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	<title>Take Your Sports Career To The Next Level &#124; Sports Networker Is The #1 Sports Business Resource Online &#187; Mark Tudi</title>
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		<title>Work Your Passion in Sports</title>
		<link>http://www.sportsnetworker.com/2009/09/21/learn-how-to-work-your-passion-in-sports/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sportsnetworker.com/2009/09/21/learn-how-to-work-your-passion-in-sports/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2009 03:23:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mark Tudi</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sports Jobs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[baseball dreams]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[living the dream in sports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sports Careers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sports jobs]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sportsnetworker.com/?p=1182</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Over thirty years ago, I was studying at Bowling Green University and dreamed of the day I would be working for a professional baseball team.  Little did I know that the many years of focusing on my passion of sports would be the driving force of my livelihood today. Without proper preparation, all of that [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p><a href="http://sportsnetworker.com"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1186" title="baseball" src="http://sportsnetwork.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/field_of_dreams-300x137.jpg" alt="baseball" width="300" height="137" /></a>Over thirty years ago, I was studying at Bowling Green University and dreamed of the day I would be working for a professional baseball team.  Little did I know that the many years of focusing on my passion of sports would be the driving force of my livelihood today.</p>
<p>Without proper preparation, all of that dreaming was worthless to me in my attempt to break into baseball.  I had absolutely no personal or professional contacts in the entire sports industry and did not have a clue where to find any resources or direction.<span id="more-1182"></span></p>
<p>After college, I took a very good job with a large company.  In one year, I knew the only place for me was in the sports industry, but I had no idea how to build a career path.  I experienced many frustrations while building a career in sports over the next ten years.  These learning experiences serve as the basic foundation and driving force behind SPORTS CAREERS, an employment resource program I developed in 1988.</p>
<p>Building a career in sports is sometimes one of the most difficult tasks to accomplish.  Many times the conditions have to be just perfect for you to get an opportunity.  No matter how many calls you make, resumes you send, or resources you develop, your job search comes up empty.</p>
<p>My Sports Career has been dedicated to helping interested and qualified professionals build and enhance a career path in the sports industry.  I believe you need 4 essential tools to make this happen:</p>
<h3>1. The ability to access information necessary to prepare and position yourself for a career path in sports.</h3>
<h3>2. The ability to access personal and professional contacts within the sports industry.</h3>
<h3>3. The ability to access decision makers and employment opportunities within the sports industry.</h3>
<h3>4. The ability to develop job search techniques and specific skills necessary for your major area of interest.</h3>
<p>Desire and preparation will help you find the satisfaction you’re searching for in sports.  You just need a fortunate break … Remember, people get very lucky when an opportunity appears and they are properly prepared.  As my grandfather always said, “The luckiest and happiest people are those who find out that WHAT THEY ARE DOING and WHAT THEY SHOULD BE DOING is the same thing.”</p>
<p>When you give up your dream … you die.  Keep chasing your dream and I’ll see you around the ball park.</p>
<div class="wp-biographia-container-top" style="background-color:#e2e1df;"><div class="wp-biographia-pic"><img alt='' src='http://1.gravatar.com/avatar/91b6473adc2a0c27751c3ccdb29170d3?s=100&amp;d=http%3A%2F%2F1.gravatar.com%2Favatar%2Fad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536%3Fs%3D100&amp;r=G' class='avatar avatar-100 photo' height='100' width='100' /></div><div class="wp-biographia-text"><h3>About <a href="http://www.sportsnetworker.com/author/mark-tudi/" title="Mark Tudi">Mark Tudi</a></h3><p>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 &amp; 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.</p><small><a href="http://sportsearchonline.com/" title="Mark Tudi On The Web">Web</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/SportSearch" title="Mark Tudi On Twitter">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/SportSearch" title="Mark Tudi On Facebook">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://www.sportsnetworker.com/author/mark-tudi/" title="More Posts By Mark Tudi">More Posts (4)</a></small></div></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Creating a Personal Advisory Team</title>
