If you are a sports fan, it's a great time of year. The World Series just ended, football is intense, and the beginning of basketball and hockey is underway. This passion spills over to career aspirations, as many seek guidance from us about getting into the business. 

 

Having worked in college athletics, minor-league baseball, and radio/television organizations, I ask young people three questions that they must answer "YES" to before pursuing their dream job in the sports industry.

 1. Are you willing to network and stay in touch with everyone you meet in the industry?

 

Like most industries in high demand (music, entertainment, fashion, etc.) having a contact in the industry is very important in separating yourself from the masses. Conducting information interviews with people in positions you aspire to become and then staying in touch with them is critical in the process to identify the "hidden" job market.

 

2. Are you willing to work and live anywhere, and I mean anywhere, like North Dakota?

 

A willingness to relocate is essential because usually there are limited opportunities in the industry of your current geographic location. Moving to less desirable cities shows your commitment to the industry and provides valuable experience that will prepare you for the next position.

3. Are you willing to work long hours, nights, weekend, holidays for low or sometimes no pay?  

 

It's simple supply and demand. There will always be someone willing to work longer and cheaper than you will. Why? Because of the demand of people wanting to break into the business and no specific skill sets needing to enter the industry, there are many substitutes for talent. Also, once the novelty of working in the industry wears off and the reality of bills, mortgages, marriage, and kids arrives, one must question if the return on investment is worth the excitement of being in the industry.

 

No one wants to dampen a career aspiration, but a dose of reality from people who have gone before is helpful in determining if one wants to make the leap into a highly-competitive industry. Saying yes to networking, relocating and average compensation is critical in moving forward in this career. 

If you did not get what you wanted from Fall Business Horizons, there will be a Spring version on January 30, 2014. We anticipate over 100 firms in attendance. 

Also here is a complete list of spring job fairs on campus. You will be surprised at home many in addition to Business Horizons there are. 

Applications are open for the following 4 Smithsonian Office of Human Resources Internships:

• Benefits Communication
• Business Partner
• Employee Performance
• Web Development

For more information about these internships and how to apply click here.  

 

Fidelity had a job position open as an Investor Center Financial Representative in Alexandria, VA. It is listed on Hokies4Hire as job ID# 1306690. For more information about this position click here.

Aronson, a top 60, Best Places to Work Firm is looking to engage with candidates for full time positions starting i September 2014 in tow of their service areas - Tax and Audit. For more information regarding these opportunities contact Emalie Hoar at ehoar@aronsonllc.com.

In This Issue