SPORTS CAREERS: Dann's Journal - Week #1

Ever since I watched former third-baseman Chris Sabo lift the Cincinnati Reds to a 1990 World Series Championship, I had dreamed of working for baseball's most tradition-rich ball club.

The guy that created the modern-day goofy-goggle trend sparked in me a love for baseball that has never faded. And despite past ideas of becoming a business reporter, trash man and a Las Vegas lounge act, it was America's past time that my heart eventually led me to.

During my first season with the Reds, I plan to update this weekly journal with tips, hints and how-tos on how you too can make it in the sports industry. In other words, I'll let you know when I screw up so that you can learn from my mistakes in hopes that only one of us gets yelled at.

When I created SportsWorkers.com, a site devoted to the sports-employment industry, much of the feedback I received was from site visitors who wanted to work in the industry but had little or no experience. My goal is for this journal to aid those people in their own searches for employment in one of the most fast-paced and enjoyable employment sectors out there. Through this journal I will let you know about my past experiences, my college education and skills that will hopefully help put you ahead of the competition. I will tell you about the challenges I face daily and the ways you can overcome your own.

I can’t tell you how to design a bridge or skyscraper, how to solve challenging mathematical problems or even how to make Jell-O, but I can tell you about the importance of making contacts, acquiring computer and writing skills and how to better prepare your resume and interview skills.

My job with the Reds is given the title of communications assistant, which is the equivalent of a staff writer. I will be writing about our new stadium, our players, our coaches, our front office and our fans – and I can’t tick anybody off in the process. I am a creator of fluff, and despite what your journalism professor might tell you, it is the most enjoyable stuff to write.

It will be my job to explore every dimension of a professional sports franchise and package my information into features that Reds’ enthusiasts can enjoy. And with a background in just about every type of journalism imaginable, I should have a great time doing it.

But hey, nothing comes easy (so they say). I’m sure I will run into some obstacles. Perhaps by reading about my hurdles, you will be better prepared to overcome your own.

Be sure to check back next week when I write about my first week on the job, why I left college a semester early for this opportunity and the importance of researching your potential employer.