		<link>http://www.sportsnetworker.com/2009/08/18/creating-a-personal-advisory-team/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sportsnetworker.com/2009/08/18/creating-a-personal-advisory-team/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:28:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mark Tudi</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sports Jobs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Advisory]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mark Tudi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sports Careers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sports jobs]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sportsnetworker.com/?p=826</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Career decision making is tough business.  One way a lot of people cope with these difficult considerations is by turning to others for advice.  These supporters act as a sort of “kitchen cabinet”, listening to your concerns and giving you their wisdom in return.  In a sense, they constitute your personal board of directors. Everybody’s [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-832" style="margin: 5px; border: 1px solid black;" title="Job Search Newspaper" src="http://sportsnetwork.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/job-search-300x190.jpg" alt="Job Search Newspaper" width="300" height="190" />Career decision making is tough business.  One way a lot of people cope with these difficult considerations is by turning to others for advice.  These supporters act as a sort of “kitchen cabinet”, listening to your concerns and giving you their wisdom in return.  In a sense, they constitute your personal board of directors.</p>
<p>Everybody’s advisory group is different.  Yours may include friends, relatives, and the lady next door, but these opinion givers usually have two things in common: they care about your well-being and you value their thoughts. Though the composition of your board will change over time, there are categories from which you are almost certain to draw helpful advisors at some point in your life.</p>
<h3><strong>FAMILY</strong></h3>
<p>Throughout college, parents typically act as both sounding boards and inquisitors in terms of your career direction.  During senior year, however, the frequency and quality of your conversations with Mom and Dad can become paramount.<span id="more-826"></span></p>
<p>Mimi, a recent Sports management graduate spoke frequently with her parents about her senior-year job search.  “Your family knows your strengths and weaknesses,” she says.  “They know how your personality would fit into a position.”</p>
<p>But parental advice does have its limits. “Your parents are just not involved enough to know the intricate details,” contends Jay, a recent graduate of Washington University.</p>
<p>Josh from Santa Clara understands the reservations but feels that parents are able to give good advice regardless of whether they’re involved in one’s particular field.  “They might not know exactly what you’re getting into,” says Josh, “but they can ask the right questions.”  In fact, his parents went to some lengths to ensure that they could give their son solid counsel. “[My parents] came to campus and tapped one of the business school deans for advice,” Josh says.  As a result of their interest, Josh readily involves his parents in his career decisions.</p>
<p>Older brothers and sisters also are in a great position to provide knowledgeable career advice, particularly if they experienced not too long ago what you are going through.  Linda, a pre-law major from <a title="Ohio State University" href="http://www.osu.edu" target="_blank">Ohio State University</a>, had her lifelong career goals decimated when steep tuition put law school out of reach.  Her sister’s suggestion to work in a law-allied field led to her current position as a paralegal for an Agent.</p>
<h3><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">FACULTY</span></strong></h3>
<p>Faculty members receive mixed reviews as career counselors, but they’re an important source of information for students heading into the work world.  If you’re going to use professors, make sure you know them well.  Go in, in advance, and get acquainted with them.  When they know you personally, they’ll give you more attention than they give to students they only see once in a great while.</p>
<p>Charlie sought career advice from faculty members in his area of specialization when he was taking a Sports Marketing course at <a title="New York University" href="http://www.nyu.edu" target="_blank">New York University</a>.  “[Most of them] gave me okay advice, but one or two were so far removed from the business world that they just gave me pat answers about what was there.”  Charlie recommends faculty who consult regularly as good sources of accurate, up-to-date information.  He has linked up with one such professor whom he calls the “technical consultant” because he is a heavy-weight in the sponsorship field.  He also has added an outside voice to his advisory group…a consultant who guest lectures in one of Charlie’s classes.  “She’s a good advisor, “says Charlie.  “She’s in the training/education field and we frequently discuss my career directions.  Her people skills are a good balance to those of my technical consultant.”</p>
<p>Some faculty members offer more than just insight.  When Jay was chatting with his advisor about his career plans, the professor offered to “make a call.”  The call was to the President of McCann-Erickson, where Jay is still employed.</p>
