SPORTS CAREERS: Dann's Journal - Week #7

Since we launched SportsWorkers.com, I’ve been amazed not only at the number of people that stop by the site, but also by the amount of feedback we get.

Every day we receive at least a dozen or so emails from people wanting to get into the sports industry. The questions we get are as diverse as the people who ask them. And the question most asked often deals with the site’s bank of contacts.

It’s good to know that people are taking our advice and looking for every possible contact in every place possible. Those of you who have emailed me in the past know that my contact list is rather short, but I’m more than willing to share the names and numbers I have, or at least point you guys in the right direction.

Imagine how shocked I was when one of you tracked me down at work (Jeff, if you’re reading, I’m using you as an example). Jeff is finishing his junior year in a communications program at an Ohio university and is looking for a summer internship. While I have received many emails from people hoping I could help them get an internship, not one person had ever taken the time to call me.

While I do not oversee the internship program, I get a say-so in who we hire. And if Jeff turns out to be a finalist, he has my vote. By taking the time to call me (rather than email me), he showed that he was very committed to working with our team. And just two years ago, I was in his same position. And I got my internship because I was one of the few to actually call rather than email.

If you learn absolutely nothing else from me, please follow this advice. The sports industry is packed with employees. And there are very few spaces open – especially with pro teams in the “big” sports (MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL). By calling a potential boss and asking for advice on how to better your chances of getting an internship, you’re passing hundreds, if not thousands of other applicants, who relied on impersonal email rather than a phone call. Heck, Jeff even offered to come to the stadium one day. That guy will be going places soon.

Don’t be afraid to call up the head of an internship program. Even if they seem annoyed by you, they will remember you, and that’s a good thing.