The average sports worker will change jobs 8 times with at least 3 career changes, contributing to an annual industry turnover rate nearing 65%. As Sports and Entertainment converge with the new media and expanding sports properties, there is still a critical need for quality senior level executives and specialized professionals.
Follow these top 14 career-change rules and you should achieve success in contemplating changing careers – and in your Sports Career change:
1. Do have a well-developed plan for making your Sports Career change. And don’t rush into a career change until you have thought it out and developed a strategy.
2. Don’t worry if you feel a bit insecure or unsure about making a career change; these feelings are normal.
3. Do expect to put in a great deal of time and effort in making the switch from one career to another, but don’t allow yourself to get discouraged at the pace or your progress…changing careers takes time.
4. Don’t rush into a new opportunity because you are dissatisfied or disillusioned with your current job, boss, company, or career field.
5. Do take the time to examine the activities that you like and dislike, with more focus on your likes. And do focus on marketplace segments that center around your likes and passions.
6. Do leverage some of your current skills and experiences to your new Sports Career by taking advantage of your transferable skills.
7. Don’t limit yourself to similar careers or jobs when making a change; look for opportunities that take advantage of both your skills and interests.
8. Do consider the possibility that you will need to get additional training or education to gain the skills you need to be competitive in your new sports career field, butdon’t jump headfirst into an educational program…start slowly.
9. Do take advantage of all you networking potential, including using your current network of contacts, conducting informational interviews with key employers in your new career field, and joining professional organizations in the Sports Industry. (And do read more about networking).
10. Don’t forget to take advantage of the career and alumni offices from your previous educational experiences as well as your current school (if you are going back for additional education or training).
11. Do gain experience in your new career field, ideally while you are still working in your current job. Volunteer or find a part-time job in your new career field – thus building experience, confidence, and contacts in your new field.
12. Don’t go it alone; do find a mentor. Changing sports careers is challenging, and you really need to have someone who can help motivate you and keep you focused on your goal when you get discouraged.
13. Do brush up on all aspects of job-hunting, especially if you haven’t had a need to use those skills recently. And do take advantage of all career change resources.
14. Above all else, do be flexible. You’re basically starting your career anew, which means you may have to make concessions about job titles, salary, relocation, etc.
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Do you have any other do’s and don’ts to add to this list? What are some of your own experiences when going through a career transition? Feel free to share in the comments section below and add to this list.
About Mark Tudi
Mark Tudi is the Founder of SPORTSEARCH, with its primary business activities completely focused on Human Capital Change Management for leading Organizations in over 75 Sports, Recreation and Live-Event Industry marketplace segments. Founded in 1988, SPORTSEARCH specializes in sourcing the critical layer of Executive Management, customized recruiting assignments, “Professional Door-Opening”, and leadership development. For over 30 years, Mark has established a high-profile track record in sports career development, with over 25,000 personal interviews and 850+ successful retained search assignments. He has represented the career interests and managed opportunities for many of the leading executives, personalities and organizations in Sports. His Client list includes members of the Sporting Goods Manufacturers’ Association (SGMA), the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), over 250 Professional Teams, Leagues and Sports Marketing Organizations, as well as several leading Corporate Sports Empires. In 1988, Mark created SPORTS CAREERS, the Industry’s original and most comprehensive Employment Resource Program, designed to help individuals build and manage a career path in Sports. During the 1990’s, he successfully financed the business through the ownership group of the Phoenix Suns, led by Jerry Colangelo, which was later sold to the Franklin Covey Corporation and established as a job board on CBS Sportsline.com. Since then, Mark re-acquired SPORTS CAREERS and has served over 250,000 members, 5,000 active Employers and over 15,000 filled positions at all levels through multiple strategic assets at WWW.SPORTSEARCHONLINE.COM. In addition, Mark founded the Sports & Entertainment Human Resource Forum (SEHRF) to build professional recognition and a unified Industry community for today’s Human Resource Managers, Hiring Authorities and Employers. Most recently, he resurrected the SPORTS CAREERS Conference, the Sports Industry’s first and largest meeting of its kind, where people managers and the career-oriented connect. Mark started his career in sports at the age of 23 by starting his own sporting goods sales agency and then helped build the annual sales volume to over $100 million for two of the nation’s leading Manufacturer’s Rep firms. A graduate of Bowling Green State University majoring in Journalism and Business Administration, Mark has written over 300 articles and made over 300 radio, television and speaking appearances. He is a Visiting Professor of Practice and Student Mentor for the Arizona State University and Grand Canyon University Sports Business Programs. Mark has been an active Member of the Phoenix Regional Sports Commission for the past 20 years, serving as the Chairman of the Board, Executive Director and currently on the Board of Directors for a 6th term. Most recently, Mark was appointed to the Advisory Board of The Perfect Game Foundation, a Non-Profit Organization dedicated to the funding of scholarships for Candidates focused on a Career in Baseball. He is also on the Board of Directors and a Chartered Founding Member of the International Retained Search Associates (IRSA). Some of Mark’s personal accomplishments include a 35+ year marriage with three children, successful rehabilitation from a fractured neck, coaching a three-time Arizona State champion youth soccer team, and is a founding Board Member and original Executive Director of the National Pain Foundation. Mark was also a highly ranked and decorated amateur wrestler…back in the day.
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