<h3><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-833 alignright" style="margin: 5px; border: 1px solid black;" title="opportunity boulevard" src="http://sportsnetwork.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/opportunity_boulevard-300x209.gif" alt="opportunity boulevard" width="300" height="209" />CAREER PLANNING AND PLACEMENT OFFICERS</span></strong></h3>
<p>-Another readily available resource is the Career Planning and Placement Sector.  While some people tap this office for research oriented information and listings only, many successfully add the office’s career counselors to their pool of helpful career coaches.</p>
<p>-Talk with the counselors in the office.  Even though you may know what you want, you still may not be sure.  The counselors there will tell you what to do and what resources are there.</p>
<p>-Working in Career Services as a volunteer will develop a network of influence for you.  They will usually be more interested in you making the right decision, rather than in you just getting a job.</p>
<h3><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">CO-WORKERS AND BOSSES</span></strong></h3>
<p>As you gain more and more work experience, you’ll find additional career advisors on the job.  When you look at career possibilities, call your previous boss, department, or the director [for advice]. These “working” coaches can be especially helpful, thanks to their up-to-date knowledge and current contacts.  “Not only were they sounding boards, they give out contact names as resources.  They’re excellent for networking.”</p>
<p>A young marketer was in the process of resigning from <a title="Anheuser Busch" href="http://www.anheuser-busch.com" target="_blank">Anheuser-Busch</a> when he got some unexpected, but very helpful counsel from one of the managers at that firm.  “When the manager said, ‘What I think you want to do is gain a management position.  Why start over elsewhere?’ it really made me think.  And he directed me to the right people at Anheuser-Busch. After being shown that the company was willing to let him go “anywhere in the special events business”, the marketer decided to stay.</p>
<h3><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">FRIENDS</span></strong></h3>
<p>Friends will be your most constant, and sometimes most unsupportive, source of career advisors.  Friends will help strike a balance in the early stages of your job search but rarely be a key element of help.  In a complicated program developed for a Sports Career, friends usually have an extremely limited perspective.</p>
<h3><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">ADVISORY TEAM GAME PLAN</span></strong></h3>
<p>There are a number of things you can do to ensure that you get the most from your advisors:</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">1. Clearly identify the issues on which you want advice.  Be concise, but give sufficient background information to allow the advisor to understand the situation.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">2. Be objective.  An impartial recitation of the facts will allow your advisor to assess the situation effectively.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">3. Consider the background of your advisor.  Ask for counsel in his or her area of expertise.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">4. Let your advisor talk!  Try not to interrupt or inject “buts” or “extra” information.  You asked for advice…now listen carefully.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">5. Take all counsel under advisement, but remember: all advice is not equal.  Weigh the counsel you receive and give the most consideration to that which you believe to be the most beneficial.</p>
<p>As you assemble your personal Team of Advisors, you’ll find that they come and go and that you won’t need to consult every one of them on each decision.  Rather, you’ll find that your team is made of some “generalists” and some “specialists”, whose expertise is tapped only when the issue is appropriate to their orientation.  One position that does not change, however, is the role of Team Captain.  That’s your job for life, and it’s a critical function. After all is said and done, you’ve got to weigh all the advice you’ve collected, evaluate the merits of each opinion, and reach a final conclusion yourself.  It’s your career that’s at stake.</p>
<p>Photo Credits: <a title="Job Search" href="http://bc.edu/libraries/ugradsnewsletter/2009spring/job-search.jpg" target="_blank">Newspaper</a> ; <a title="Opportunity Blvd" href="http://www.icnaconvention.org/emails/Newsletter7/Newsletter7_files/opportunity_boulevard.gif" target="_blank">Opportunity Blvd</a></p>
<div class="wp-biographia-container-top" style="background-color:#e2e1df;"><div class="wp-biographia-pic"><img alt='' src='http://1.gravatar.com/avatar/91b6473adc2a0c27751c3ccdb29170d3?s=100&amp;d=http%3A%2F%2F1.gravatar.com%2Favatar%2Fad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536%3Fs%3D100&amp;r=G' class='avatar avatar-100 photo' height='100' width='100' /></div><div class="wp-biographia-text"><h3>About <a href="http://www.sportsnetworker.com/author/mark-tudi/" title="Mark Tudi">Mark Tudi</a></h3><p>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 &amp; 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.</p><small><a href="http://sportsearchonline.com/" title="Mark Tudi On The Web">Web</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/SportSearch" title="Mark Tudi On Twitter">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/SportSearch" title="Mark Tudi On Facebook">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://www.sportsnetworker.com/author/mark-tudi/" title="More Posts By Mark Tudi">More Posts (4)</a></small></div></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
