Sports media is certainly a well recognized niche sector within the larger sports industry. There are the larger media outlets like ABC, NBC, CBS Sports, and Fox Sports, with jobs with these particular companies as arguably some of the most sought after jobs in sports media.
However, there are so many other additional job opportunities in sports media, whether it’s with a professional or collegiate team, a regional newspaper, or a media website.
Below, Sports Networker examines how to obtain those particular dream jobs in sports media, highlights some college programs that offer concentrations in media, and provides advice from sports industry professionals on how to break into the industry.
Types Of Jobs In Sports Media
Jobs in sports media expand across a very wide spectrum; they include jobs as a sports writer or editor along with positions in sports broadcasting and media relations. Additionally, jobs in sports media include some of the following:
- Sports editor
- Digital editor/producer
- Photographer
- Multimedia reporter
- Director/coordinator of social media
- Sports writer
- Graphic designer
- Film/video producer
- Radio/television broadcaster
- Sports commentator
- Sports analyst
- Researcher/programmer
- Director of media relations
How To Get Jobs In Sports Media
The sports industry is already super competitive by nature, but attempting to obtain jobs in sports media might be an even tougher niche to break into for young business professionals.
Whether it’s working in public relations, as a graphic designer, or a sports commentator in a big market, an undergraduate degree, experience in the industry in the form of internships/jobs, networking, and a little luck are all vital components to advancing in the sports world.
Greg Rakestraw — former Vice President of Programming and Content for HomeTown Sports — offers some wisdom to individuals searching for sports media jobs.
“Never turn down an opportunity to expand your resume. Experience is the most important aspect of the sports industry.
“Network as much and as frequently as you can. Always be looking for opportunities to add different dimensions to your resume.”
Connect with him on Twitter along with LinkedIn.
Chris Denari, current television play-by-play announcer of the Indiana Pacers, also provides valuable advice for aspiring young professionals pursuing jobs in sports media.
“I think the most creative thing you can do is simple…work hard and network with as many people as possible. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and get to know as many people as possible in the business.
“Ultimately…your work has to be good enough to get you the job. But usually…there are others who have the same skills as you do but if your connections are stronger…you will get the job.”
Connect with him on Twitter as well as LinkedIn.
College Programs That Can Help You Land Jobs In Sports Media
Aspiring sports business professionals who wish to land those dream jobs in sports, and specifically, along the media side, should first consider journalism and communications-based college programs.
When individuals are in the process of choosing a program, students will want to consider the program’s reputation for placing students in quality internships; internships — especially in such a competitive field like sports media — are essential toward advancing a sports career. Internships give individuals hands-on experience and allow students to utilize the tools they’ve learned in the classroom in a real-world setting.
Moreover, internships in sports media also give students the opportunity to network with industry professionals and establish relationships with fellow colleagues during their 8-12 week internship.
Below are just a few highlighted programs that will provide students the necessary resources in pursuing jobs in sports media.
University Of Missouri — School Of Journalism
According to the University of Missouri, the School of Journalism’s curriculums “have a heartbeat.” The J-school prides itself on academic excellence in the classroom in addition to hands-on training with established professionals in the industry.
As the school’s website states, “Each level breathes, grows and is ever-changing with new developments in the industry, in our country and in the world.”
Missouri offers a wide array of programs to aspiring journalists, including doctoral and journalism-law programs.
Contact: Doctoral Program - Apply here. Graduate Program - Apply here.
Contact: Undergraduate Program - Apply here.
Social Media: Twitter
Columbia University — Graduate School Of Journalism
Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism is the only journalism school in the Ivy League, providing journalists with a unique opportunity to hone and deepen their skills.
For 100 years, the J-school has been a program that stresses academic rigor, ethics, journalistic inquiry, and professional practice.
Additionally, Columbia’s mission is to provide students the necessary tools that will guide them over the long term as journalists, which includes individual coaching in reporting and writing by nationally recognized journalists on the school’s faculty.
Contact: All Graduate-Level Programs - Apply here.
Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube
Northwestern University — Medill School Of Journalism
Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism provides a solid foundation for journalists’ future success in the industry.
Multimedia storytelling is implemented throughout all reporting classes. As early as undergraduates’ sophomore years, students experience real-world, hands-on reporting and as upperclassmen, they spend a full quarter working with a magazine, newspaper, or even a television station.
Graduate-level students work in huge metropolises like Chicago and Washington D.C. and file multimedia stories that are distributed to newspaper, magazine, and broadcast clients.
Contact: Graduate Program - Apply here. Undergraduate Program - Apply here.
Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube
A Day In The Life Of A Student At The Medill School Of Journalism
University Of Georgia — Grady College Of Journalism/Mass Communications
The Grady College of Journalism/Mass Communications offers two graduate degrees, the Master of Arts in Journalism & Mass Communication and the Ph.D. in Mass Communication.
Additionally, the University of Georgia provides its undergraduate students with varying opportunities, including degrees in digital and broadcast journalism, four different degrees directly in the Department of Journalism, and also programs in advertising and public relations.
Contact: Graduate Program - Apply here, Undergraduate Program - Apply here.
Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn
How To Find Jobs In Sports Media
Are you ready to find and land your dream job in sports media? Check out the job postings on Work in Sports for a detailed breakdown of jobs based on type and region.
Did you know that there were so many types of jobs in sports media to choose from? Let us know what your dream job in sports would be. Leave a comment for us below or tweet us your thoughts at @sportsnetworker.
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