SPORTS CAREERS: Dann's Journal - Week #5

Nothing makes a job better than liking the people you work with.

I've had some pretty crappy jobs when I was younger, and the worst part of the job was usually my fellow employees that I couldn't rely on. It's tough to do a job well, or even really care about what you're doing, when the people you work with are morons.

When I was interviewing for my current job, I wasn't excited just because the job description really appealed to me. Why I really wanted the job with the Reds was because I really liked the people that worked there. As an intern with the team the previous summer, I had the opportunity to see them at work. And for the most part, it was like watching a well-oiled machine.

This past weekend the Cincinnati Reds held Redsfest, a large festival that gave fans a chance to meet the players, get autographs, shop, eat, play games and listen to speakers. For the fans, it's a great way to kick off the season. For the front office, if it's a weekend of hell.

Although it's great to interact with the fans and see the upcoming season take shape, the hours and work for just about everyone in the front office can be a little overwhelming. And if it weren't for the fact that these employees were very professional and skilled at what they do, there's no way the event could have ever taken place.

When you're interviewing for a job or internship, don't be afraid to ask about the chemistry of a company's employees. No matter how a great a job might seem, if you are working for a group of individuals rather than for a team, the job's just not going to be worth it. It's also a great way to let a potential employer know that you're serious about creating a pleasant work environment.

Even when the front office went out for drinks and dinner after the two-day event, everyone could relax as a team. It was a great feeling. The teamwork the Reds express on the field can be traced all the way back to the employees promoting them. And I realized how lucky I was to be part of it.