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Today, ESPN held a Twitter chat on careers with the company. The chat was interesting and informative and even if you missed it, just search the hashtag #ESPNCareers and review what was discussed.
Twitter chats are a great way to interact with sports business professionals. And today's session was a great example. Where else would you get a chance to communicate with ESPN human resources professionals?
And without having to leave your house, office or dorm room?
So, whether you took part in today's chat or are just reviewing it after the fact, you should identify some Twitter chats to follow regularly on the topic of sports business and sports careers.
Now, on to some observations and commentary on today's chat:
- Based on the questions that were asked, there is a lot of confusion and uncertainty in the career search process. Educating yourself on the process is key, whether looking for an internship or an entry level job. And that research will take real work. Set up a meeting with a career counselor on campus. Read at least five books on career search. Join weekly twitter chats (as suggested above). Write letters to industry leaders. Read the interviews on this site. The more you know about job search and the industry, the more confident you will be and you will become a stronger candidate for the positions you want.
- If you are not following the ESPN personnel that took part in the chat, you are missing out on a great opportunity. And it looks like most people are missing out on this opportunity as the follower counts for some of the ESPN participants are low: Tierra Patterson (@ESPNRecruiterTP, 282 followers) and Erin Gould (@Recruiter ErinG, 869 follwers). Meanwhile, the generic @ESPNCareers has over 25,000 followers. There is a good lesson there. First, you build relationships with people. And second, it is sometimes smart to be a contrarian. While most ESPN hopefuls are following a corporate account, there is a less beaten path to foster a relationship with HR representatives. And if you are unsure how to go from simply a "follower" to starting that relationship via Twitter, read this piece on a systematic approach to take.
- The chat was a great reminder of how competitive the market for entry level jobs is in sports generally, and ESPN specifically. That should motivate you to re-double your efforts at networking, gaining knowledge and building your experiences. If competition intimidates you, maybe this business is not for you.
- A career is a lifetime endeavor. In your mind, treat it like you do sports. I'm guessing each of you has considerable experience training for and competing in sports. The game or meet or match is the goal. But what enables you to compete at your peak is the countless hours spent in preparation. When no one is watching. And early in your career you need to take the same approach. Your athletic training and conditioning takes consistent daily effort. And a plan. So why not transfer that experience you have in dedicating yourself to peak athletic performance? Create a job search plan. Work your plan daily. Don't expect immediate results. Surround your self with great "coaches" and find other 'teammates" who can spur you on.
Happy to share these thoughts with you after the #ESPNCareers chat. Use the chat and today as the launching point for dedicated effort to pursue your career goal.
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