The University of Miami’s inaugural Sport Industry Conference provided a unique opportunity for current students and aspiring sport industry professionals to gather invaluable information on how to increase their chances of becoming successful in the sports world. Throughout the conference, attendees were able to hear from and network with leaders in the sport industry. Below we have compiled a list of the most insightful takeaways from the 2016 University of Miami Sport Industry Conference.
1. Keep Learning
It is easy to accept that learning stops when you have reached a certain age or a certain point in your career, but that is not advised. Dwayne Wade is a perennial NBA All-Star and a three-time NBA champion, but he does not allow his accolades to stunt his growth. Lisa Joseph Metelus, an executive of CAA, represents Dwayne Wade and shared a story about's Wade's desire to develop a career outside of basketball. Instead of assuming he could become a successful businessman on his own, he flew to Los Angeles to meet with Earvin “Magic” Johnson, spent hours picking his brain, and learned how to make effective business decisions. His initiative to learn from others has aided him both on and off the court.
2. Saying “No”
Max Eisenbud, of IMG, said, “The great athletes have the ability to say no.” For example, they can say no to family members who pitch poor business ventures or say no to teammates wanting to go out the night before a game. Eisenbud explained that it is not only athletes that have the ability to say no, but anyone who aspires to greatness in whatever they do. You must have the ability to resist temptations that are not going to benefit you or your career.
3. Connect Data to Wins
Brian Burke, Senior Stats Analyst for ESPN, emphasized that numbers and stats are useless unless you can explain to the decision-makers how they will help their team win. Not only can data help teams gain a competitive advantage, but having an understanding of analytics and knowing how to apply them will help set you apart in the hiring process.
4. Harnessing the Power of Social Media
Social media can be a very dangerous platform - just ask first-round draft pick, Laremy Tunsil, of the Miami Dolphins. But if used properly, social media can be a very beneficial tool. Many organizations use social media to enhance their brand, while athletes often utilize social media as a bargaining chip in negotiations. The more followers and influence you have on social media platforms, the greater your overall value to an organization.
5. Find a Mentor
A common theme amongst the panelists throughout the Sport Industry Conference was how a mentor played a significant role in their careers. Mentors provided them with career guidance and served as role models. So what’s the secret to finding the right mentor? Keri Potts, Senior Director of Public Relations for ESPN, noted that you must answer the question, “Who inspires you?” After establishing your career goals, you can then align yourself with mentors who fit those goals.
6. Prevent Burn-Out
According to Paul Linden, Director of Business Development for IMG, the key to having energy and sustaining passion for your job is to have the proper work-life balance. Having a strong work ethic is a great attribute to have, but in order to perform at an optimum level, you have to dedicate time for yourself. Time for yourself can be as simple as going for a walk, reading a book, or working out. Potts reminded attendees, “You need to have perspective. Nothing at work is that important.”
7. No Such Thing as a Bad Job
As commencement speeches end and diplomas are earned, graduates have many dream jobs in mind. Unfortunately, most people looking to break into the industry do not have the experience to land that dream job. Do not be discouraged. Bonnie Bernstein, Vice President of Content and Development at Campus Insiders, shared, “Any job fits into your vision because any job looks better than a blank resume.” Accept a job that might not be your “dream job,” but learn as much as possible from it and use that new-found knowledge to work towards your ultimate goal.
8. Chip Away at It
Diversity is an issue about which many of the panelists were concerned. Keri Potts and Arlesha Amazan, Basketball Professional at CAA Sports, agreed that it is not something that is going to be solved overnight, but we can make incremental progress by changing the dynamic within our own personal circles. It is up to those in the sport industry who hold positions of power to hire, promote, and mentor a diverse workforce.
By Angel Albelo, Master's in Sport Administration Graduate, University of Miami
