“I want to work in sports.”
I hear that from students often. It’s a good place to start, but it’s too broad to guide your next move.
Sports is an industry with many different jobs. Teams and organizations need people who can write, sell tickets, plan events, manage budgets, create graphics, track statistics, raise money and serve fans.
Before you apply for a job, get specific about the work you want to do. Then build something that shows you can do part of it.
A résumé says what you have done. A work sample helps show what you can do.
Start with one job
Choose a role that interests you. It could be athletic communications assistant, ticket sales representative, event operations coordinator or marketing intern.
Find three job postings for that kind of work. Read them closely and write down the skills that appear more than once. Maybe employers want strong writing, attention to detail, customer service, social media skills or comfort with spreadsheets.
Those repeated skills give you a starting point. They show what employers may expect from someone entering that field.
Make a sample
Pick one skill and create a small project that lets you practice it.
If you want to work in athletic communications, write a short game recap or create a sample media guide page.
If you are interested in marketing, plan a week of social media posts for a team or campus event.
If you want to work in ticket sales, write a sample email to a fan who is deciding whether to buy season tickets.
If event operations interests you, build a simple checklist for setting up a game day.
Keep the project focused. You do not need a full campaign or a perfect website. You need a clear example of how you think and work. Label it as a sample, and do not present practice work as if an organization hired you to create it.
Share it with a purpose
Social media can give your work a place to be seen. But posting often is not the same as building a strong professional presence.
When you share a sample, explain what it is and what you were trying to show. For example:
I’m exploring a career in athletic communications, so I created this sample game recap to practice writing a clear story from a box score. I’d welcome feedback on what could make it stronger.
That tells people more than “Here’s my latest project.” It shows your goal, your effort and your willingness to learn.
You can share a sample on LinkedIn or include it in an online portfolio. Choose the platform that makes sense for your field and your audience. Before you post, check that the work is accurate and that you have permission to share any photos, logos, statistics or other materials.
And remember: likes are not job offers. A post can help people discover your work, but you still need to build skills, make connections and apply for roles that fit.
Connect the sample to your job search
When you find a job you want, compare its requirements with your sample. If the posting asks for writing, link to a writing sample. If it asks for event planning, share your event checklist.
Add your strongest samples to your portfolio or résumé, and include the link in your application when it fits. In an interview, explain why you made the sample, what you learned and what you would improve.
A sample will not guarantee an interview or a job. It can give an employer a better sense of your skills—and give you a specific example to discuss.
Ask someone to review it
Share your sample with a professor, coach, supervisor or professional who understands the work.
Ask: “What is one thing I did well, and what is one thing I should improve?”
Listen to the answer. Make a change. Keep the first version and the revised version so you can see your progress.
That process can show an employer something beyond technical skill: you can accept feedback and keep improving.
Your seven-day challenge
This week:
- Choose one sports job that interests you.
- Find three job postings for that kind of role.
- Pick one skill that appears more than once.
- Create a small sample that shows that skill.
- Ask one person to review it.
- Decide whether to share it publicly or keep it in your portfolio for job applications.
You may find that the job is a good fit. You may discover you need more practice. You may decide to explore another path. All three outcomes give you useful information.
This is one way to be Strategic: choose a direction and take a useful step.
It is one way to stay Engaged: ask someone to help you improve.
And it is one way to practice Teamwork: listen, follow through and respect the time someone gives you.
The sports industry has room for many kinds of talent. Start by choosing one kind of work—and showing what you can do. Then make sure the right people can find it when you apply.
That is one way I am willing to help you move from interest to action.
