How to Get a Job in the Sports Industry

First, let me answer the question that’s on every reader’s mind. What does a 22-year-old, recent marketing graduate know that I don’t? Great question! For starters, I know how to make a mean protein smoothie BUT I also know How to get a Job in the Sports Industry!! The answer is… it’s all about who you know! That’s it! That’s the whole blog, no point in reading any further…, Obviously, there’s more to it. Let me explain, over the last few weeks I’ve attended various networking events. Some focusing on marketing, others in business and some on working in sports. When I share that I’m working in sports and I want to further my career in sports, the reactions I get are usually the same. However, the one reaction that has become increasingly prevalent has been from those who have a similar desire. This reaction being, hope and uncertainty of what to do next. All of whom, are extremely passionate but have hit an impasse. That’s right, an impasse. Not a fork in the road an impasse. This is what brings me to ask, “What are you currently doing?”.

…, I’ve been applying online, googling, looking into further education, waiting. All of which are completely fair answers and many of us do not know The Route to take. I’ve dabbled with all of these options, and some, have resulted in greater success than others. But I too, felt like I hit an impasse. Don’t get me wrong, using tools like LinkedIn, TeamWorkOnline, or WorkInSports (check those out for sports jobs, all decent options!) have given me the opportunity to apply for jobs I would not have found elsewhere. For example, when I was travelling in January, I was in the Singapore airport (what an airport, by the way!), I got an email from the Las Vegas Raiders AND the Golden State Warriors!! BOTH… rejecting my application after round 1… BUT were interested enough to explain their reasoning and keep me on file. If it weren’t for these platforms, I would never have known or had the opportunity to apply for these positions. Nonetheless, how many of you reading this blog have had success applying for sports positions online? I’m sure the answer would be, not many. This is why I began networking and going for coffee chats, with people in the sports industry. I wanted to know all of the different routes people took to get where they are and what options worked best. By speaking to all of these tremendous people I understood the value of knowing the right people, as sometimes having the right connection can go a long way. BUT I also understand that not everyone has a connection or a tie to someone in sports. This is why they hit an impasse and are unsure of which route to take. Luckily, I know The Route…

What is The Route?

The Route is a Sports Business podcast that I have created and will be hosting! The podcast will focus on understanding the various routes that business professionals, in the sports industry, have encountered. To gain further perspective, each episode will feature a guest to speak on their career journey, as well as what they are currently up to. The purpose of these discussions is to provide listeners with real world examples of what people have done, or are doing, to further their careers in sports. Ultimately, the goal is for each listener to have a little fire in their belly once the episode ends. Whether it be a new found motivation to try something new at work, or to begin meeting new people in the industry. I would like to limit the amount of excuses that people have. After listening to The Route you can no longer say you don’t know anyone in sports, as you would have just met with my guest and I. Shoot one of a us a message, shooters shoot.

Who is The Route for?

Before you go and attack my DMs, let me answer a big question many of you may have. Who is The Route for? You may be a student or the new CEO of the Ottawa Senators, (Hello, Mr. Jim Little, pleasure to meet you. When you read this, email me at [email protected], would love to go for a coffee!) what value would Christopher Nascimento provide you? Great question! The answer is simple, perspective and opportunity. I don’t plan on just meeting with marketing managers of Baseball teams; I plan on meeting with people with all sorts of backgrounds: Executives. Hockey. Students. Managers. Rugby. Football. Directors. Entry-level personnel. Part-time. Full-time…Doesn’t matter! The point is I’m going to try to speak to as many people as possible who I believe will have an impact on someone listening. Whether an HR-Manager of Real Madrid is listening (email me at [email protected]), or a recent university graduate, I want listeners to walk away with a new perspective and the opportunity to meet someone they would not have, if it weren’t for the podcast.

Why am I creating The Route podcast?

THE BIG QUESTION! Why?! Many people giggle, question or are dumbfounded when I tell them I’m starting a podcast. Fair question. To be completely honest, I don’t view the creation of a podcast as changing anything that I’m not already doing. I’ve been trying to meet with as many interesting people as I can. With that, it has led to great opportunities and the introduction to even better people. Therefore, the only difference I see now, is that when I meet someone for coffee, the discussion will now be recorded (less note taking ;) ). Not only will I, and potentially other people have the opportunity to hear these discussions, but it will also provide the person I’m speaking to with greater value. They will now have the ability to share content, to market themselves and gain exposure, if they wish. Additionally, I hope it will entice those with busier schedules to consider having a chat with me.

Yes, getting a job in the sports industry is not as easy as typing into google “How to get a Job in the Sports Industry”. But like anything you’re passionate about, you need to work at it; knowing the right people can make a significant difference in numerous aspects of your life. This is why, I hope The Route will introduce people to my guests and myself and provide them with new a perspective and opportunity. I also plan on trying to meet as many new people as I can and hopefully, I can share that encounter with those listening via The Route!! I’m currently in the process of recording the first ten episodes. Once the first ten are recorded I will release them in an orderly and consistent fashion and while continuing to record. If you’re reading this and you’re interested in being on the podcast, whether we’ve previously met or not, don’t hesitate to contact me! My website cnascimento.ca, provides all available methods of contacting me but I will also include them below. All the best and stay tuned for episode 1!!

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nascimentochristopher/

Instagram: @nascimentomktg