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		<title>Top 14 Career Changing Tips in Sports</title>
		<link>http://www.sportsnetworker.com/2009/08/10/top-14-career-changing-tips-in-sports/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sportsnetworker.com/2009/08/10/top-14-career-changing-tips-in-sports/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2009 05:24:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mark Tudi</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sports Jobs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Career Transition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jobs in sports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mark Tudi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sports Careers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sports jobs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Work in Sports]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sportsnetworker.com/?p=673</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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. &#160; Follow these top [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"><br />
<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-674" title="Sports Jobs" src="http://sportsnetwork.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/CareerChoice-214x300.jpg" alt="Sports Jobs" width="137" height="192" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">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.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Follow these top 14 <strong>career-change</strong> rules and you should achieve success in contemplating changing careers – and in your <a title="Sports Careers" href="http://www.sportscareers.com" target="_blank">Sports Career</a> change:</p>
<p><span id="more-673"></span><strong>1.  Do</strong> have a well-developed plan for making <strong>your Sports Career</strong> change. And <strong>don’t</strong> rush into a career change until you have thought it out and developed a strategy.</p>
<p><strong>2.  D</strong><strong>on’t worry if you feel a bit insecure or unsure about making a career change; these feelings are normal.</strong></p>
<p><strong>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<span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong>4.  Don’t rush into a new opportunity because you are dissatisfied or disillusioned with your current job, boss, company, or career field.<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></strong></span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong>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.<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong>6.  Do leverage some of your current skills and experiences to your new Sports Career by taking advantage of your transferable skills.<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong>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.<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong>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.<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-full wp-image-681 aligncenter" title="sports jobs" src="http://sportsnetwork.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/learn.jpg" alt="sports jobs" width="346" height="80" /></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong>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).<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong>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).<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong>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.</strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong>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.<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong>13.  Do brush up on all aspects of job-hunting, especially if you haven&#8217;t had a need to use those skills recently. And do take advantage of all career change resources.  </strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">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.</span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></p>
<p>##</p>
<p>Do you have any other do&#8217;s and don&#8217;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.</p>
<div class="wp-biographia-container-top" style="background-color:#e2e1df;"><div class="wp-biographia-pic"><img alt='' src='http://1.gravatar.com/avatar/91b6473adc2a0c27751c3ccdb29170d3?s=100&amp;d=http%3A%2F%2F1.gravatar.com%2Favatar%2Fad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536%3Fs%3D100&amp;r=G' class='avatar avatar-100 photo' height='100' width='100' /></div><div class="wp-biographia-text"><h3>About <a href="http://www.sportsnetworker.com/author/mark-tudi/" title="Mark Tudi">Mark Tudi</a></h3><p>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 &amp; 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.</p><small><a href="http://sportsearchonline.com/" title="Mark Tudi On The Web">Web</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/SportSearch" title="Mark Tudi On Twitter">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/SportSearch" title="Mark Tudi On Facebook">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://www.sportsnetworker.com/author/mark-tudi/" title="More Posts By Mark Tudi">More Posts (4)</a></small></div></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
