Since 2001, I have served on the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Career Services Committee. Over two decades of reviewing job postings and announcements has given me a front-row seat to how the industry evaluates talent.
While the tools of the trade have changed, the core of what makes a candidate successful has remained remarkably consistent. I’ve condensed my observations into the "fundamentals" that hiring managers prioritize today.
It’s Not Just About Technical Skills
In our industry, technical proficiency in writing, statistics, graphic design, and social media is the baseline—it gets you in the room. However, the final hiring decision is almost always driven by "The Big Four" fundamentals:
Reliability: Will you show up prepared, every single game day?
Communication: Can you bridge the gap between coaches, student-athletes, and the media professionally?
Coachability: Are you willing to take feedback and grow with the department?
Adaptability: Can you pivot when a kickoff time changes or a crisis emerges?
The Mindset Advantage
Departments aren't just looking for someone who can run a StatCrew board; they are looking for a teammate. They often ask themselves:
Can this person handle high-stakes pressure?
Will they take genuine ownership of their work?
Experience is vital, but mindset is the tiebreaker. Candidates who demonstrate maturity, curiosity, and consistency frequently outpace those who rely solely on a "flashy" portfolio.
Advice for Early-Career Professionals
If you are just starting out, don't worry if your resume isn't multiple pages long yet. Instead, lean heavily into:
A Willingness to Learn: Be the person who asks "how" and "why."
Clear Communication: Be proactive, not reactive.
Dependability: Become the person your SID never has to double-check.
These qualities translate immediately to any department, regardless of the division or sport.
No comments:
Post a Comment