A Lot Can Happen in a Year!

One year ago, I was starting my very first job in sports. I started as a Western Washington University Athletics Marketing Team Member after emailing a staff member asking about job opportunities within the department. I was ecstatic to finally be making my way into the sports industry, fulfilling my dream. 

This position was so important, I got to understand what it looks like to work in sports, late nights, hard work, and lots and lots of networking. I made some of my best friends and learned so much from higher-ups in the department. Every opportunity I was offered, I took. From event lead to campus engagement liaison, all the way to graphic design and social media management. This was a chance for me to dip my toes in as much as possible. Internships allow you to learn from those who have been at this for a while, take advantage of it!

Once I graduated, I needed to move on from that student-only position. So, my job hunt ensued. Job hunting is hard, tedious, and leaves you feeling defeated. Keep at it, build your personal brand, perfect your LinkedIn, and even create a website to highlight why you are a great person for the job! 

A year after I started my first job in sports and a few months after feeling pretty hopeless on the job hunt, I work for an NBA team! If you had told me that I’d be here a year ago I would be shocked, then so immensely proud of myself for keeping at it, not giving up, and fighting for what I wanted. 

Take the initiative to put yourself out there. If I hadn’t sent out that email asking for opportunities at my university, I may not be where I am today. This industry is all about who you know and what you know. Learn from people around you and value those willing to take time out of their day to teach you. Hopefully one day I can be in the position to teach what I’ve learned!