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		<title>Sports Career Builders</title>
		<link>http://www.sportsnetworker.com/2009/07/28/sports-career-builders/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sportsnetworker.com/2009/07/28/sports-career-builders/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2009 18:19:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mark Tudi</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sports Jobs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Career Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[job search]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Networking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Professional Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sports Careers]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sportsnetworker.com/?p=266</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Professional Development &#38; Sports Career Management More than 45 million people find themselves unemployed each year.  Millions of others try to increase their satisfaction within the workplace as well as advance their careers by looking for alternative jobs and opportunities.  Statistics show that you will make more than 10 job changes and between three and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Professional Development &amp; Sports Career Management</strong></h2>
<p><img class="alignright" title="Sports Careers" src="http://sportsnetwork.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/sports-careers-logo2.jpg" alt="" width="139" height="126" />More than 45 million people find themselves unemployed each year.  Millions of others try to increase their satisfaction within the workplace as well as advance their careers by looking for alternative jobs and opportunities.  Statistics show that you will make more than 10 job changes and between three and five career changes during your lifetime.</p>
<p>Many people transition into a <a title="Sports Careers" href="http://www.sportscareers.com" target="_blank">sports career</a> by accident.  They do little career planning, other than take advantage of opportunities that arise unexpectedly.  While chance and luck do play important roles in finding employment, when you <strong>plan </strong>for future sports career changes, you will experience even greater degrees of chance and luck!<span id="more-266"></span></p>
<p>Finding a job or changing a career in a systematic and well-planned manner is hard, yet rewarding work.  The task should first be based upon a clear understanding of the key ingredients that define jobs and careers.  Starting with this understanding, you should convert key concepts into action steps for implementing your job search.</p>
<p>A career is a series of related jobs which have common skill, interest and motivational bases.  You may change jobs several times without changing careers.  But once you change skills, interests and motivations, you change careers.</p>
<p>This process is not just for job seekers or those “on the outside, trying to get inside”, but also for the millions of professionals currently working in Sports in need of strategic action plans that help individuals to recognize where their career <span style="text-decoration: underline;">has been</span>, where <span style="text-decoration: underline;">it is now</span>, and where <span style="text-decoration: underline;">it is going</span>.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">Job Search Process</h2>
<p>Networking plays a key role in the overall <a title="Sports Careers" href="http://www.sportscareers.com" target="_blank">sports career development</a> and job search process.  If you want to find a job or change careers in sports, you must first know how networking relates to other equally important career development and job search processes.</p>
<p>Finding a job in sports is both an art and a science. It encompasses a variety of basic facts, principles and skills you can learn, but you must also adapt to different situations.  <strong><em>“Learning how to find a job in sports”</em> </strong>can be as important as <strong><em>“knowing how to perform a job.”</em></strong><em> </em>Having marketable skills is essential to making job search strategies work effectively for you.</p>
<p><strong>Four Step Career Development Process</strong><strong> </strong></p>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong>1. </strong><strong>Conduct a Self-Analysis…(Skill Set Driven)</strong></span></strong></h4>
<p>Assess your skills, abilities, motivations, interest, values, temperament, experience and accomplishments.  Your basic strategy is to develop a firm foundation of information about yourself before proceeding to other stages in the career development process.  This assessment develops the necessary self-awareness upon which you can effectively communicate your qualifications to employers as well as focus and build your career.  Know your strengths, weaknesses, and what you do best.</p>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>2. </strong><strong>Gather Career Information…(Marketplace Segment Driven)</strong></h4>
