m going to be talking about what I have learned over my years in college.
One of the most important practices while being in college is making connections. Internships will give you real-world experiences that will help you further down the road when applying for post-graduation jobs. I have been fortunate enough to be able to have two different internships over the course of two summers. One was a human resources internship while the other was a social media and marketing internship. Am I wanting to go into human resources after graduation? No, but it gave me more insight into what a career in that industry could be like. It also was very beneficial to understand the backend aspect of being hired and interviewing for positions.
Because I go to the University of Oregon, often referred to as the University of Nike, there has been room for different opportunities through Nike or similar companies post-graduation. Not all universities have these tight-knit connections to companies so a major part of being successful in the sports industry is finding ways to explore the industry. Finding volunteer work, internships, and being open to talking to people in the industry are some of the most crucial ways to ensure your success in the field.
Women don’t have it easy when trying to succeed in the sports industry. We are often referred to as, “unknowledgeable” in the sports category. There’s a hierarchy of what society sees and typically men are viewed as above women. This can most definitely affect the way our careers go. If there is a woman and a man interviewing for the same position, more times than not, the man will be the one hired. The best thing to do during your college years is going to be open to connecting with people, getting your foot into different doors, and using your family’s connections. I am going to emphasize the importance of just talking to people, a lot of times people know of people who can help your career so don’t be afraid to ask.
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I enjoyed reading this. I decided to go to the UO too because I want to work in sports too. I’ve been a sucker for any internships, volunteer work or anything else that will help me get experience. The sports industry is very competitive and as a senior, I’ve been making as many connections as possible plus going to any job fairs that could help me get a head start for the future. I hope everything ends up working out for you and you are able to find a sports job that you like and feel valued as a person and employee.
Hi Ellie,
I loved your article and I found it extremely refreshing. As someone who also wants to go into the sports world, I find that there is a lot of anxiety surrounding it. I like your perspective on the U of O wide range of networking. I feel that often that brings me comfort. Overall, love hearing your perspective.
Great post! I can completely relate to the mix of excitement and fear when considering a career in the sports world. Your emphasis on making connections and gaining real-world experience through internships is spot on. It’s fantastic that you were able to explore different areas through your internships, even if they weren’t directly aligned with your desired career path. Understanding the backend aspects of hiring and interviewing will undoubtedly benefit you in the long run. Overall, your advice to be open, proactive, and utilize personal connections is invaluable. Networking and reaching out to people can lead to unexpected opportunities. It’s great to see your enthusiasm and determination to make it big in the sports world. Keep pushing forward and continue sharing your experiences and insights! 🙂
^^ That comment above was from Leah Stone
As someone who is a college athlete and is getting their Masters in sports business and journalism I really enjoyed your post. I also want to continue to work in the sports field and would absolutely agree that the industry is all about networking. The University of Oregon is an amazing place to build your network in the sports industry!
Hi Ellie! I really enjoyed reading your article. I am currently getting my minor in Sports Business, and hope to work in the sports field as well. I loved hearing your perspective on internships, connections and networking. Interships gives you real-world experience that can set you apart in the competitive sports industry. Networking and connections can also set you apart and lead to opening the door to opportunities. The University of Oregon is a great place for finding internships and networking in the sports industry. I hope you take advantage of all that UO has to offer and succeed in the Sports field.
I went to Oregon because I am a sports fan. If I weren’t getting a minor in Nonprofit Administration or could add another one, I would get one in Sports Business. Sports are exciting, and I am still looking into pursuing the field as internships or entry-level jobs to gain experience and enjoy my work. I agree that it is hard to break into the business as a woman, and networking is essential, as it is in all PR fields. Do you think Oregon is doing anything (or enough) to help women in sports, including the business/front office side?