How to Get the Advantage in Landing Your Dream Sports Job
Today, we’re going to discuss how to get a job in sports media and break into a highly competitive industry. We’ll cover:
- The top jobs in the field
- How certain programs and internships can help you achieve your career goals
- How to find a career in sports media that aligns with your interests and passions
You don’t have to be an all-star athlete to get a job in sports. There’s a huge variety of professional roles that make it possible to turn your love of the game into a real-life career, and none of them involve getting on the field.Â
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Scroll through the latest postings on sports-centric job boards like Jobs in Sports, and you’ll quickly realize that there are many options for working in sports. Sports media, in particular, is a thriving, diverse field that’s growing at a rapid rate. But even for a talented individual with the right combination of experience and training, securing one of the highly sought-after jobs can end up being intensely competitive.
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So, what can you do to make sure you stand out as the best candidate for the job of your dreams? And what about finding job placements and opportunities to get your foot in the door?
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One of the best steps you can take is to enroll at a school specializing in career education for the media industry. For example, at the Beonair Network of Media Schools, with campuses located in Miami, Chicago, Colorado, and Ohio, we have several program options to set you up for a sports media job. After graduation, you’ll be able to show off a multitude of skills and real-life experiences, making it easier to score the next big job opportunity that comes your way.
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Let’s break down some of the top jobs in sports media and the specific steps you can to get on track to a winning future.
Top Sports Media Jobs
Odds are, there are jobs in sports media that you’ve never even considered. Many moving parts keep the sports industry going, which equals a wealth of opportunity for newcomers.Â
The top fields in sports media, and jobs within each of those fields, include:
- Broadcasting
- Sports TV broadcaster
- Radio broadcaster
- Sports commentator
- Sports podcaster
- Marketing
- Marketing manager
- Events manager
- Sales manager
- Advertising assistant
- Media Content
- Social media coordinator
- Media relations director
- Writing and Editing
- Sportswriter
- Copywriter
- Sports reporter
- Multimedia journalist
- Digital editor
- Research
- Sports analyst
- Sports information specialist
- Design
- Production assistant
- Video producer
- Audio producer
- Graphic designer
- Photographer
Programs that Can Help You Land Jobs in Sports Media
Depending on the jobs you’re interested in, specific programs can equip you with an education that gives you a competitive edge. Here are some examples of how our courses match up to some of the jobs listed above:
- Our Radio & TV Broadcasting program is ideal for students who want to work as a sports broadcaster for TV, radio, or a podcast, or a commentator for a specific team or channel.Â
- Our Media Sales & Marketing program is a good fit for students working towards a future as a social media manager, marketing manager, or sales professional in sports.
- Our Sports Broadcasting program hones in on the niche of broadcasting for sports.
- Our Audio Production program is for individuals interested in being audio engineers, designers, or directors for sports TV or radio.
- In our Film & Video Production program, students learn how to operate behind the scenes and get a job as a camera operator, producer, or lighting technician for sports television.
At the Beonair Network of Media Schools, with campuses located in Miami, Chicago, Colorado, and Ohio, we offer a broad range of programs that can help you find your path to the career of a lifetime. Whether you’re interested in working behind the camera, on-screen, or in another role in sports media, our hands-on programs can be the perfect opportunity to learn key skills and distinguish yourself as an exceptional job candidate.Â
Apply to enroll in one of our programs such as Sports Broadcasting, Media Sales & Marketing, Audio Production, or another one that fits your interests – we can’t wait to see you on campus!Â
First Steps in Landing Sports Media Jobs
Here are key steps to take towards getting a job in sports media:
- Get an education: Enroll in a program specifically geared towards media and sports-related careers.
- Join athletic associations and sports agencies: These groups can introduce you to potential professional connections and new opportunities.
- Start networking: Meet and learn from industry professionals at local and national conferences, online, and wherever possible.
- Gain experience: Look for internships and volunteer positions to help you learn while staying present in the industry.
How to Get There: the Value of Sports Internships
In media, it’s not just about being book-smart and talented – you also need experience. But how are you supposed to get experience if you can’t even get hired for a job yet? It might seem like an impossible situation, but the solution is simple: get an internship.
Internships are the perfect opportunity to get hands-on experiences and experience what it’s like to work in the industry. They’re usually unpaid, part-time roles, but the skills you’ll build are more valuable than any paycheck. It’s also not unusual for interns to be offered a permanent position at the company after they complete their education.
As a part of our sports media programs, we help students secure internships in their future career fields. So, while you’re learning in the classroom, you’ll also be mastering the competencies that future employers will expect you to have.
How to Find Jobs in Sports Media
As you expand your resume and get an education, you can begin building the foundation that will make it easier to get a sports-centric job. Once you graduate, complete your internships, and prepare to apply for jobs, you’ll already have a series of advantages working in your favor.
Here are some things you can do to find a job in the sports media industry:
- Live somewhere with ample job options. It’s certainly not impossible to get a sports job in a small town, but it’s a lot more challenging. If you want to give yourself the best chance, consider relocating to a larger city with a more diverse jobs market. For example, major cities such as Chicago or Miami are a hub for sports and media alike.
- Stay open to unexpected opportunities. Landing your dream job is pretty unlikely when you’re just getting started, no matter what industry you want to work in. Instead, you can usually expect to begin in an entry-level role and work your way up. You’d be surprised at just how much you can learn – and the connections you can make – with a positive attitude and open mind.
- Make networking a priority. Many of the biggest names in media got where they are today not just because of their talent and hard work but also because of the professional relationships they nurtured along the way. Networking can help you meet career mentors and peers alike, as well as open the door to jobs you might not otherwise hear about.
What Type of Sports Career is for You?
Not sure how to find a job in sports that suits you? Maybe you know you’re a serious sports fan but aren’t sure exactly how to turn that into a sustainable career.
Luckily, there are plenty of options to choose from. Sometimes, all it takes is some time, experience, and hands-on learning to pinpoint the passions that can propel you to a lifelong career. Â
Make Yourself an All-Star Candidate for Your Dream Sports Job
If your vision of the future includes a fulfilling career in sports media, you’ve come to the right place. At the Beonair Network of Media Schools, with campuses located in Miami, Chicago, Colorado, and Ohio, we have programs specifically designed to prepare students with the skills and knowledge needed to forge their path in the industry.
Check out our resources on jobs in the sports industry and browse our blog to learn more about careers in media. Then, take your first steps towards an exciting future and apply to become a student at one of our campuses today!
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