<p>Here you need to formulate goals, gather information about alternative jobs and sports careers through reading and talking to informed people.  Then narrow your alternatives to specific marketplace segments for which you have the highest degree of passion and interest. When you match your skill set with your passion, you will never work a day in your life.</p>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong> 3.  Develop Job Search Skills</strong></h4>
<p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">Focus your career around specific job search skills for landing the job you want.  These skills are closely related to one another as a series of job search steps.  They involve conducting research, writing resumes and letters, prospecting and networking, conducting informational interviews, interviewing for a job, and negotiating salary and terms of employment.  Each of these skills involves well-defined strategies and tactics you must learn in order to be effective in the job market.</span></strong></p>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>4. </strong><strong>Implement Each Job Search Step</strong></h4>
<p>The final step emphasizes the importance of transforming understanding into action.  You do this by implementing each job search step which already incorporates the knowledge, skills and abilities you have acquired.</p>
<p align="center"><em><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-300" title="Chart" src="http://sportsnetwork.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Picture-14.png" alt="Chart" width="446" height="218" /> </em></p>
<p align="center"><strong><br />
</strong></p>
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Organize and Sequence Your Job Search</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong> <span style="font-weight: normal;">The chart below further expands our career development process by examining the key elements in a successful job search.  It consists of a seven-step-process which relates your past, present and future.  Your past is well integrated into the process of finding a job or changing to a career in sports.  Therefore, you should feel comfortable conducting your job search.  It represents the best of what you are, in terms of your past and present accomplishments, as they relate to your present and future goals.  If you follow this type of job search, you will communicate your best self to employers.</span></strong></p>
<p>Since the individual job search steps are interrelated, they should be followed in sequence.  If you fail to properly complete the initial self-assessment steps, your job search may become haphazard, aimless and costly.  For example, you should never write a resume (step 3) before first assessing your skills (step 1) and identifying your objective (step 2).  You normally network (step 5) after assessing your skills (step 1), identifying your objective (step 2) writing a resume (step 3), and conducting research (step 4).  Indeed, relating step 1 to step 2 is critical to the successful implementation of all other job search steps.  You must complete steps 1 and 2 before continuing to the other steps.  Steps 3 to 6 can be conducted simultaneously because they complement and reinforce one another.</p>
<p><strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p><strong><em>SPORTSEARCH</em>:</strong></p>
<p><strong>STEP-BY-STEP</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img class="size-full wp-image-299 aligncenter" title="Sportsearch" src="http://sportsnetwork.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Picture-15.png" alt="Sportsearch" width="491" height="268" /></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Try to sequence your job search as close to these steps as possible.  The true value of this sequencing will become very apparent as you implement your plan.</p>
<p>You must do more than just know how to find a job through networking.  In the sports industry, you need to constantly review your skills to make sure they are appropriate for the changing job market.  Once you have necessary skills to perform jobs, you can target your skills on particular jobs and careers that you do well and enjoy doing.  You will avoid the trap of trying to fit into jobs that are not conducive to your particular mix of skills, motivations, and abilities…the number one temptation and mistake while building your career path in Sports.</p>
<div class="wp-biographia-container-top" style="background-color:#e2e1df;"><div class="wp-biographia-pic"><img alt='' src='http://1.gravatar.com/avatar/91b6473adc2a0c27751c3ccdb29170d3?s=100&amp;d=http%3A%2F%2F1.gravatar.com%2Favatar%2Fad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536%3Fs%3D100&amp;r=G' class='avatar avatar-100 photo' height='100' width='100' /></div><div class="wp-biographia-text"><h3>About <a href="http://www.sportsnetworker.com/author/mark-tudi/" title="Mark Tudi">Mark Tudi</a></h3><p>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 &amp; 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.</p><small><a href="http://sportsearchonline.com/" title="Mark Tudi On The Web">Web</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/SportSearch" title="Mark Tudi On Twitter">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/SportSearch" title="Mark Tudi On Facebook">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://www.sportsnetworker.com/author/mark-tudi/" title="More Posts By Mark Tudi">More Posts (4)</a></small></div></div>]]></content:encoded>
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