The Kraft Sports Group, in accordance with Gillette Stadium, hosted a Sports and Entertainment Career Fair on Saturday April 14, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Like most career fairs, this was an opportunity for current students, recent graduates, and other professionals to learn what it takes to break into and excel in the sports industry.
The career fair started with a panel discussion from four dis- tinguished professionals in the industry. The panel featured Brian Bilello, president of the New England Revolution; Jen Ferron, senior vice president of market- ing and brand development for the Kraft Sports Group; Murray Kohl, vice president of corporate spon- sorships at Gillette Stadium; and Brad Pursel, vice president of club services for Major League Soccer. They, individually and as a group, offered some important advice.
Brian Bilello was a chemical engineer major in college, proof that your major does not necessarily determine your future. When he was introduced to the sports industry through a client at his first consulting job, he realized what he wanted to pursue. In order to do so, he spent several months developing team analytics that he could send to agencies and teams to get himself noticed. There are two ways to develop your position in the industry: one, start in sports and build your expertise; or two, bring expertise from somewhere else and apply it to the sports industry. Have no fear—even if you are a biology major, an anthropology major, or a sociol- ogy major, there is always something within those fields that you can apply to any team or organization.
Jen Ferron duplicated Bilello’s sentiments, but with more realistic suggestions. Remember to think of yourself every time you engage in conversation with someone. You must market yourself and be your own brand. Even if you are having a conversation with a professor or a member of the administration, it is the perfect opportunity to put yourself forward. Ferron also suggested to never limit yourself to just profes- sional sports. There are so many avenues to get into the sports industry, so be open-minded with your selections. She also suggested that in your research process, make sure you understand the nuances—do not just focus on the bigger picture, as it takes a complete coordinated effort from a range of people to put on a sporting event. Also, it is important to remember that the interview does not stop once you have landed the job. You must consistently prove that you are capable of being a contributor until the final whistle blows.
Murray Kohl spoke about the importance of networking and building relationships. It is one thing to hear it from your CELS advisor, but it resonates that much more when you hear it from someone who has been so successful in the in- dustry. As Kohl said, building relationships is an easy concept to grasp, but the hardest to manage. The relationships we share with others are the only currency we have as students. Therefore, he suggests treating every person you meet as an opportunity to propagate yourself and make an impression. It is critical to be able to develop relationships in the short-run that will translate and be manageable as future contacts in years to come.
Brad Pursel spoke from a league point of view, instead of from the team side. He did, however, offer equally relevant recommendations. When an op- portunity does exist, Pursel says that you need to stand out in your performance. Just like you would do if you were an athlete on the team you are working for, there is no better time to shine then game-time. Similarly, pay attention to the minute details that you may overlook in your rush to present yourself as the perfect candidate for the job. You most likely will not get your ideal job in the sports industry if you cannot even manage to avoid a spelling error in your cover letter. Pursel concluded by saying to not be afraid of the non-traditional ways of entering the sports in- dustry—everyone’s paths are different but re- member to be great in whatever road you take.
Like the players and the organizations you wish to represent, you must be dynamic. Don’t rely on your strengths. If the sports industry is where you want to be in the future, play your best game yet, and play it strategically. If you want a career in sports, the opportunity is plenty.
